Species

Loropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

18 other cultivars

shrub

Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower

Loropetalum chinense 'Zhuzhou Fuchsia'

The Story

Plant Bio

Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese Fringe-flower, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family. It is prized for its delicate, fringe-like flowers and colorful foliage, which can range from green to deep burgundy.

'Zhuzhou Fuchsia' is a large, upright cultivar renowned for having the darkest maroon-black foliage that holds its color exceptionally well, even in summer heat. It is also one of the most cold-hardy varieties, with vibrant fuchsia-pink flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

The combination of its tall, vase-shaped habit, intensely dark foliage, and vibrant fuchsia flowers makes 'Zhuzhou Fuchsia' a premier specimen plant. It provides a dramatic, year-round presence and a burst of color in late winter when little else is blooming.

Its dense, upright growth makes it one of the best choices for creating a tall, evergreen privacy screen or hedge. It can also be limbed up to form an elegant, small multi-stemmed tree, perfect for framing an entryway or as a patio specimen.

The early blooms are a welcome food source for pollinators, such as bees, that are active on warm late-winter days. Its dense structure also provides excellent cover and potential nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesLoropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for the best foliage color.
Ensure the soil is well-drained and acidic.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the plant so its root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil.
Water deeply and apply a layer of pine straw or bark mulch.

Pro Tip

Its upright habit makes it an excellent candidate for training into a multi-stemmed small tree by gradually removing lower branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for deepest foliage color.
Amend soil to ensure it is acidic and well-drained.
Water deeply during establishment and extended droughts.
Prune after the spring bloom to maintain desired form.
Use as a tall screen for privacy.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline (high pH) soil, which causes yellowing.
Avoid waterlogged locations.
Don't shear into a tight, formal shape; it looks best with a more natural form.
Don't plant too close to a foundation, as it gets quite large.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic tall hedge or privacy screenStunning specimen trained as a small treeBold backdrop for lighter colored plants

Companion Plants

Lagerstroemia 'Muskogee'Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Yucca 'Color Guard'Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'Viburnum macrocephalum 'Sterile'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower questions

What zones can Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower grow in?

Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese 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 Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower deer resistant?

Yes — Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower bloom?

Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower need full sun?

Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Zhuzhou Fuchsia Chinese Fringe-flower drought tolerant?

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