Species

Loropetalum chinenseChinese Fringe Flower

18 other cultivars

shrub

Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower

Loropetalum chinense 'Chang Nian Hong'

The Story

Plant Bio

Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese fringe flower, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, prized for its colorful foliage and unique, strap-like flowers. It has a graceful, arching habit.

'Chang Nian Hong', sold as EVER RED, is distinguished by its intensely dark burgundy foliage that retains its deep color throughout the year, even in summer heat. It also produces the truest red flowers of any Loropetalum.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides stunning, year-round color with its deep burgundy foliage, creating a dramatic contrast with green and gold-leaved plants. The explosion of vibrant red, fringe-like flowers in spring is a major highlight, with sporadic reblooming.

Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a colorful, informal hedge or privacy screen that requires little maintenance. It can also be used to hide foundations or other unsightly landscape features.

The flowers provide a source of nectar for early-season pollinators like bees. The dense branching structure offers shelter and protection for small birds.

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 to high

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China, Himalayas, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-fall

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil.
Amend the soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Gently tease out circling roots before placing the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

For the deepest, most vibrant foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sun per day; in shadier spots, the leaves may fade to greenish-bronze.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
Water regularly until the plant is well-established.
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Prune after the spring bloom to maintain a desirable shape.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting too deep; keep the root flare at soil level.
Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially in its first year.
Avoid severe pruning or shearing, which spoils its natural form.

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 foliage accent in mixed bordersVibrant informal hedge or screenStriking specimen plant for year-round color

Companion Plants

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Carex 'Evergold'Juniperus 'Gold Lace'Nandina 'Firepower'Gardenia jasminoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower questions

What zones can Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower grow in?

Chang Nian Hong 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 Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower deer resistant?

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

When does Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower bloom?

Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower typically blooms in early spring through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower need full sun?

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

Is Chang Nian Hong Ever Red Fringe Flower drought tolerant?

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