How to Grow Loropetalum China Pink - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Loropetalum china pink is a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub that is perfect for foundation plantings, hedges, or mass plantings. It is a relatively new introduction to the U.S., and its popularity is quickly growing. This shrub has lush, deep green foliage and stunning, hot pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. loropetalum china pink is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low-water gardens.

How to Grow Loropetalum China Pink - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Fringe flower
Ribbon bush
Chinese witch hazel
Red fringe flower
Red spider lily

Basic info

Loropetalum china pink is a Chinese flowering shrub that is popular for its pink flowers.
It is a member of the witch-hazel family.
The shrub can grow to a height of 10 feet (3 meters).
The flowers are pink and bloom in the spring.
The Loropetalum china pink is native to China.
It was introduced to the West in 184
The shrub is tolerant of shade and drought.
It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The Loropetalum china pink is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew and root rot.
It is also susceptible to damage from aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Related plant:
Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red

Growing Steps

For loropetalum china pink, first step is to take a cutting from the mother plant.
Next, you will need to find a suitable container that is at least 8 inches deep and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Once the container is filled, make a small hole in the center and insert the cutting.
Water the cutting well and place the container in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and after a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Once the plant has established itself, you can begin to fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
To encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the tips of the branches.
Once the plant has reached the desired size, you can begin to prune it to shape as desired.
In the fall, loropetalum china pink will produce clusters of pink flowers.
If you live in an area where winters are cold, you will need to bring the plant indoors or protect it with a layer of mulch.

Related plant:
Carolina Midnight Loropetalum

The Soil

About soil condition, loropetalum china pink prefers well-drained, fertile soils, and is quite tolerant of both dryness and wetness once established. It also prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Light condition

Just like other plants, loropetalum china pink need sun to grow. The amount of sun required depends on the species, but most loropetalum china pink need at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Too little sun will result in leggy, weak growth, and too much sun can scorch the leaves. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant loropetalum china pink in a shady spot to protect it from the intense midday sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions for loropetalum china pink are relatively warm conditions. They should be kept above freezing to prevent any damage. These plants are also quite drought tolerant and can survive in relatively dry conditions.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50% to 60%. If the humidity level falls outside of this range, the plant may experience some negative effects. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may begin to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may become yellow and begin to drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. A general rule of thumb is to apply 1/4 to 1/2 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. Be sure to apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions. As for roots, loropetalum china pink has a very shallow root system and does not tolerate drought well. Be sure to water regularly and deeply to keep the roots moist.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Loropetalum China Pink plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy, but can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning your Loropetalum China Pink, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

About Propagating

Propagation is best accomplished through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings in moistened perlite or vermiculite and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the container in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots filled with a quality potting mix.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, allowing the plant to become quickly established in the garden. Once loropetalum china pink is established, it will need little to no supplemental water. It is heat tolerant and cold hardy, making it an ideal plant for growing in a wide range of climates.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These problems are typically caused by too much moisture in the air or in the soil. Too much shade can also contribute to powdery mildew problems.

Tips on Growing

If you are planting loropetalum in a pots, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Loropetalum prefer sun to partial shade, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day.
When planting loropetalum in the ground, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out.
Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting to help the roots establish quickly.
Water loropetalum deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish. Once established, loropetalum are relatively drought tolerant.
Fertilize loropetalum once a year in the spring using a slow release fertilizer.
Prune loropetalum as needed