Genus Loropetalum (Fringe flower)

Loropetalum chinense Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

lor-oh-PET-ah-lum Common Name: Fringe flower

Loropetalum is a small genus of only one or a few evergreen shrubs or small trees in the witch hazel family. The resemblance is obvious in the fragrant, spider-like flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, when few other plants are in bloom. These plants are native to woodlands of the Himalayas, China, and Japan. Some cultivars have colorful foliage. Grow Loropetalum in a woodland garden or shrub border.
Noteworthy characteristics: Fragrant, spidery flowers in late winter and early spring.
Care: Site in partial shade in fertile, humusy, moist but well-drained soil. Prune annually after flowering, and remove damaged or dead branches in mid-spring.
Propagation: As soon as seeds are ripe, sow them in containers outdoors. Or, using bottom heat, root semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: Generally problem-free.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Loropetalum

Loropetalum chinense 'Chang Nian Hong'
(Ever Red® Loropetalum ) (1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This new, compact loropetalum has the reddest blooms of all cultivars. Dark burgundy foliage retains its color throughout the year. Great for specimen planting, mass plantings and borders.

Loropetalum chinense f. rubrum 'Carolina Midnight'
('Carolina Midnight' loropetalum) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

With some of the darkest foliage you'll encounter in the genus Loropetalum, 'Carolina Midnight' is a great new introduction that will add some purple punch to the garden. The flowers are like dark fuchsia fireworks in a sky of purple. It is a great substitue for purple smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) in the South.

Loropetalum chinense f. rubrum 'Ruby'
Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This evergreen bushy shrub has fragrant, spider-like pink flowers borne in cymes in late winter or early spring. The oval leaves are burgundy colored.

Conifers for Shade
Yes, you can grow evergreens trees and shrubs in shade. Who knew? by Christine Froehlich

The Only Shrubs You Need to Grow
A garden designer recommends eight plants that provide reliable good looks without a lot of work by Lynden Miller

How to Prune Conifers
These plants are unforgiving, so make the right cuts for the right reasons by Bert Cregg

VIDEO Potting Soil Recipe for Woody Plants and Perennials
This long-lasting mixture is the perfect medium for long-term plants by Rita Randolph

Trees for Tight Spaces
Think you don't have room? Never feel restricted again with these small problem solvers by David Leckey

Great Plants, Vol.2Learn how to choose and use the best plant varieties for your gardenMore Info

Fine Gardening How-To Series: Gardening Techniques, Vol. 3 DVD-ROMFast, easy computer access to more than 40 articles and videos on soil and proper plantingMore Info

Gardening Techniques 1, 2 & 3 DVD-ROM SetLearn essential gardening methods from professionals in the field.More Info