shrub

Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower

Loropetalum chinense 'Hines Purpleleaf'

The Story

Plant Bio

Evergreen shrubs in the witch hazel family, known for their colorful foliage and unique, fringe-like flowers that appear in late winter and spring. They have an elegant, arching habit.

Ever Red ('Hines Purpleleaf') is celebrated for having the truest, most vibrant red flowers of any loropetalum. It also holds its deep burgundy foliage color year-round, resisting the tendency to fade to green in summer heat.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesEver Red provides stunning, year-round color with its deep burgundy foliage, which acts as a dramatic foil for other plants. The explosion of vibrant red, spidery flowers in late winter is a welcome sight.
Practical UsesIt can be used effectively as a specimen plant, a foundation planting, or massed to create a colorful, informal hedge or screen. Its moderate size fits well in many residential landscapes.
Ecological BenefitsThe early-season flowers provide a nectar source for bees and other pollinators that emerge on warm winter days, filling an important seasonal gap.
SpeciesLoropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with at least 6 hours of sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Amend soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
  5. Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
  6. Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the deepest, most consistent foliage color and the heaviest flower production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide regular water until the plant is well-established.
  • Prune after the spring bloom to encourage bushiness and more flowers.
  • Test soil pH if leaves turn yellow; they prefer acidic conditions.
  • Enjoy its deer-resistant qualities.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil without amending for drainage.
  • Avoid deep shade, which leads to poor color and sparse flowering.
  • Don't prune late in the season, as this can remove developing flower buds.
  • Do not let the plant dry out completely during hot summer months.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic specimen with year-round colorVibrant informal hedge or screenStunning foundation planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower questions

What zones can Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower grow in?

Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower 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 Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower deer resistant?

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

When does Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower bloom?

Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower 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 Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red Fringe Flower need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Hines Purpleleaf Ever Red 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.