The fine-textured reddish purple foliage, fragrant long-lasting flowers, and attractively tiered branching pattern make it a great choice for evergreen shrub borders, foundation plantings or mass plantings, privacy hedges, and stand-alone specimens.

How fast does loropetalum grow?

On average, Loropetalum grows about a foot a year, though some varieties can double that and gain up to two feet annually.

How big do loropetalum get?

Loropetalum chinense is an evergreen shrub that generally grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet with a similar to somewhat smaller width. However, it is capable of greater height as evidenced by the 100-year-old specimens in Aiken that are 35 feet tall.

Does loropetalum like sun or shade?

While Loropetalums are amenable to partial shade, the deep shade directly under a tree or on the north side of your home can be a little too dark for the plant to look its best. The purple foliage color is caused by anthocyanin, a pigment that is produced when the plant is in the sun.

Can loropetalum grow in full sun?

While Loropetalum will grow happily in full sun, it will also tolerate a good bit of shade. Try Purple Pixie® or Purple Diamond® Loropetalum. For privacy in part-shade, Oakland™ Holly or Robin™ Holly offer evergreen foliage and handsome berries.

Can loropetalum take full sun?

Easy to Grow

Loropetalums are easy, easy, easy. Once established, they’re very drought tolerant and frankly, hard to kill. Give them full or part sun and acid to neutral, well-drained soil.

Which loropetalum is best?

It’s best to plant a type of loropetalum that offers four-season purple foliage color, such as the brands Red Diamond or Purple Diamond. What is the difference between loropetalum and Chionanthus retusus?

How cold hardy is loropetalum?

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Pippa’s Red’

As far as we can tell this is the darkest foliage on a very cold hardy selection. Loropetalums are somewhat tender when young but gain complete hardiness in a season or two. Loses some leaves in exposed locations below about 10ºF.

What looks good with loropetalum?

Loropetalum Companion Plants

Plants that go well with loropetalum shrubs often have contrasting foliage colors of green or yellow. Some of our favorite plants to grow with loropetalum are nandina, ligustrum, elderberry, and ornamental grasses.

Can Loropetalum be cut back?

Size Reduction

Overgrown loropetalums may be cut back after blooming to reduce size. While plants tolerate heavy pruning, it is best to remove only one-quarter to one-third of the plant at a time. Use thinning cuts to maintain a strong form. Loropetalums regrow quickly.

Does Loropetalum spread?

Loropetalum Plants

The Hillier form has a spreading habit and may be used as a groundcover. Snow Muffin is a dwarf plant only 18 inches (46 cm.)

Is Loropetalum invasive?

Loropetalum is a versatile landscape plant that works as a screen, foundation planting or single specimen. This species is relatively nontoxic and noninvasive, making it a good choice for many home gardens.

Can loropetalum survive winter?

Loropetalum: Although these evergreen shrubs are hardy to Zone 7, if they were newly planted or in active growth when this freeze hit, they are more vulnerable. At the least, they will defoliate. Wait for new growth to prune. Oleander: Marginally winter hardy here, but often dies to the ground in hard winters.

Does loropetalum lose its leaves in winter?

In winter, the loropetalum does not need fertilizer but must be supplied with water. However, this should definitely be done according to its needs. It is possible that the plant receives too little light in its location and subsequently sheds a few leaves. This also reduces its water requirements.

Are loropetalum slow growing?

Loropetalum chinense is perfectly suited to growing in a small garden because of two things. First, its growth is very slow, and second, even when it has become a mature tree it is still quite small. Lastly, let us note that it is quite invulnerable to diseases and parasites which makes it an easy tree to care for.

How much water does loropetalum need?

Loropetalum in pots should be watered regularly to keep soil moist. For most situations, this will mean once to twice per week. Plants will do best when they are watered deeply; look for water to come out the drainage holes of your pot to indicate that all of the soil is wet.

Is loropetalum poisonous to dogs?

All parts of loropetalum are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and children. Ingestion of any plants can cause mild stomach upset in some pets.

When should you plant loropetalum?

Loropetalum can be planted any time of year. If planting during summer months the shrubs will need extra water to get established during hot weather.