Chinese fringe flower

The Chinese fringe flower prefers to be kept moist but not soggy. During the warmer months, water once every 1 to 2 weeks, making sure the soil is damp but not saturated. During the winter, water once every 3 to 4 weeks. Always check the soil before watering to make sure the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and eventual plant death. Additionally, supplement waterings with a balanced liquid fertilizer once per month during the growing season.

The Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) is happiest with full sun or partial shade, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. In warmer climates such as USDA hardiness zones 8-10 this can translate to receiving morning sunlight up to mid-day, however in cooler areas such as zone 6 or 7, it may require exposure to a full day of sunlight. Additionally, the Chinese fringe flower can benefit from dappled shade which is when the plant is sheltered from the midday sun and only receives light from the early morning and late afternoon. When it comes to sun exposure, the amount and timing of sunlight should be adjusted accordingly depending on the region the plant is located in.

Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) should have light pruning performed regularly to keep them looking their best. After flowering has finished, in the spring, lightly prune the tips of the branches and remove any dead or spent stems. This will encourage more blooms for the next flowering period. You can also lightly prune after the early summer flowering to keep the plant looking neat, removing any excess or undesired growth. Heavy pruning should be done in the early spring, and should only be performed if the shrub has grown too large or needs to be shaped. If heavy pruning is performed, avoid cutting into the thicker “old” wood as this may damage the plant.