LOROPETALUM chinense. China. A charming 3-8’ shrub, whose layered branches give it a naturally oriental look. It bears flat sprays of oval, soft green leaves. The plant is decorated mostly in spring and fall by clusters of white flowers with slender, twisted petals. This is a fine plant for containers. Recently a number of purple-leaved cultivars have been imported and named by Piroche Plants of British Columbia from China and Japan. Some appear to be sold by other nurseries under several different names. ‘Burgundy’ is nearly prostrate and has deep purplish red leaves and deep pink flowers. This and others unfortunately appear less hardy and more disease-prone than the original green form, though certainly beautiful. We are trying several others from Piroche, in the hope of finding a better group of garden plants. ‘Snow Dance’ is similar to the original green-leaved form but lower and more compact, with smaller, rounder leaves. ‘Pipa’s Red’ is distinctly more upright and fountain-like but quite bushy, with smaller burgundy leaves and deep purplish pink flowers. ‘Daybreak’s Flame’ is similar in habit but distinguished by a combination of bright green mature leaves, bronze new growth, and bright pink flowers. Sun near the coast, part shade inland, well drained soil, regular watering. Probably hardy to 5-10oF.