Stephen Albert
Loropetalum, commonly called fringe flower or Chinese fringe flower, is a graceful small to medium-size evergreen shrub with drooping tiered branches and colorful spider-like flowers.
Loropetalum species have mid-green leaves and white flowers. Cultivars have red to burgundy colored leaves and red flowers. Loropetalum blooms early in spring and then sometimes blooms again in autumn.
Loropetalums natural tiered habit makes it an interesting subject for groupings. It can be planted in borders and woodland gardens.
Loropetalum is a genus that contains only one small evergreen species from Asia. There are several interesting cultivars. The species is considered hardier than the red-foliage varieties, possibly into southern Zone 6 with protection.
Get to know Loropetalum
- Plant type: Evergreen shrub
- Growing zones and range: Zones 8 to 9
- Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 8; the species is considered hardier than the red-foliage varieties, possibly into southern Zone 6 with protection.
- Height and width: 4 to 6 feet (1.2-2m) tall and wide.
- Foliage: Alternate ovate or oval, mid-green leaves; cultivars have copper-burgundy foliage.
- Flowers: White to greenish white or red-burgundy flowers in clusters of four to eight at ends of branches; each flower has four narrow, inch-long, twisted petals. Flower color varies with cultivar.
- Bloom time: Blooms most heavily in spring, but some bloom is likely at any time.
- Uses: Good in foregrounds, raised beds, woodland gardens
- Common name: Chinese fringe flower
- Botanical name: Loropetalum
- Family name: Hamamelidaceae
- Origin: Himmalyays, China, and Japan
Where to plant Loropetalum
- Plant Loropetalum in partial shade.
- Loropetalum grows best in humus-rich, well-drained, nonalkaline soil.
When to plant Loropetalum
- Set container-grown Loropetalum in the garden in spring or autumn.
Planting and spacing Loropetalum
- Space Loropetalum 4 to 6 feet (1.2-2m) apart.
How to water and feed Loropetalum
- Keep the soil just moist for Loropetalum, not wet.
- Fertilize Loropetalum with a all-purpose, slow-release organic fertilizer in spring.
Loropetalum care
- Loropetalum does not need pruning apart from perhaps a light trim after flowering.
- Loropetalum can be espaliered but it is perhaps most appealing in its natural shape.
Loropetalum pests and diseases
- Loropetalum is usually not bothered by pests or diseases.
Loropetalum propagation
- Sow Loropetalum seed in contaners in an open frame when the seeds are ripe.
- Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat. Cuttings need hormones and mist to root.
Loropetalum varieties to grow
- Loropetalum chinese. Chinese fringe-flower. Grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, with an irregular fountain or vase shape. Species has roundish, light-green leaves to 2 inches long, occasionally leaves turns yellow or red; bears spidery white flowers, similar to those of witch hazel (Hamamelis) in spring. Several cultivars with purple flowers and purple-tinged leaves include L. c. var. rubrum, ‘Blush’ and ‘Burgundy’ have leaves that develop orange or red streaks in fall; ‘Razzleberri’ has purplish leaves and bright rosy pink flowers, and ‘Zhuzhous Fuchsia’ maintains a marron color through the summer heat. The species is considered hardier than the red-foliage varieties, possibly into southern Zone 6 with protection. Otherwise, Zones 7 to 10.
