Species

Loropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

18 other cultivars

shrub

Ever Red Loropetalum

Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Hi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese fringe-flower, is an evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, valued for its delicate, strap-like flowers and often colorful foliage. They are versatile and relatively low-maintenance shrubs for southern gardens.

Shang-Hi, marketed as Ever Red, is renowned for having the truest red flowers of any Loropetalum and for its deep burgundy-maroon foliage that holds its color year-round, even in summer heat. It has a controlled, upright habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round foliage color that creates a dramatic contrast with green and yellow plants. The explosion of vibrant red, fringe-like flowers in late winter and spring is a major highlight.

Its dense, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for a colorful hedge, screen, or foundation planting. It is also tough and drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice.

The flowers, appearing early in the season, provide a nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

SpeciesLoropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium-lived shrub

Native To

China, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic.

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with at least 6 hours of sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots if they are pot-bound.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Provide full sun for the deepest, most consistent foliage color; in shadier spots, the leaves may fade to a greenish-bronze.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during the first year and in droughts.
Plant in acidic soil for best performance and foliage color.
Allow it to grow in its natural form if possible.
Give it plenty of sun for the best foliage color.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Do not let the soil dry out completely, especially when young.
Do not shear heavily, as it can ruin the graceful, arching habit.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which leads to poor color and flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic foliage accent plantVibrant informal hedgeStunning container specimen

Companion Plants

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Nandina 'Firepower'Carex 'Evergold'Acer palmatum Camellia sasanqua

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ever Red Loropetalum questions

What zones can Ever Red Loropetalum grow in?

Ever Red Loropetalum is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ever Red Loropetalum deer resistant?

Yes — Ever Red Loropetalum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ever Red Loropetalum bloom?

Ever Red Loropetalum typically blooms in late winter through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ever Red Loropetalum need full sun?

Ever Red Loropetalum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Ever Red Loropetalum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ever Red Loropetalum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.