Great Design Plant: Fringe Flower's Star Rises

Seems like just yesterday that fringe flower, or Loropetalum chinense, was barely known; it was usually described as a quiet, dignified evergreen shrub. Now, after a rise from obscurity to the top as quick as actor Bradley Cooper's or Dodger Yasiel Puig's in June 2013, it has become one of the most highly used flowering shrubs — adaptable to a broad range of landscape uses. Give a big shout-out to the plant breeders responsible for all the exciting new colors, shapes and sizes.

Starting in the 1990s with the original white-flowered Loropetalum chinense, plant breeders developed a range of hot-pink and purplish colors. The new varieties also come in many shapes and sizes — suitable for many landscape uses. This is one of the easiest and most adaptable plants.

Common name: Fringe flower
Botanical name: Loropetalum chinense. There are several dozen varieties, some with multiple names, including 'Purple Diamond' and 'Sizzling Pink'.
USDA zones: 7 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial shade
Mature size: Up to 6 feet tall, sometimes taller, and equally wide


Distinguishing traits. The tiny white or vivid pink to purple flowers have a fleecy look. The foliage is evergreen and ranges from light green to dark purple, depending on the variety. Generally, the deeper the leaf color, the deeper the flower color.

Growing tips. Prune to control the shape and size. Shearing also works but cuts down on bloom. Or leave the plant alone for a graceful flowing look.



How to use it. This is one of the most versatile landscape plants, particularly for the Southern states and California. A single plant looks good in a pot, spilling over the sides, or grown as a stand-alone specimen, such as the 'Pipa's Red' shown here.

Choose a variety with the form you want: compact or spreading, tall or short. Grow it as a medium-height border or hedge; prune lightly. Mass plants together for medium-high ground. Let one grow to full height as a background plant. You can also buy fringe flower trained into tree shape — or train one yourself.

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