Chinese fringe bush
HAMAMELIDACEAE, The Witch hazel family
When I first visited Portland to see if I wanted to move here, this was one of the most memorable plants I learned about. The Classical Chinese garden has some lovely examples. The pink flowers bloom in fall, or spring, or summer. Today I saw some flowering while I was out walking.
While they often have soft greenish-pink leaves, many cultivars have deep purple leaves that are quite striking. ‘Pippa’s red’, ‘Razzleberri’ and ‘Sizzlin’ Pink’ are some of the best. They like sun to partial shade, and protection from wind and hard frost, which can defoliate them. In a sheltered location they are evergreen. The layered branches can mound to 6 feet tall or more, but usually are around 3 to 4 feet high and a bit wider. The branches are brittle, so be gentle when planting and pruning. They do sprout back quickly if damaged by frost or breakage.
