Often called Chinese fringe flower, its delicate blossoms hang in lightly scented clusters ranging from white topinkto burgundy.
Mature shrubs that have not been severely pruned will often bloom in February.
As new woody growth appears, expect a second, smaller bloom during the summer.
Credit:Joshua McCullough/Photolibrary/Getty Images
The blooms should last around two to three weeks.
If your fringe flowers are not performing well, follow these guidelines to resolve common blooming issues.
A bit of partial shade in the afternoon is welcome when temperatures are sweltering.
Chinese fringe flower prefers full sun with some afternoon partial shade for the best flowering and leaf color.
They grow best in rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soils.
Soil Conditions
Loropetalum performs best in well-draining, nutrient-rich, acidic soil.
Organic mulch is always a plus to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Flowers are produced on old wood so the best time to prune is right after theearly spring bloomsdisappear.
Fall pruning is discouraged because you are cutting away the stems that produce flowers in the spring.
When you prune, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
Next, thin out crowded sections to improve light penetration and airflow to reduce diseases.
Avoid the urge to give the shrub a crew cut.
There are no square loropetalums in nature.
Mulching with organic material will help prevent the soil from drying out.
However, overwatering in areas with heavy clay soils can result in root rot.
Amend the soil to adjust the pH level.
Apply a light tool of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early April and again in mid-May.
Loropetalums have few serious pest problems and are considereddeer resistant.
They can be inflicted with a bacterial gall diseasethat causes branch dieback and reduces blooms.
Disinfect your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent bacterial spread.
As you make a selection, consider bloom and foliage colors for year-round interest.
Pink, Purple, and Red Flowering Varieties (Loropetalum chinense var.
Loropetulums.Clemson University Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center.
