PURPLE LEAF LOROPETALUM - 'Chang's Ruby' - 3 Gallon Size

A larger sized member of the Loropetalum family, the rich burgundy foliage of the Loropetalum Zhuzhou makes a striking statement.

Chinese Fringe Flower shrub, as it is commonly called, can be used as a privacy hedge, border planting, or small multi trunk evergreen tree bringing a burst of color to your landscape any time of the year!

Loropetalum chinense green leaves turn dark burgundy to deep purple black throughout spring and fall. In early spring, stacked fuchsia Chinese fringe-like blooms appear which gives it the nickname Fringe Flower. The bright pink fringe flowers light up their landscapes during the spring growing season.

This evergreen shrub is such a pretty sight! The dark maroon foliage contrasts the hot pink flowers perfectly and stays dark for most of the year. Most elegantly seen as a tall hedge or screen, or used as a foundation planting or mass planting. Our favorite way to grow it is as a zhuzhou loropetalum tree!

LOROPETALUM CARE:

Loropetalum or Chinese Fringe Tree prefers full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. These fairly fast growing shrubs are one of the tallest of the Loropetalums and are versatile in their use. They will keep an upright bushy shape naturally, but need regular pruning to be maintained as a formal shape and to promote fresh growth.

Loropetalums are also commonly pruned to a small, multi-trunked tree form by removing their lower small branches. A pruning just after flowering is recommended to avoid shearing off the following year’s flowers that develop quickly after the current blossoms fade. Avoid fall pruning, as frost will damage the new growth.

The centers of this Loropetalum should be planted 8 or more feet apart to create a hedgerow.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as your new plant’s root ball and deep enough so that the top of the root ball is equal with the ground level.

Loosen the root ball using a small garden spade or by hand. Breaking smaller outer roots can encourage growth into the new soil, but take care to not damage large primary roots.

Place the plant in the hole and ensure that it is situated evenly upright. Use the excavated soil to fill in around the root ball, using your foot to pack it in firmly. Thoroughly soak with a hose as you fill in the dirt. Take great care to not leave any gaps or air spaces around the root ball as this could kill the plant.

A 2-4 inch layer of mulch is strongly recommended to help retain moisture and discourage weed growth. Apply mulch over the entire planting area but keep away from the stems or trunk by a few inches. Ensure that the plant and surrounding soil is completely soaked with water.