Purple daydream loropetalum is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 6-10 tall and as wide. It is noted for its purple leaves and pink flowers.
Related plant:
Leycesteria Formosa Purple Rain
Related plant:
Purple Berry Bush
About soil condition, purple daydream loropetalum prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but it is not particular about soil type or pH. It is tolerant of heavy clay soils. This shrub will not grow well in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Similar to other loropetalum varieties, the purple daydream loropetalum requires full sun to partial sun in order to maintain its vibrant colors. This shrub can tolerate some shade, but it will not produce as many flowers in these conditions. If you live in an area with hot summers, this shrub is a good choice because it is heat tolerant.
The temperature condition for purple daydream loropetalum is very important. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will not bloom. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is achieved at 60-70%. If the humidity level drops below 50%, the tips of the leaves will begin to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity level gets too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant does not require too much attention when it comes to adding extra nutrients. A well-balanced fertilizer added once a season is usually sufficient. When it comes to the roots, Purple Daydream Loropetalums are not known for being finicky. They have a nice, dense root system that is tolerant of different soil types. As long as the ground is not waterlogged, the roots should be just fine.
Pruning your purple daydream loropetalum is important to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. You can prune this shrub in early spring or late winter, before new growth begins. Trim back the stems by a third to a half, making sure to cut just above a bud. This will encourage the plant to produce new, fuller growth.
Propagation of purple daydream loropetalum is best done through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is soft, but not too soft, and should be about 4-6 inches long. Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to take the cuttings, and make sure to remove any leaves that would be below the surface of the rooting medium. To root the cuttings, fill a planting tray or pot with a well-drained rooting medium, such as perlite or sand. Moisten the medium, and then make a hole for each cutting. Gently insert the cuttings, and then firm the medium around them. Place the tray or pot in a bright, indirect light location, and keep the medium moist but not wet. Cuttings should root in 4-8 weeks. Once they have rooted, transplant them into individual pots filled with a good quality potting soil.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, they may experience a growth spurt during the first few years after planting and then taper off to a more moderate growth rate. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, and powdery mildew is a fungal infection that causes the leaves to become covered in a white powder. Leaf spot is a fungal infection that causes brown spots to appear on the leaves.
Source:
Loropetalum are great shrubs for landscapes | Mississippi State ...
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results
Landscape Loropetalum - Mississippi State University
