Loropetalum

Plant taxonomy classifies Chinese loropetalum as Loropetalum chinense. "Chinese fringe flower" is listed as a common name, but this is a case where the Latin name is more commonly used in some circles than the common name! Note that loropetalum is often misspelled as "loropetallum" or "lorapetalum."Two Chinese loropetalum cultivars that have been developed for those not content with the white flowers and green foliage offered by the original are: Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Burgundy' Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Ruby'

"Burgundy" may be the best pick for foliage fanatics. When young, the leaves of "Burgundy" are reddish-purple. In summer, its leaves darken, becoming a greenish-purple; but in autumn, the foliage turns a bright red. Its pink blooms stand out well against its foliar color. "Burgundy" reaches a height of 6-10 feet, with a similar width.

Being a true dwarf, "Ruby" makes for a nice compact, rounded shrub, averaging 4' x 4'. Its new foliage is ruby red (thus the name), and its flowers hot pink.