Most of the plants sold under this name are seed propagated, and Compton dismisses it as any form of C. simplex with purple coloration. All plants from that nursery were propagated by division, with all leaves very purple. According to Compton, the whole plant is copper-beech colored, with purple buds and sweet fragrance. However, several authors indicate discoloration and shriveling of foliage if the plants are allowed to dry out too much, i.e., extra watering is needed in time of drought. However, the foliage of these and virtually all of the species will scorch with too much sun.
Half day seems to be about at much as they can tolerate for optimum performance.
The foliage of C. s. Atropurpurea and possibly others may not show full purple color until the second year, and some selections are definitely more fully purple than others, since most plant sold under that name are seedlings. With C. s. Hillside Black Beauty' are patented and are being reproduced by tissue culture. Barry Yinger has grown eight species in his garden in York County, PA, and he recommends C. racemosa and C. rubifolia as best for our general climate, with its hot dry summers. He finds C. s. 'White Pearl' the best of the Asian species for our area.