Loropetalum 

Daruma Dwarf Loropetalum only growing six to ten inches tall but speading 18 inches.  It is more deep ruby than the 12 inch tall Ruby Loropetalum.  It is also known as Pixie Loropetalum (I believe).

Purple Pixie Loropetalum.

Pixie Loropetalum with Variegated Pittosporum. A good and common combination.

Unpruned Loropetalum allowed to grow to its natural size and state.

Loropetalum with Crimson Yuccas

Loropetalum with Sweet Violet Underplanting

Ruby Loropetalum with NONBLOOMING Lambs Ear. Be sure go get the NONBLOOMING Lambs Ear.

Barberry in Texas Landscaping

Barberry (Berberis spp.) is a versatile, ornamental shrub valued for its colorful foliage, dense branching, and tolerance of a variety of growing conditions.

Hardy and a relatively new shrub, Loropetalum has burgundy leaves with deep rose colored tubular flowers.  It is heat resistant, easy to grow and maintain.  As with most plants in Texas partial sun light works but it can withstand full sunlight! Be certain you purchase the right loropetalum for your garden spot.  Do not put a large loropetalam where you need a small shrub, pruning will be required … forever.

Barberry is a popular burgundy colored shrub but it also comes in orange, golden and red tones.  I have covered both here so you can be sure to select the correct shrub.  These are very popular with Japanese Maples as a complimentary color.

 While not native to Texas, many barberry varieties are well-suited to the state’s climate and are popular in both residential and commercial landscapes due to their vibrant color and low maintenance needs.

General Characteristics

• Foliage: Ranges from deep green to burgundy, red, orange, and even chartreuse depending on the cultivar

• Blooms: Small yellow or orange flowers in spring; not showy

• Fruit: Small red berries that persist into winter and attract birds

• Growth Habit: Dense and rounded, often with thorny stems

• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning helps maintain shape and size

Popular Varieties for Texas

1. Berberis thunbergii ‘Crimson Pygmy’
   Compact cultivar with rich red-purple foliage; grows 2–3 feet tall.
   Excellent for low hedges, edging, or container planting.

2. Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’
   Variegated leaves in shades of pink, red, and purple; arching form grows 4–5 feet tall.
   Adds dramatic color and contrast in garden beds.

3. Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Rocket’
   Columnar growth habit with bright yellow foliage; ideal for vertical accents in narrow spaces.
   Reaches 4–5 feet tall with only 1–2 feet spread.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in full sun)

• Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils

• Hardiness: Performs best in USDA zones 4–8; does well in most of Texas except the hottest southern zones

• Water: Drought-tolerant once established

Recognition by Texas A&M

It is frequently recommended by horticulturists and Texas Master Gardeners, particularly in North and Central Texas landscapes. Its heat and drought tolerance, combined with vivid year-round color, make it a popular choice despite some regional concerns about invasiveness (especially in northern U.S. states).

Landscape Use

• Colorful accent or foundation plant

• Low hedge or barrier due to thorny stems

• Contrast plant in mixed beds with grasses, evergreen shrubs, or flowering perennials

• Deer-resistant and attractive to birds

Barberry is prized in Texas for its durability, structure, and brilliant foliage color throughout the growing season. It offers both function and beauty in water-wise and ornamental gardens with minimal upkeep.

Barberry

Blooming Loropetalum

Loropetalum in Texas Landscaping

Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense), often called Chinese fringe flower, is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant foliage, unique fringe-like blooms, and adaptability in various Texas climates. It adds year-round color and texture to landscapes and is increasingly favored in both traditional and contemporary designs.

General Characteristics

• Foliage: Ranges from deep green to vivid burgundy or purple, depending on variety

• Blooms: Frilly, fringe-like flowers in shades of pink, fuchsia, or white; bloom primarily in spring with sporadic re-blooming

• Growth Habit: Dense and arching; can be rounded or vase-shaped

• Maintenance: Low to moderate; pruning can shape or control size

Popular Varieties for Texas

1. ‘Ruby’ Loropetalum
   Compact with ruby-red new foliage that matures to deep green; bright pink blooms
   Grows 3–5 feet tall, ideal for foundation planting or low hedges

2. ‘Purple Diamond’ Loropetalum
   Rich purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers; maintains compact, mounded form
   Grows 4–6 feet tall and wide, perfect for mixed shrub borders

3. ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’ Loropetalum
   Larger variety with upright growth and intense fuchsia blooms
   Can reach 8–10 feet tall, suitable as a focal shrub or screen

4. ‘Ever Red’ Loropetalum
   Dwarf variety with dark foliage and intense red flowers
   Grows about 3–4 feet tall and wide; good for container or small space gardens

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering and foliage color in full sun)

• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil; can tolerate clay with amendments

• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 7–10; well-suited to North, Central, and East Texas

• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from supplemental water in extreme heat

Recognition by Texas A&M

Loropetalum has not been designated a Texas Superstar by Texas A&M AgriLife, but it is frequently included in university extension recommendations for Texas landscapes, especially in East and Central Texas. Its vibrant color and evergreen nature make it a favorite among designers seeking low-maintenance, high-impact shrubs.

Landscape Use

• Accent or specimen plant in front yards and entryways

• Low to mid-height hedge or border

• Foundation plant for year-round interest

• Container plant in patios or small gardens

• Attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies

Loropetalum’s combination of bold foliage, bright blooms, and easy-care nature makes it one of the most adaptable and colorful ornamental shrubs for a wide range of Texas landscapes. Its evergreen habit and year-round beauty help provide structure and visual appeal with little maintenance.

 Barberry

Barberry

Tonto Crape Myrtle with sheared Barberry in the background.

Large Barberry

Barberry that has been hacked and pruned.  Why?

Prune your barberry into a tree rather than hacking it up.

Barberry

Barberry can get leggy.

Barberry can get very large.

Dogwood Trees in Texas with burgundy Barberry contrast.

Mail-Box-Planting-Barberry-Nandina

Deep purple barberry shrub turned into a tree form.

Barberry with Cross Vine.