With the speed of its commercialization, numerous cultivars are in cultivation, and new ones continue to be released. However, some confusion exists as to how many of the cultivars are, in actuality, different from each other. Regardless of this, the good news for gardeners is that the cultivars have lovely variations in leaf and flower colour, as well as growth form.

Description:

Where does the Chinese fringe flower originate?

Loropetalum chinense, also known as Chinese fringe-flower, is native to woodlands in China, Southeast Asia and Japan. It is a member of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae).

How big does the Chinese fringe flower grow?

This evergreen is generally sold as a small to medium-sized shrub which grows to a height of around 2m. However, mature plant size may vary due to growing conditions and climate, and if it loves where its growing the plant can easily mature to reach heights of around 3 to 4.5m with a similar or slightly smaller width.

It has a loose, slightly open habit and a roughly rounded to vase-shaped form. The simple leaves are arranged alternately on somewhat arching branches and come in highly ornamental shades of red, pink, or purple.

When does the Chinese fringe flower bloom?

The plants generally bloom in late winter and spring, but cultivars like ‘Plum Gorgeous’ will bloom again when the weather cools down in autumn, extending the season.

The genus name, Loropetalum, is derived from the Greek words for ‘strap’ and ‘petal’, and refers to the long, thin petals of the fringe-like blooms.

The showy flowers have a light fragrance and come in white to off-white and in shades of pink to cerise. Generally, 3 to 6 blooms are clustered at the tips of the shoots as well as in the leaf axils.

Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’ ™

‘Plum Gorgeous’ is named for its rich plum coloured, showy new growth, maturing to olive green. Its growth habit is dense, slightly weeping and naturally rounded. The tassel-like flowers are a deep, vivid raspberry shade and appear in profusion.

Loropetalum chinense. Picture by harum.koh from flickrHow to use the Chinese Fringe Flower in the garden

Loropetalums show excellent versatility in the landscape, and an easy choice for low-maintenance gardens.

They can be trained as espaliers to cover fences and walls, or simply trained along a trellis for privacy. They are even good to bonsai.

The purple-leafed forms are a good contrast to both green and golden leaved plants, making them most attractive when grown in groups, or in mixed shrub borders.

Fringe flowers are also good for foundation plantings as their roots are not invasive.

They make attractive informal screens or hedges, but lose their naturally graceful form if heavily pruned.

When limbed up, they form lovely, small garden trees, and because they also grow easily in large pots, even a small balcony, courtyard or patio garden can sport a Chinese fringe flower.

Cultivation:

Is the Chinese fringe flower cold hardy?

The plant is reliably frost and cold hardy to around -5°C. Protect young plants with a frost cover for their first and second winters, or until they are reasonably established.

In extremely cold regions it would be best to cultivate in a pot which can be moved under cover for the winter. A sheltered patio, unheated greenhouse, or poly-tunnel will offer sufficient winter protection.

Select a site sheltered from strong winds.

Do Chinese fringe flowers require sun or shade?

Although fringe flowers are heat tolerant, their preferred growing conditions include sun to partial shade, with protection from the hot midday heat.  They do very well in morning sun and afternoon shade.

What soil type does the Chinese fringe flower prefer?

Loropetalum grows best in slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, and which is moisture retentive but also well drained. If the ground needs improving, dig in plenty of compost or acid compost before planting.

Plants growing in good garden soil will need very little extra care once established. An annual mulch of leaf mould, composted bark, or garden compost should be sufficient to keep the soil in a good condition.

For potting use a good commercial, loam-based potting mix. And if the soil needs amending you can add some vermiculite or palm peat to the soil, and adding a slow-release fertiliser will give your potted plant a good start.

How to fertilise the Chinese fringe flower.

The Chinese fringe flower responds well to a light application of slow-release fertilizer twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Potted specimens will require more frequent feeding during the growing season.

How much water does the Chinese fringe flower need?

During the first growing season water regularly and deeply about twice a week, and especially during long dry spells.

Once established, the Chinese fringe flower is very tolerant of drought conditions, but to look at its best, water moderately during long, dry spells.

Potted plants will need more frequent watering than those growing in the ground, so check your plants regularly, especially during very hot weather.

Be careful not to overwater though, and raise the pot off the bottom of its drip tray by standing it on gravel. This will allow you to water properly but the pot itself will not be standing in water, which can lead to root rot.

How to prune the Chinese fringe flower.

The fringe flower does not have to be pruned, unless you are training it into a screen, or for espalier. However, it will tolerate even heavy pruning very well.

To maintain a bushy shape, prune back lightly, and at the same time remove any straggly or damaged branches.

If possible, prune in spring or early summer when the plant has finished blooming, in order not to reduce flowering the following spring.

Loropetalum may be limbed up to form lovely small trees.

Propagation:

Take semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer, from the current year’s growth that is just starting to become woody. Root in pots of well-drained growing medium, in a heated propagator.

Like many evergreen shrubs, layering is the easiest way to propagate Loropetalum, although this takes about a year.

To layer, select healthy, preferably fairly young shoots growing close to the ground and peg them down so part of the stem is in the ground

To help stimulate rooting, make a small wound on the underside of the branch at the point of contact with the soil.

When roots have formed, cut off the rooted shoot from the parent plant, and plant in a pot to establish.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Normally, Loropetalums have few serious pest or disease problems.

Root rot can be an issue, especially in poorly drained soils.

Leaves may become chlorotic (yellow) in alkaline soils with a pH greater than 7.0.

If planted in full sun, or a cold exposed site, the leaves may scorch.