Fringe Flower Care Guide: Planting, Pruning, and Troubleshooting

by Jasmine April 5, 2025

written by Jasmine April 5, 2025

How to Grow and Care for Fringe Flower

Botanical Overview

Fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense), also known as Chinese fringe flower, is a captivating shrub or small tree renowned for its delicate, fragrant blooms. The foliage of these plants exhibits a remarkable transformation throughout the year, transitioning from hues of red to deep green. Thriving in warm climates, fringe flower prefers full sun and acidic, well-draining soils.

Planting and Care

Choosing a Site: Select a sunny location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Fringe flower can tolerate slightly less sunlight, but it will bloom less profusely.

Preparing the Soil: Amend the soil with ample organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and provide nutrients. The ideal soil pH for fringe flower is between 4.5 and 6.5.

Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with the amended soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water deeply after planting.

Watering: Water young plants regularly, especially during hot weather. Established fringe flower plants are relatively drought-tolerant but perform best when the soil is consistently moist.

Fertilizing: Mix compost into the soil at planting time to provide slow-release nutrients. Established plants may benefit from annual fertilizing in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Pruning

Fringe flower is a low-maintenance shrub that tolerates heavy pruning for shaping or hedging. However, it does not require this type of pruning and naturally develops a graceful shape. If pruning is desired, wait until after the blooming period in summer or early fall.

Propagation

Fringe flower can be easily propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer. Follow these steps:

Take 6-inch cuttings of fresh, new growth.
Remove the leaves on the bottom 2-3 inches of the cutting.
Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a 50/50 mixture of peat and perlite.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Roots will develop within four to six weeks.

Overwintering

Fringe flower is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. In colder climates, it may survive but will likely not retain its evergreen foliage. To increase the shrub’s chances of survival, apply mulch around the root system and plant it in a sheltered location, such as near a building.

Common Pests and Diseases

Fringe flower is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to:

Spider mites
Aphids
Root rot
Anthracnose
Powdery mildew

Encouraging Blooms

Fringe flower is an easy-going plant that blooms readily with proper care. To encourage abundant blooms:

Ensure the plant receives plenty of sunlight.
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Caring for Fringe Flower After Blooming

After the blooming period, continue to care for fringe flower as usual. Pruning can be done at this time, though it is not necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate alkaline soil (pH over 7.0) or a mite infestation.

Leaves Won’t Turn Purple: Check if the plant is receiving adequate sunlight and has acidic soil. If these conditions are met, consider fertilizing the plant.

Companion Plants

Fringe flower pairs well with plants that offer contrasting foliage, such as:

Grasses with lime green or golden foliage
Blue fescue ornamental grass

Frequently Asked Questions

What looks good with fringe flower? Companion plants with contrasting foliage, such as grasses or blue fescue.
How do you keep fringe flower purple? Plant a variety with persistent purple foliage, such as ‘Red Diamond’ or ‘Purple Diamond.’
What is the difference between fringe flower and fringe tree? Fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) and fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus) are different species with dissimilar appearances.

Jasmine

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