How to Care for a Chinese Fringe Plant

The Chinese Fringe plant, also known as Loropetalum Chinense, is a large evergreen plant that can grow to 12 feet in height. The original Chinese Fringe plant produces delicate white flower blossoms each spring. Several other varieties of the Chinese Fringe plant have also been been cultivated that produce maroon colored leaves and pink flowers. The Chinese Fringe plant is a hardy plant that thrives in full to partial sun and a variety of soil types.

Things You'll Need

• Potting soil
• General all-purpose plant fertilizer
• Water

Instructions

1. Plant Chinese Fringe plants in wide holes no deeper than the bottom of the plant's root ball. The entire trunk of the plant should be above the soil. If the soil is mostly sand or clay, place potting soil into the hole prior to placing the plant into the ground.

2. Apply 1 to 3 inches of bark mulch around the base of the plant to help retain water and protect the plant roots during colder months. Do not build up the bark around the trunk of the plant.

3. Water Chinese Fringe plants when the soil dries out which is usually once a week. Since the plant is especially susceptible to drought, additional watering may be needed during the hot, summer months. To determine if additional water is needed, rake back part of the mulch surrounding the plant and insert a finger into the soil at the base of the plant. The surrounding soil should be slightly moist. Water the plant two to three times per week during periods of drought.

4. Use pruning shears to trim the plant in the late winter or spring to remove any dead branches. Dead branches are typically brown or yellow in color. In addition, trim any branches that are hanging over walkways or crowding other plants in the landscaping.

5. Spread an all-purpose plant fertilizer around the base of the plant in the spring according to the instructions on the fertilizer package.

Tips & Warnings

• Chinese Fringe plants are hardy plants, so do not be afraid to prune heavily if needed as the plant will grow back quickly.

References

• Learn2Grow.com: Loropetalum Chinense Care and Maintenance
• Learn2Grow.com: On the Fringe (Flower) of Greatness