Q: We want to do away with old shrubs in front of our house and replace them with several loropetalum shrubs. When should we plant them?

A: Now is a fine time to plant but your first step is to choose the right loropetalum variety. There are several, ranging in size from 18 inches high (‘Purple Pixie’) to 18 feet tall (‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’). ‘Ruby’ and ‘Purple Diamond’ are probably the right size for your purpose, growing three to five feet high.