shrub

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower

Loropetalum chinense 'Purple Pixie'

$34.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese Fringe Flower, is an evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, known for its delicate, strap-like flowers and often colorful foliage.

'Purple Pixie' is a unique dwarf, weeping variety with rich, deep purple foliage that persists year-round. It has a low, spreading habit perfect for groundcover or cascading over walls and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesOffers dramatic, year-round deep purple foliage on a unique weeping and spreading form. The bright magenta, fringe-like flowers provide a vibrant contrast in early spring.
Practical UsesIts low, spreading habit makes it an excellent, weed-suppressing groundcover. It is also perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and cascading over walls.
Ecological BenefitsThe spring flowers provide nectar for early emerging pollinators.
SpeciesLoropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China, Himalayas, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail
Ships Year Round Free Shipping Available (Threshold: $100.00)
1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$34.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
  3. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and acidity.
  4. Plant at the same depth it was in the container.
  5. Water well and apply a layer of mulch.
  6. Provide regular water until established.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil to maintain the deep purple leaf color; foliage can turn greenish in alkaline conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide supplemental water during droughts.
  • Fertilize in spring after blooming.
  • Ensure soil is acidic for best foliage color.
  • Use as a 'spiller' in container arrangements.

Don't

  • Don't plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soil.
  • Avoid deep shade, which will cause the foliage to lose its color.
  • Don't prune heavily; it has a naturally graceful habit.
  • Don't allow the soil to dry out completely when in containers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cascading feature in containers and hanging basketsDramatic purple groundcoverSpilling over retaining walls

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower questions

What zones can Purple Pixie Fringe Flower grow in?

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Pixie Fringe Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Purple Pixie Fringe Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Purple Pixie Fringe Flower bloom?

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Pixie Fringe Flower need full sun?

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Purple Pixie Fringe Flower drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Purple Pixie Fringe Flower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.