Loropetalums

PlantsbyMail.com offers a diverse selection of Loropetalums, both branded and traditional. Our brands include Southern Living, First Editions, and Gardener's Confidence. Additionally, we offer classic unpatented cultivars, such as Ruby and Carolina Midnight. Most of our varieties are dwarf and don't exhibit the extreme growth habits characteristic of many types in this species. Contact Us if you don't see what you're looking for, we may be able to help!

Loropetalums History

Also commonly referred to as Chinese Fringe-flower, the name 'Loropetalum' comes from the Greek words for 'strap' and 'petal.' This was a reference to the thin, ribbon blooms characteristic of the group. Interestingly enough, fringe-flowers also belong to the Witch-hazel family of plants. Green Loropetalums with white blooms came to America in 1880, but the species remained largely unknown. Later, the purple leaf, pink blooming variety came onto the scene and swept across the United States. They have remained popular ever since, and aren't likely to go anywhere anytime soon.

Why Should I Plant Loropetalums?

Loropetalums are known for their reliable evergreen foliage, whether purple or green in hue.

Loropetalums effortlessly create color contrast

Chinese Fringe-Flowers are primarily known for having rich purple foliage that ranges from bright purple to dark burgundy purple. Outside of this plant family, purple is rather uncommon. Therefore, you can easily jazz up a primarily green-leafed landscape with a few strategically placed Loropetalums.

There's a Loropetalum for nearly any landscape application

They come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. There are low-growing varieties that only reach about 2 feet tall. There are dwarf shrub varieties perfect for mixed garden beds or foundation plantings. There are large varieties that are great for privacy hedges or house-corner plantings. Chances are that there's one or two or a few that will fit your landscape perfectly.

Chinese Fringe-Flowers produce fantastic ribbon blooms

If there was any doubt that Loropetalums were in the witch-hazel family, the flowers really prove it. They have ribbon-form blooms that look like mini-explosions of brilliantly colored party streamers. They range from pink to red to white and they absolutely coat the plant during its bloom cycle. Some varieties, like the varieties from the Southern Living Plant Collection, have an initial large bloom in spring and rebloom a couple of additional times throughout the year.

What Type of Loropetalum Should I Plant?

Most varieties have the same planting requirements, so you'll primarily be looking at what you want the plant to do to determine which variety you need.

Dwarf Loropetalums

Looking for a low-growing variety that almost functions like a groundcover? Take a look at the Purple Pixie Weeping Loropetalum. This selection shines as a low-element in mixed garden beds. It also changes the game when it comes to container plantings. Allow it to spill over the edge elegantly with its naturally weeping growth habit. Over time in the landscape, it tends to have a mounded appearance. The Purple Daydream Loropetalum is a gorgeous cloud-like variety that grows with a sort of spiral-like growth habit. It really is an unusual variety and is guaranteed to add a unique shape element to your garden. It maxes out at about 2-3 feet tall.

Semi-Dwarf to Midsize Loropetalums

Want a bright green variety instead of purple? We have that! The Emerald Snow Loropetalum is a semi-dwarf variety with beautiful and prolific white blooms. It really does look like it's covered in a light blanket of snow when it's flowering. It reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. The Red Diamond Loropetalum is so-named for its rich red ribbon blooms. It has dark burgundy-purple foliage and grows to a dense 6 feet tall and wide. However, it trims nicely to your desired size with yearly pruning. The Purple Diamond Loropetalum has some really fantastic bright purple foliage. It's one of the boldest of the bunch. If you really want a shrubby variety with the most purple hues possible, we recommend this variety. It reaches 4-6 feet high and 4-5 feet wide over time, but does respond well to yearly trimming.

Large Loropetalums

There are still some large varieties on the market if you so desire. One such is the Carolina Midnight Loropetalum. This is a serious shrub! It reaches 12 feet tall and wide at maturity. Therefore, this is a good choice for property lines or house-corners. Expect this one to have dark, dark purple foliage and pink blooms.

Where Should I Plant Loropetalums?

They require Full Sun to Partial Sun to grow and bloom properly. We don't recommend planting in areas where they will receive less than 3 hours of direct sunlight. They may survive in these areas, but they will not have their characteristically dense foliage. If you live in USDA Zone 8B and up, pay careful attention to your new Full Sun plantings during summer. They can dry up rather quickly in these areas if you're not careful. Water 4-5 times per week or more if need be. However, after a growing season or two, they'll be able to handle your summers without much supplementary attention. Chinese Fringe-Flowers prefer slightly acidic soil with good drainage. If your soil is alkaline, we recommend applying a soil acidifier to lower the pH. If you have clay soil, there is a good chance that you have poor drainage and that your soil is alkaline. Neither of which are good for Loropetalums. Therefore, we recommend mixing pine bark in with your clay soil to improve the drainage and applying a soil acidifier. This will help to remedy both issues and give your plants a good shot at success.

When Should I Plant Chinese Fringe-Flowers?

Fall and spring are generally considered the ideal time to plant. Mild temperatures in these two seasons allow for optimal planting conditions. Both have their advantages. Fall works very well because the soil has warmed up over the summer, which allows the roots to spread more rapidly. Just be sure that there is at least a month between your first expected frost date and when you plant. Spring gives your plant more time to get established in the landscape before winter shows up on your doorstep.

How Do I Plant Loropetalums?

First, determine your planting location, keeping in mind your plants growing requirements. Then, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. Mix your native soil with some good-quality garden soil or compost, and backfill the hole with the soil mixture. Provide 3-4 inches of mulch to help the soil around your plant retain water. Afterward, water your new planting 2-3 times per week for the first growing season.

Why Buy Loropetalums Online from PlantsbyMail.com?

We understand that ordering plants online can feel somewhat risky. However, we carefully select healthy plants that we'd want in our own landscape or garden. We then pack them securely and ship them straight to your door. Not happy with your order? Let us know and we'll make sure that we do everything we can to make it right.