How to Grow Loropetalum Plum Delight - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Loropetalum plum delight is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the Hamamelidaceae family and is closely related to the witch-hazel. The loropetalum has many common names including the fringe-flower, the Chinese fringe-flower, and the purple-leaf witch-hazel. The shrub is a fast grower and can reach up to 6 feet in height. It has a spread of 4-6 feet and produces white or pink flowers in the spring. The flowers are followed by small, purple fruits. The loropetalum is tolerant of many soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.

How to Grow Loropetalum Plum Delight - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Plum Delight
  • Purple Passion
  • Royal Robe
  • Purple Majesty
  • Eggplant

Common Knowledge

  • Loropetalum plum delight is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  • It has an upright, rounded growth habit and can reach a height of up to 4 meters.
  • The leaves are ovate-shaped and have a deep purple colour, while the flowers are white with a yellow center.
  • Loropetalum plum delight requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of drought and salt, making it an ideal plant for coastal areas.
  • Pruning is only necessary to control the size or shape of the plant, and should be done after flowering.
  • Loropetalum plum delight is susceptible to a few diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
  • It is also attractive to a variety of pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale.
  • Loropetalum plum delight makes an excellent hedge or privacy screen, and can also be used in foundation plantings.
  • It is relatively low-maintenance and can be easily propagated from cuttings.

Related plant:
Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red

How to Grow

  1. For loropetalum plum delight, first step is to take the cutting from the plant.
  2. Cut a piece of stem that is 4 to 6 inches long from a healthy, young loropetalum plant.
  3. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving two or three leaves at the top.
  4. Dip the cut end of the loropetalum cutting in rooting hormone.
  5. Fill a planting pot with a mix of half perlite and half vermiculite.
  6. Moisten the perlite-vermiculite mixture and make a hole in the center with your finger.
  7. Insert the loropetalum cutting into the hole, making sure that at least two leaves are above the surface of the mix.
  8. Firm the perlite-vermiculite mixture gently around the cutting.
  9. Place the pot in a brightly lit location, but out of direct sunlight.
  10. Keep the perlite-vermiculite mixture moist but not wet and wait for the cutting to root, which usually takes four to six weeks.

Related plant:
Loropetalum Burgundy

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Loropetalum plum delight prefers rich, well drained soils, and is quite drought tolerant once established. It can be sensitive to root disturbance, so take care when transplanting.

Light requirement

Like the other loropetalum varieties, the 'Plum Delight' prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade is appreciated. It will also do well in bright, indirect light indoors. Flowering is inhibited in too much shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the loropetalum plum delight is a cool temperature. This plant does not like it too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% Loropetalum Plum Delight is a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub that flourishes in humidity conditions around 40%. This shrub is perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden, and its purple leaves are especially stunning in the spring and summer months. Loropetalum Plum Delight is also relatively drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for gardens in dry climates.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. As for the roots, they should be kept moist but not soggy. If the roots start to dry out, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Loropetalum plum delight healthy and looking its best. This evergreen shrub can grow to be quite large, so it is important to trim it back regularly to control its size. You can prune your Loropetalum plum delight in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the stems by a few inches to prevent the shrub from getting too big. It is also important to thin out the Loropetalum plum delight's branches to allow sunlight and air to reach the center of the shrub. This will help to prevent disease and promote healthy growth.

The Propagation

Propagation of Loropetalum plum delight can be done through rooting stem cuttings. Cut 4-6 inch pieces of stem from a healthy plant that has new growth. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in moistened potting mix and place in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist and in 4-6 weeks the stem cutting should have rooted and new growth will appear.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 to 2 feet per year. However, some varieties can grow up to 3 feet per year. Loropetalum is a low-maintenance shrub that is relatively disease- and pest-free.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the stems may become weak and floppy, and the plant may become overall less vigorous. If you see these problems, make sure to correct them immediately by adjusting your watering and fertilizer schedule. If you don’t, your plant may not recover.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your loropetalum plum delight plant, especially when the weather is hot and dry.Water the plant deeply and regularly, about once a week.
  • Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Fertilize your loropetalum plum delight plant every month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your loropetalum plum delight plant regularly to encourage new growth and a compact, bushy shape.
  • Place the plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Protect the plant from strong winds.
  • Make sure the soil drains well.
  • Avoid over-watering the plant.
  • Check for pests and disease regularly and take action if needed.
  • Enjoy the beautiful plum-colored flowers of your

Substitution

  • easter egg loropetalum
  • fire Dance loropetalum
  • fragrant Delight loropetalum
  • fragrant fake loropetalum
  • fragrant orchid loropetalum
  • fragrant plum loropetalum
  • Hines Nursery loropetalum
  • Hines purple diamond loropetalum
  • purple pixie loropetalum
  • purple pixie loropetalum burgundy

Source:
Loropetalum
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results
“Limbed Up” Loropetalum | Gardening in the Panhandle

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category