Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Ruby'
flowerLoropetalum (Loropetalum chinense), or Chinese fringe flower, is a broadleaf evergreen grown for two features at once: clusters of fringy, strap-petaled flowers in spring - white in the species, hot pink to red in the popular var. rubrum - and, in the colored forms, deep burgundy-purple foliage that holds much of the year. The cultivar Ruby is a compact purple-leaf, pink-flowered selection reaching about 4 to 6 ft, good for foundations, borders, and informal hedges. It blooms most heavily in spring with scattered rebloom, and wants warm climates and acidic soil to look its best.
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Sun
full sun to partial shade
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Water
Every 7 days
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Bloom
~50 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
4-6 ft apart
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Planting Depth
Set at the same depth it grew in the nursery pot
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Soil pH
4.5-6.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Acidic, rich, moist, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 7 – 9
When to Fertilize
In early spring after bloom as new growth begins
Fertilizer
Acidic (holly or azalea) fertilizer
🌱 Growing Guide
Grow loropetalum in full sun to partial shade - some afternoon shade in the hottest regions keeps the foliage from bleaching - in rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil high in organic matter. It is intolerant of alkaline soil and will develop yellowing chlorosis if the pH is too high, so keep it acidic and mulched. Water regularly until established, after which it is moderately drought tolerant. It has a graceful, slightly arching natural form; prune just after the spring bloom to shape, avoiding heavy shearing that spoils its habit. Dwarf cultivars need little pruning at all.
🌼 Have a different variety?Cultivars of the same species usually share the same basic care, and they differ mainly in flower color, height, and bloom form, not in how you grow them. So this guide still applies even if your exact variety isn't the one shown.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 15
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Projected first bloom
Jun 4
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Azalea: An acid-loving shrub that blooms with loropetalum in spring under the same conditions
- Camellia: A broadleaf evergreen that shares acidic soil and part shade for layered structure
- Liriope: An evergreen edging grass that contrasts with loropetalum purple foliage
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Occurs in poorly drained soil; plant in well-drained ground and avoid overwatering
Stipple leaves in hot, dry weather; rinse foliage and support plant vigor
Cluster on new growth; rinse off and conserve natural enemies
White coating in humid, crowded conditions; give airflow and avoid wetting foliage
🌸 Blooms & cutting
Loropetalum is grown for its foliage and spring flowers, not for harvest. The main task is light shaping just after the main spring bloom; prune to enhance its natural graceful form rather than shearing it into a tight ball, which spoils the habit and removes flower wood.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Loropetalum is an ornamental flowering evergreen shrub, not edible. Its value is year-round burgundy foliage and fringy spring flowers for foundations and borders. Have a different variety? Cultivars of this shrub share the same basic care, so this guide still applies even if your exact flower or leaf color is not shown.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.