Also known as Fringe Flower · 214 saves
Loropetalum
Loropetalum, the genus most gardeners know as fringe flower. We track 24 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 23 most-saved Loropetalum varieties
Browse all 24 Loropetalum varieties →
Species of Loropetalum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Loropetalum in Sow
Save the Loropetalum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Loropetalum
Whats common across all Loropetalum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 24 most-grown of them.
The Loropetalum year
- PruneApril and May96% of varieties
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to shape the plant.
- FertilizeMarch96% of varieties
Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in early spring.
- MulchApril and October79% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to maintain soil moisture and temperature
- PlantMarch, April, September and October63% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in well-drained, acidic soil.
Do
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the shrub
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune after flowering to maintain desired size and shape.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially in containers.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Loropetalum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth, sticky honeydew, and sooty mold. | A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or yellowing foliage. | Increase humidity; spray with horticultural oil or miticide. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves, speckled or discolored foliage | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting, leaf drop, and plant death, especially in wet soils. | Caused by poorly drained soil. Prevention is the only cure; ensure excellent drainage at planting. |
| Chlorosis | Yellowing leaves with green veins, caused by high soil pH. | Apply chelated iron and amend soil with elemental sulfur to lower pH. |
| Bacterial Gall | Knobby, tumor-like galls on stems and branches. | There is no cure. Prune out and destroy affected branches, sterilizing pruners between cuts. Remove severely infected plants. |
Making more Loropetalum
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in late spring or early summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a moist, well-drained medium.
- Cover to maintain humidity; roots in 6-8 weeks.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep humid and warm for 6 weeks.
Loropetalum questions
How many types of Loropetalum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 24 distinct Loropetalum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 214 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Loropetalum grow in?
Across its varieties, Loropetalum covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Loropetalum bloom?
Most Loropetalum varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Loropetalum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.