Loropetalum is a genus belongs to Hamamelidaceae (Witchhazel) family. The genus name, Loropetalum, is derived from the Greek words loron for strap and petalon for petal, and refers to the long, thin petals of plants fringe-like blooms. It is native to China, Japan and the Himalayas.

Loropetalum chinense has white flowers with green leaves, the other pink flowering variety called Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum. This variety has crimson red flowers with leaves varying from bronze-red when new to green or burgundy when mature depending on selection and growing conditions. Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum introduced into the trade in the 1980’s, it has become popular shrub for Southern Europe and USA.

Chinese Fringe Flower is evergreen broadleaf shrub or small tree. Depending on variety, shrubs can grow up to 3-5 m tall. New compact cultivars are only 60-90 cm tall. Leaves are 2-5 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, placed alternately along the stem. Branches held outward in horizontal layers display the flowers and colourful foliage. Flowers have four strap like petals less than 2 cm long, but they make groups of three to six in the leaf axils.

Loropetalum chinense prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They do well in full sun to light or partial shade. It is hardy down to -15˚C. Normally, they have few serious pest or disease problems. Root rot may occur, especially in poorly drained clay soils. In addition, leaves may become chlorotic (yellow) in alkaline soil. Mites may cause foliage to yellow.

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Chinese Fringe Flower takes well to pruning and can be maintained as a hedge at almost any height. But it has lost natural arching shape after pruning. So it is best to plant Loropetalum chinense in a place where no pruning is necessary. If pruning is needed, this to done in spring after the flowers fade. It makes a beautiful specimen plant and can even be pruned into a small, multi-trunked tree by removing the lower branches.

There are many cultivars of Loropetalum chinense, some of them:

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Burgundy’; The new foliage on this shrub emerges reddish-purple, and then it matures to purple-green. In autumn, the foliage will again change colors to a brilliant red. The pink flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year. This cultivar grows to about 3-5 m tall and as wide.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Blush’ or ‘Daybreak’s Flame’; light pink-tinged leaves with paler rose-coloured flowers.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Ruby’; new growth shiny, ruby-red; compact form.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Bicolour’; vigorous cultivar with deep maroon leaves turning to dark green as the season progresses; white flowers with light pink streaks.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Fire Dance’; new growth is reddish purple changing to green as season progresses. Flowers are hot pink, 1-2 m tall.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Suzanne’; Reddish purple new growth, leaves are more rounded than species. Compact habit, 1,5 m  tall, medium-pink flowers.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Zhuzhou Fuscia’; Blackish maroon leaf colour that persists into summer. Deep pink flowers, up to 3 m tall.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Pipa’s Red’; Very dark purple foliage; bright pink flowers. Compact, up to 1,5 m tall.

Landscape Use: Chinese Fringe Flowers show excellent versatility in the landscape. In full bloom, many cultivars of the pink-flowering variety are showy eye-catchers. The white-flowers of the species tend to be less visible against the leaves from a distance, but are very attractive when viewed up close.

They are attractive when grown in clusters or mixed screens as well as foundation plantings, single specimens and bonsai. They make attractive hedges, but lose their naturally graceful form if heavily pruned. When limbed up, they form lovely, small trees. Loropetalum chinense and cultivars can be an effective groundcover, but may require periodic removal of vertical stems. Low-growing varieties are being selected for this purpose. Taller forms may be utilized as screens. Individually, the purple-leafed forms provide a good contrast to both green and golden foliage plants and are a superior replacement to thorny, red berberry shrubs.