Chinese Fringe Flower Shrub
Loropetalum
I have always been a gardener. When we moved here from NY, I had to familiarize myself with all new species. One of those new species was the Chinese Fringe Flower. This was one of the landscape shrubs already on the property. It had been planted next to the house as a foundation plant in the backyard. I would not suggest this shrub planted so close to the house, as it grows 4 to 5’ in height and the same in width.
I was attracted to this shrub by the beautiful leaves and the pretty, frilly pink flowers. The leaves can range from a deep green to a deep plum, often with multiple colors on a single stem. Since this plant is right outside my bedroom window, (where incidentally my exercise bike is), I have literally had a bird’s eye view of it throughout the seasons. This spring I’ve watched a cardinal build her nest.
As indicated by the name, it is indigenous to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. In the mid-90s, nurseries started marketing them for their pink blooms. In the years following, they have become a go to shrub for southern gardeners. It is regarded as hardy in zones 8-10 and will do well in full sun or partial shade. It is drought tolerant and It prefers rich soil, but will tolerate clay. It does not like wet roots.
There are a few different varieties of Chinese Fringe Flower. The one that I have is “Ruby” and there is also “Purple Majesty,” which grows taller at 6 to 8’. There is a dwarf variety with white blossoms called “Jazz Hands,” that grows 1-2’.