Fringe Flower Loropetalum chinense

The Chinese fringe flower is a broad-leaved, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree of the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). This plant is a native of China, Southeast Asia and Japan and is found in woodlands and thickets. The genus name, Loropetalum, is compounded from two Greek words, loron, meaning “strap,” and petalon, meaning "petal." The name perfectly describes the strap-shaped petals. The specific epithet is Latin and means “from China.”

The Chinese fringe flower prefers full sun with some afternoon partial shade for the best flowering and leaf color. Chinese fringe flower grows best in rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soils. In cooler climates, such as 6b to 7b, plant it in a protected area, away from winter winds. Mulching the root area will protect the plant in the winter, as well as help it retain moisture during the summer months. It is intolerant of alkaline soils and may develop chlorosis if the soil pH is too high. The shrub can be easily transplanted and tolerates pruning 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.

The shrub has a rounded to vase-shaped, multi-stemmed habit, with arching branches. 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. The flowers bloom from late March to April, and they appear in clusters of lightly scented, white, spidery flowers and generally bloom for two to three weeks. This species was introduced to the United States in the 1880s. The purple-leafed and pink-flowering types, recognized as Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, first became available in the 1980s. 

These shrubs are very attractive and versatile in the landscape. Chinese fringe flower 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.

Quick ID Hints:

•  evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with leaves in a single plane (two-ranked)
• rough, sandpapery, simple, alternate, ovate or elliptical, dark green leaves; paler on the underside
• new growth stems and leaves are pubescent
• 4-petaled, wavy, white strap-like petals.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Chinese fringe flower 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.