Loropetalum chinense
Loropetalum chinense or Chinese fringe flower as it is commonly known, is a small to medium shrub originally from China.
Generally a rounded shrub to 2m with arching branches. Grown for the foliage as well as the attractive flowers these are a versatile garden plant.
Used as filler plants in the garden border, as well as grown as low hedges. The colourful foliage and flowers act as a foil for garden furnitire and they look great when planted at the base of a wall or fence. Excellent in a rock garden and the more compact varieties will grow well in containers.
Loropetalum chinense Varieties
Look for Loropetalum chinense the white flowering variety as well as Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum a pink flowering variety.
- L. chinense ‘China Pink’
- L. chinense ‘Plum Delight’ and
- L. chinense ‘Plum Gorgeous’
With either white or pink flowering varieties available, this evergreen shrub is a graceful and useful garden plant.
How To Grow the Chinese Fringe Flower – Basic Care
This is a frost tolerant plant once established. Reaching around 2m in height with a similar spread this is an easy plant to prune to size.
Loropetalum grow best in a position in full sun, or at least full morning sun is best for both foliage colour and for flowering. In shade flowering will not be so prolific.
A humus rich well drained soil is required for good growth, dig in good amounts of compost and some aged cow manure before planting.
- The best time to plant is in early spring or late summer, this will give the root system a good start while the soil is warm and the temperatures mild.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and maintain a cool root run.
- Water through the first summer as needed.
- Fertilise with inorganic type fertiliser each spring and renew the much at this time.
Pruning Chinese Fringe Flower
This is a low maintenance plant, little regular pruning is required unless you are hedging the plant in a more formal manner.
The best time to prune is is immediately after flowering, pruning at this time will give you a great show of flowers the next season.
Once established Loropetalum chinense are a hardy plant and require little care other than an annual light trim to keep in shape.
Common Problems
In 10 years of growing this plant we have had not problems or pests at all, although some gardeners report the following issues, most to do with watering the foliage and/or poor drainage.
- Yellow spots on the leaves and leaf drop. This can be caused by watering the foliage and creating extra humidity. Avoid watering the foliage where possible.
- White silvery coating on the leaves is Powdery Mildew. Again avoid watering the foliage and make sure the plant has good air circulation
- Root Rot. This isn not obvious until its too late, so ensure that the plant has good drainage.
Loropetalum chinensis is available for sale from most good nurseries