Chinese Fringe Flower Loropetalum chinense

The Chinese fringe flower is a broad-leaved evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree of the Hamamelidaceae or witch hazel family. The shrub has a rounded to vase-shaped, multi-stemmed habit with arching branches, and its height is variable. It typically grows from 6 to 8 feet tall and equally as wide, but it may also reach a height up to 20 feet tall or more. The leaves are dark green, alternate, elliptical, and have asymmetrical bases. The undersides of the leaf are a paler green and pubescent. The flowers bloom from late March to April, and they appear in clusters of lightly scented white spidery flowers and generally bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. There are many cultivars available. The pink flowering forms include 'Blush,' 'Burgundy,' 'Carolina Midnight, 'Ever Red,'  Pizazz,' 'Plum Delight,' 'Plum Diamond,' 'Purple Pixie,' and 'Ruby.' The white flowering forms include 'Carolina Moonlight' and 'Snow Muffin.'

This plant is a native of China, Southeast Asia, and Japan, and may be found in woodlands and thickets. This species was introduced to the United States in the 1880s. The purple-leafed and pink flowering types were first available in the 1980s.

The genus name, Loropetalum, originates from two Greek words. Loron means strap, and petalon means  " leaf or petal" which refers to the form of the flower petals. The specific epithet, chinense, refers to China which is its native origin.

The 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. In cooler climates, such as 6b to 7b, it is best to plant them in a protected area, away from winter winds. Mulching the root area will protect the plant in the winter as well as help them retain moisture during the summer months. It is intolerant to alkaline soils and may develop chlorosis. The shrub can be easily transplanted, and pruning may be needed to maintain its size and shape. If pruning is needed, wait until flowering is over for the season. Once established, the shrub is drought-tolerant. In cooler climates, it is best to plant this shrub in the spring so that it will be more established by the time the winter season approaches.

These shrubs are very attractive and versatile in the landscape. They can be used for borders, screens, and foundations. It can be planted as a specimen, in mass, in small groups, and as an espalier. If pruned, they can form a beautiful small tree. The pink flowering varieties are show stoppers; whereas, the white species tend to be a little less eye-catching.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring          Foliage: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter     Fruit: Summer

Quick ID Hints:

•  evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with leaves in a single plane
• rough, sandpapery, simple, alternate, ovate or elliptical leaf dark green leaves on the upper surface and paler underside
• new growth stems and leaves are pubescent
• 4-petaled, wavy, strap-like white flowers on species

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious insect or disease issues. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. If the soil is neutral to alkaline, chlorosis may occur. Monitor for mites and aphids. Recently, a bacterial gall disease has been found on plants in South Carolina that can cause branch dieback and eventual plant death. They may also be susceptible to powdery mildew and anthracnose.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.