I don't have it myself but judging by this information RHS info on Loropetalum the lack of water is more likely to be problematical than the soil.

It's east Asian, wants a monsoon summer - will love your heat but won't want to be subjected to baked soil or an arid atmosphere - over here the summer wet southeastern States in particular are where these have become common landscaping shrubs planted even on commercial properties.

If you have an irrigated location where it can live then be sure it has room to grow - although petite looking when purchased these become shrubs of some size where successful. And shearing them spoils the arching habit which is much of the appeal.

I suspect that it would like a slightly acidic soil as I often see the green version looking a little iron deficient (that chlorosis look, where the veins of the leaf show because the leaves have gone a little yellow).

You can just give a little iron chelates to correct that.

I don't have Loropetalum but think of them as fuss-free. Sounds like the main concern will be keeping it moist enough.

Thank you, all! So, maybe my best bet is to plant it in a spot where,if need be, I can dump some water on it on a regular basis,and mulch it heavily, of course. I've started using cracked corn as a soil improver,which should be perfect since it's very acidic and water-retentive. As for light, what do you think? Try for morning sun only? My garden has a south-western exposure, so areas with only morning sun are few indeed,but there are some,plus I could look around for spots that will be shaded by other plants. I think it does need sun, but obviously "full sun" here in Italy is a very different kettle of fish from "full sun" in England!!! I'm actually almost more interested in the rich, dark foliage than in the flowers.