The Story
Plant Bio
Loropetalum chinense is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, native to China, the Himalayas, and Japan. It is prized for its delicate, fringe-like flowers and graceful, arching branches.
Red Diamond ('Shang-Red') is a standout cultivar known for its vibrant, true-red flowers, which are larger than many other varieties. Its deep burgundy foliage holds its rich color throughout the year, even in summer heat.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
China (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late winter – Mid-spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with at least 6 hours of sun and acidic soil.
- Amend soil with organic matter like compost or pine bark fines.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container.
- Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of acidic mulch.
Pro Tip
Plant in acidic soil to prevent chlorosis (yellowing leaves). Full sun exposure will produce the deepest, most consistent foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Mulch with pine straw or pine bark to help maintain soil acidity.
- Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off the current season's buds.
- Test soil pH if leaves turn yellow; it may need an acidifier.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, alkaline clay soils.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas where water collects.
- Don't perform heavy pruning late in the season.
- Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially when newly planted.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower questions
What zones can Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower grow in?
Red Diamond Midsize Chinese 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 Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower deer resistant?
Yes — Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower bloom?
Red Diamond Midsize Chinese 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 Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower need full sun?
Red Diamond Midsize Chinese fringe-flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Loropetalum to compare

Crimson Fire Fringe Flower
Loropetalum chinense 'Crimson Fire'

Jazz Hands Mini Chinese Fringe Flower
Loropetalum chinense 'Jazz Hands Mini'

Purple Daydream Chinese Fringe-Flower
Loropetalum chinense 'Purple Daydream Dwarf'

Emerald Snow Loropetalum
Loropetalum chinense 'Emerald Snow'

Purple Pixie Fringe Flower
Loropetalum chinense 'Purple Pixie'

Purple Daydream Chinese Fringe Flower
Loropetalum chinense 'Purple Daydream'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Diamond Midsize Chinese 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.



















