Loropetalum

Prepared by J. McLeod Scott, Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University. (New 08/09.)

HGIC 1085

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Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense), also known as Chinese fringe-flower, is a member of the Witchhazel family (Hamamelidaceae). The genus name, Loropetalum, is derived from the Greek words for strap and petal, and refers to the long, thin petals of its fringe-like blooms. While native to China, Japan and the Himalayas, loropetalum is well-adapted to all regions of South Carolina.

The fringe-like blossoms of Loropetalum chinense provided the inspiration for both the common and genus names.
Joey Williamson, ©2009 HGIC, Clemson Extension

The green-leafed, white-flowered species was introduced to the U.S. in 1880, but was not generally known until the purple-leafed, pink-flowering forms were introduced in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Since that time, these plants with their masses of blooms from mid-March through mid-April, and scattered blossoms during the rest of the season, have become justifiably very popular.

The masses of vibrant, fuchsia-pink blossoms of Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum make it easy to understand the increased popularity of this shrub.
Chloë A. Scott, ©2009

Mature Height/Spread/Form

Loropetalum chinense is an evergreen shrub that generally grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet with a similar to somewhat smaller width. However, it is capable of greater height as evidenced by the 100-year-old specimens in Aiken that are 35 feet tall. It has a loose, slightly open habit and a roughly rounded to vase-shaped form with a medium-fine texture. The simple, finely toothed to entire (smooth-edged) leaves are 1 to 2½ inches long and arranged alternately on somewhat arching branches. The white to off-white flowers are about one inch long with petals that are 1/16th inch wide. Generally, 3 to 6 blooms are clustered at the tips of shoots as well as in leaf axils.

Growth Rate

The growth rate is fast.

Landscape Use

Loropetalums show excellent versatility in the landscape. They are attractive when grown in clusters or mixed screens as well as foundation plantings, single specimens, espaliers and bonsai. They make attractive hedges, but lose their naturally graceful form if heavily pruned. When limbed up, they form lovely, small trees.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum hedge
Joey Williamson, ©2009 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Loropetalum can be an effective groundcover, but may require periodic removal of vertical stems. Low-growing forms are being selected for this purpose.

Loropetalum chinense limbed up to form small trees.
Karen Russ, ©2009 HGIC, Clemson Extension

In full bloom, the many cultivars of the pink-flowering variety are showy eye-catchers. The white-flowers of the species tend to be less visible against the leaves from a distance, but are very attractive when viewed up close. Individually, the purple-leafed forms provide a good contrast to both green and golden foliage plants and are a superior replacement to thorny, red barberry shrubs.

Cultivation

Loropetalums are cold hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and require minimal maintenance. Transplanting easily from containers, their preferred growing conditions include sun to partial shade (especially afternoon shade) and moist, well-drained, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. They benefit from being mulched. Once established, they are very tolerant of drought conditions. Loropetalums respond well to a light application of slow-release fertilizer in early April and again in early June. Planted in the right location, they do not require pruning; however, they tolerate even heavy pruning very well. When necessary, prune in the spring after bloom so as not to reduce flowering the following spring.

Problems

Normally, loropetalums have few serious pest or disease problems. However, root rot can be an issue, especially in poorly drained soils. In addition, leaves may become chlorotic (yellow) in alkaline (pH greater than 7.0) soil.

Varieties & Cultivars

Numerous cultivars are available, and new cultivars continue to be released. With the speed of its commercialization, some confusion exists as to how many of the cultivars are, in actuality, different from each other. Regardless, the good news for consumers is that several cultivars are available with plenty of variation in leaf color, flower color and growth form, providing a loropetalum to suit a variety of purposes in sunny to partly shady landscapes.

Pink-Flowering Forms:
Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum: Depending on the cultivar, this maroon- to red-purple-leafed variety has blossoms that range from pink to fuchsia to reddish pink as well as white with pink stripes. Height and width varies by cultivar, of which there are many.

• ‘Burgundy’: New leaves are reddish purple, but turn a purplish green to dark olive green as they mature. In autumn, the oldest leaves turn orange-red to red. Clusters of 4-7 hot pink flowers are produced most prolifically in spring and then sporadically throughout the growing season. It reaches a height of 6-10 feet with a similar width.
• ‘Blush’: Along with ‘Burgundy’, it is one of the original two introductions of var. rubrum. Its growth habit is more compact and denser than ‘Burgundy’. New growth is a bronze-red that matures to an olive-green. Flower color is fuchsia pink. There are 5-10 blossoms in a cluster and peak bloom time occurs in April with additional blooms occurring sporadically during the rest of the growing season. It reaches approximately 8 feet tall and wide. It has also been labeled as ‘Razzleberri’ (‘Monraz’).
• ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’: The leaves of this cultivar are a distinctive blackish maroon color that persists through the summer. It has deep pink blooms, an upright habit and is a good choice for training as a standard (tree form) or espalier. It reaches 10-20 feet tall and is the most cold hardy of the pink-flowering forms.
• ‘Bicolor’: The flowers are white with a streak of light pink. Its leaves start off as a dark maroon color that mature to a dark olive green. It reaches a height of 5-10 feet.
• ‘Burgundy’ Bill Wallace™: Bill Wallace originated as a sport on a ‘Burgundy’ loropetalum. It continues the leaf and flower color of ‘Burgundy’, but has a procumbent habit (grows along the ground without rooting), reaching about 8-12 inches in height and about 3-4 feet in width. It is particularly suited for cascading over a wall, the side of a container, or as a groundcover on a sloping bank.
• ‘Shang-hi’ Purple Diamond™: The leaves of this loropetalum are an intense, deep purple that lasts through the summer and provides an eye-catching contrast to its vibrant pink flowers. Mature height is approximately 4-5 feet tall with a similar width.
• ‘Shang-lo’ Purple Pixie™: As with Purple Diamond™, the leaves are an intense, deep purple, and blooms are a vibrant, hot pink. However, the mature height is 1-2 feet with a spread of 4-5 feet. New growth tends to be ascending, but over time cascades downward. It is well suited for use as a groundcover, a container plant, or cascading over a wall.
• Ever Red Sunset™: Its leaves are a dark burgundy color that persists through the summer. Its flowers are the reddest of this variety. Mature height is approximately 6 feet tall with a similar width.
• Little Rose Dawn™: This cultivar originated as a sport from ‘Ruby’ loropetalum, and is more compact, more spreading, and a profuse bloomer with dark pink flowers. Mature height is approximately 8-10 feet tall.

White-Flowering Forms:

• Carolina Moonlight™: This dense, compact shrub is wider than it is tall, generally reaching 3-4 feet tall while spreading 4-5 feet. It is a prolific bloomer from late winter to early spring and then flowers sporadically throughout the season.
• ‘Snowmound’ (Snow Muffin®): It is characterized by dense, procumbent growth habit when young. It develops into a roundish mound as it ages, maintaining its dense growth habit. New leaves are light green, maturing to dark olive green. Its white flowers are abundant from late winter to spring. Mature height is from 1-3 feet with a width of 2-3 feet.

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