Ideal if you're looking for a shrub that grows to be relatively tall, Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) reaches maturity in three to five years and can grow up to 18 inches per year. "The most common form of Chinese fringe flowers has green leaves with white flowers or burgundy leaves with rich pink flowers," says Adrienne Roethling. The shrub responds well to pruning, so some may want to grow as a hedge or you can climb them up to provide a canopy of shade for other plants growing beneath it.