Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, commonly known as Chinese Fringe Flower, is an evergreen shrub native to woodlands, forest margins, and stream banks in eastern Asia. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) and a width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters), with a mounded, slightly arching form. The Chinese Fringe Flower is known for its unique, strap-like petals that are bright pink to red, blooming profusely in spring and sporadically in winter, adding vibrant color to the garden when few other plants are in flower.

This plant is valued for its year-round interest, including its showy flowers and the purple to burgundy foliage of many cultivars. It is used in a variety of garden settings, such as foundation plantings, mixed borders, and as a specimen or accent plant. Chinese Fringe Flower prefers acidic to neutral soil with good drainage and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Popular cultivars include ’Burgundy’ with deep purple leaves and ’Blush’ with lighter pink flowers. Potential issues include root rot in poorly drained soils and chlorosis in alkaline soils. It is generally pest and disease resistant but may occasionally suffer from scale insects or leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0