SIMPLE BEAUTY: Although not grand, Loropetalum’s flowers are undoubtedly attractive.
LOROPETALUM chinense is commonly known as fringe flower or Chinese witch-hazel. It belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. Though found mainly in southern China’s Hunan province, at the border with Thailand and Vietnam, it is also found in Japan and Southeast Asia.
The name Loropetalum refers to the shape of the flowers in Greek – loron meaning strap and petalon meaning petal. Loropetalum chinense rubrum is the most popular and well known for landscaping and bonsai. It has become a signature plant for some local garden designers.
The plant is attractive because of its dark leaves and fuchsia flowers that bloom all over the terminal ends. Flowers are produced in clusters only during spring in temperate countries, but here in Sarawak the weather and temperature conditions enable the plant to flower every month, making the foliage even more beautiful. Each flower consists of four to six slender strap shaped petals of one to two centimetres in length. Although not grand, they are undoubtedly attractive.
A good bonsai plant can be appreciated best when it has been cut and pruned to the minimum. The actual size of this plant can reach up to five metres in height and one metre in diameter.
Trees here are mainly pruned for decorative purposes. When planted together in a group, with one taller and three lower plants together, it can make a good garden feature. It is mainly used for borders as a hedge or background for low growing shrubs or small trees. Container planting with restricted medium and nutritional supply can actually generate more flowers.
Growing tips
SUN PLEASE: Loropetalum needs plenty of sunlight for full foliage colour.
Rooting this plant through cuttings is possible but it will take some three months before five-inch plants can be achieved using normal polybag nursery practices. Dip cuttings in a 1,000 ppm K-IBA rooting hormone treatment to increase the take and help it strike roots easily.
The plant prefers moist, well-drained acidic and rich humus soil. In non-acidic conditions, chlorosis – when leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll – occurs.
Fortunately, in Sarawak most soil is acidic except near construction sites where concrete or cement has tainted the medium. Poorly-drained soil will definitely lead to poor growth and establishment for new plantings. This plant is heat tolerant and can withstand drought conditions, so does not need much maintenance once established.
Fertilise with a weak solution of rooting fertiliser such as rock phosphate to increase the rate of growth at the early stage. Loropetalum prefers fertiliser similar to that for evergreen trees. Do not apply directly to the base of the tree but on the edges of the canopy. Water to prevent the young tender roots from scorching at the surface.
To achieve full foliage colour, this plant likes to have plenty of sunlight. The leaves need light to retain its rich hues and to maintain a dense shape. It can tolerate shade of up to 50 per cent light conditions for use as a short-term indoor ornamentals. Remember to bring it back to full sunlight slowly or you’ll lose a lot of the foliage.
Pests and diseases
This plant is so far relatively pest and disease resistant. If diseases do strike, simply remove to prevent the pathogen from spreading. Sometimes mites may attack the leaves and this may require some chemical treatment.
Gardeners should take note that this plant is highly toxic to ruminant animals. Just remember that it is a decorative plant and not for consumption.
Happy gardening. Do send me an email for further details.