This new, compact loropetalum has the reddest blooms of all cultivars. Dark burgundy foliage retains its color throughout the year. Great for specimen planting, mass plantings and borders.
How Far Apart to Plant Loropetalum for Optimal Growth
Loropetalum, also known as Chinese fringe flower, is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. When planting loropetalum in your landscape proper spacing is important to allow each plant adequate room to reach its mature size. So how far apart should you space these shrubs?
Recommended Spacing for Loropetalum
Most varieties of loropetalum grow to be 3-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. To accommodate the eventual size of the shrubs, experts generally recommend spacing loropetalum plants 3-6 feet apart.
Here are some spacing guidelines based on the expected mature size of the variety:
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Dwarf varieties under 3 feet tall – Space at least 3 feet apart
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Compact varieties 3-4 feet tall – Space 3-4 feet apart
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Medium varieties 4-6 feet tall – Space 4-6 feet apart
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Large varieties over 6 feet tall – Space 6 feet apart
These distances give loropetalum adequate room to grow to their full size without overcrowding. The exact spacing you choose may vary slightly depending on your specific growing conditions.
Planting too closely risks the shrubs becoming overlapped and competing for resources as they mature. On the other hand, spacing too far apart wastes space in the landscape and takes longer for the plants to fill in.
How to Determine Mature Size
When purchasing loropetalum, check the plant tag or product description to find out the expected mature height and width. This will guide you in allotting enough space between plants.
Some popular compact varieties that can be spaced 3-4 feet apart include:
- Loropetalum ‘Fire Dance’
- Loropetalum ‘Plum Delight’
- Loropetalum ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’
Medium 4-6 foot varieties requiring 4-6 feet of space include:
- Loropetalum chinense
- Loropetalum ‘Burgundy’
- Loropetalum ‘Blush’
Larger varieties that need about 6 feet of space include:
- Loropetalum ‘Emerald Snow’
- Loropetalum ‘Old Gold’
- Loropetalum ‘Everred’
Keep in mind that exact growth rates vary based on growing conditions like soil, sunlight and climate. Monitor your plants and adjust spacing if needed.
Planting Tips for Loropetalum
When installing loropetalum in your landscape, follow these tips for success:
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Prepare the planting area well by amending the soil with compost or other organic material to improve drainage. Loropetalum likes moist, well-draining soil.
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Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and 2-3 times wider. This gives the roots room to expand.
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Gently loosen any circled roots before setting the plant in the hole.
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Backfill with the amended soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
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Water thoroughly after planting to saturate the root zone.
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Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around each plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Stake larger plants if needed to keep them upright until established.
Ongoing Loropetalum Care
Once planted, loropetalum requires minimal care to thrive:
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Water 1-2 times per week, more in hot, dry weather, less in damp conditions. Provide about 1 inch of water each time.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually in early spring.
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Prune selectively after flowering to shape and remove dead branches.
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Watch for common pests like scale, mites and caterpillars and treat as needed.
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Protect from harsh winter wind and cold in zones 7 and cooler.
Proper Spacing By Use
How far apart you space loropetalum depends partly on how you want to use the shrubs in your landscape:
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Hedges: Space 2-3 feet apart for a tighter hedge. Prune to shape after planting.
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Screening: Space 4-6 feet apart in a row for privacy screening.
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Borders: Space 3-5 feet apart in mixed or single-variety borders.
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Containers: Select a compact variety for containers. No specific spacing needed.
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Foundation plants: Allow at least 2-3 feet from house for mature size.
Adjust spacing as needed to complement other landscape plants and hardscapes. Observe growth habits and increase distance between plants if necessary.
Achieving the Optimal Loropetalum Display
Allowing enough space between loropetalum shrubs when planting allows you to reap the benefits of these beauties without overcrowding. They’ll have room to showcase their lush foliage and brilliant blooms.
With smart planning and care, you can enjoy a vibrant loropetalum display that gets better every year. Just be sure to give each plant enough distance from its neighbors to reach its peak potential.
How to take care of your Loropetalum
FAQ
What are the cons of loropetalum?
How quickly does loropetalum grow?
How do you make loropetalum fuller?
How do you grow Loropetalum in a container?
Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your Loropetalum plant in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1″ or so below the rim of the container.
Can Loropetalum be planted in a water retaining berm?
When planting Loropetalum in a location that is far from a water source, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a water retaining berm (catch basin/doughnut) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. Only build this berm if the soil is very well-drained.
How do you fertilize Loropetalum?
Mulch Loropetalum with two to four inches of pine straw, shredded bark, or aged wood chips. Don’t let the mulch touch the plants—replenish it as needed. Feed Loropetalum in spring and early-summer with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer or shrub fertilizer. Follow the label instructions and water thoroughly.
What does loropetalum Chinese look like?
Loropetalum chinese. Chinese fringe-flower. Grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, with an irregular fountain or vase shape. Species has roundish, light-green leaves to 2 inches long, occasionally leaves turns yellow or red; bears spidery white flowers, similar to those of witch hazel (Hamamelis) in spring.
How far apart should a liquiid plant be planted?
You can supplement feedings with bone meal and/or liquiid fertilizer to promote more flowers. Situate these plants about 3 feet apart, and come away from the house 2 feet or more. If you’re doing them as a border along a walk, come in about 2-1/2 feet from the edge of the walk. This shrub will work fine in a container or planter.