This bushy shrub is one I always look forward to seeing in flower during late winter to spring (from August here in Sydney). The name Loropetalum comes from two Greek words:

• Loron that means strap
• Petalon meaning leaf or petal
• Together they refer to the petals that look like straps.

The name chinense refers to the country in which this plant is native, China. The loropetalum genus belongs to the Hamamelidaceae, or witch hazel, family. As well as being native to China, this plant is native to south est Asia, and Japan in woodlands and thickets.

The leaves of this plant are ovate to oval, dark green and between 2.5-6cm long with a rough surface. Leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. Margins (leaf edges) are entire with a pointed apex. Flowers have a sweet scent and look a bit like a spider. In the species, the flowers are white in colour and appear from late winter here in Sydney.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum is the form that I usually see here in Sydney. The flowers are pink, red or purple with foliage also having a red to purple colouring too.

For cultivation, Chinese fringe flower prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun (but never looks as good, especially in the heat of summer). It loves a fertile and humus-rich soil, that is well-drained but moist. It also needs acidic soil as it cannot tolerate an alkaline soil. It can be planted in a container using a loam-based compost, where it will need regular watering in the growing season. Add mulch to help retain moisture. It is drought tolerant once established.

Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soil. Aphids and mites may also be an issue. It is an easy plant to prune and thus to maintain its shape and size. It can bes used in borders, screens and looks good as a mass planting, especially when in flower.

I really like this shrub as it doesn’t cause any issues at all. When in flower, it is really pretty but looks really good all year round in the Sydney climate.

All photos are my own