How to Grow Loropetalum Chinense Rubrum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Loropetalum chinense rubrum is a plant in the genus loropetalum. The species is native to China and Vietnam. It is a shrub that typically grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide. The leaves are ovate to oblong-lanceolate, and the flowers are white to pink. The fruit is a black drupe.

How to Grow Loropetalum Chinense Rubrum - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • rubrum loropetalum
  • chinese witch hazel
  • far Eastern witch hazel
  • Chinese fringe flower
  • red loropetalum

Common Knowledge

  • Loropetalum chinense rubrum is a popular ornamental plant in China.
  • It is a member of the family Hamamelidaceae.
  • The plant is native to central and western China.
  • It is also known as the Chinese fringe flower.
  • The plant was first introduced to Western horticulture in 185
  • It grows best in moist, well-drained soils.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • The plant is tolerant of heat and drought.
  • It is susceptible to root rot.
  • It is propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division.

Related plant:
Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red

Growing Steps

  1. For loropetalum chinense rubrum, first step is to find a sunny spot in the garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Loosen the soil around the planting area and dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping down as you go.
  4. Water the plant deeply, until water begins to pool on the surface of the soil.
  5. Mulch around the plant with an organic material such as bark chips or shredded leaves.
  6. Fertilize the loropetalum chinense rubrum once a year in the springtime with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or dead branches.
  8. Loropetalum chinense rubrum is generally pest and disease free, but watch for scale, aphids, and spider mites.
  9. Loropetalum chinense rubrum can be propagated from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of this stunning plant in your garden!

Related plant:
Daydream Loropetalum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, for the Loropetalum chinense rubrum, it needs a well-drained soil, and can even tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH, but is tolerant of a wide range. This species also has good drought tolerance once established.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants,Loropetalum chinense rubrum needs sunlight to live and grow. This plant prefersto grow in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If you want yourLoropetalum chinense rubrum to thrive, make sure it gets at least 6 hours ofsunlight per day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of loropetalum chinense rubrum is tropical. It is best to plant this tree in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. This tree can tolerate brief periods of drought.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to curl and turn brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and begin to drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant prefers, should be applied in early spring, before new growth begins. It's a good idea to compost or manure the ground around the plant, too. As the plant matures, you can give it a light feeding of organic fertilizer or compost in mid- to late spring.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Loropetalum chinense rubrum healthy and looking its best. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide, so regular pruning is necessary to maintain its size and shape. Pruning also encourages new growth, which keeps the plant looking full and lush. The best time to prune your Loropetalum is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of Loropetalum chinense rubrum can be done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is approximately 6-8 inches long. The cutting should be taken just below a node (where the leaves attach to the stem) and have at least 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a clean container with moistened perlite or vermiculite. The container should then be covered with plastic to create a humid environment. Cuttings should be placed in indirect light and the soil should be kept moist but not wet. After 4-6 weeks, roots should begin to form and the cutting can be transplanted to a pot or garden bed.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate when they are young. They can grow quite quickly, especially if they are growing in ideal conditions. In general, they will continue to grow at a moderate rate for several years before their growth begins to slow down. They can live for many years, but their growth will eventually stop entirely.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant (plant) are: over-watering, under-watering, and pests. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering will cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale can all cause problems for this plant.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your Loropetalum regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  • Feed your plant once a month with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your Loropetalum every few months to encourage new growth and to shape the plant.
  • Place your plant in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  • Be sure to plant your Loropetalum in well-drained soil.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Propagate your Loropetalum by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  • Mulch around your Loropetalum to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of your Loropetalum plant!

You May Like

  • Loropetalum dolichopetalum
  • Loropetalum rhabdophyllum
  • Loropetalum lanceum
  • Loropetalum eriocarpum
  • Loropetalum pendulum
  • Loropetalum coccineum
  • Loropetalum filipes
  • Loropetalum multiflorum
  • Loropetalum ovum
  • Loropetalum buergeri

Source:
Loropetalum chinense - UDBG
Loropetalum chinense - UF/IFAS Assessment - University of …
“Limbed Up” Loropetalum | Gardening in the Panhandle

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category