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)

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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

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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

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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.

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