*Loropetalum*: planting, pruning and maintaining

Description and Botany

Loropetalum forms a small genus, closely related to Hamamelis, consisting of one to three species, with chinense being the most commonly cultivated. These bushes from the family Hamamelidaceae are found in the Himalayas, China, and Japan. The species chinense inhabits the forests and copse of China, northern and eastern India (Assam region), and a small area east of Osaka (Ise). It grows up to 1200 m in altitude on rocky hills and in dry, open woods. Quite frost-sensitive, it requires long, warm summers for the wood to mature enough to withstand frosts down to -10°C.

Loropetalum has a dense, spreading habit that can reach 2 m in all directions, with long, flexible branches. Over time, they can grow even larger – some century-old specimens that have never been pruned can reach nearly 10 m in height! However, there are compact cultivars like ‘Ruby Runner’ that barely exceed 35 cm in height and 60 cm in diameter, making them ideal for use as a ground cover in the foreground of a border or in a pot at the base of an upright shrub, or even for hanging baskets.

The foliage, with its thick lamina and short petiole, consists of small, entire, ovate, and pointed leaves, measuring 2 to 5 cm, which alternate along the slender horizontal branches. The leaves remain evergreen in not too harsh climates. They are sometimes red when they first emerge, before turning to medium green as the days lengthen. Some cultivars, such as ‘Red Tip’, remain purple throughout the year.

Unlike that of hamamelis, the flowering is not or only slightly fragrant, emitting a few honeyed scents while being melliferous and nectariferous. It can begin in February and end in April depending on the cultivars and the severity of the climate, lasting for about three weeks. A re-blooming in summer can be observed if the branches are not pruned at the end of flowering. The flowers can cover the entire foliage and create a truly spectacular effect when the shrub is well established and growing in good conditions. With four long, ribbon-like petals that are slightly twisted, measuring 1 to 2 cm, they are grouped in tight corymbs of 3 to 6, giving the appearance of small pom-poms at the axil of the leaves. The cultivars with pink, red, or purple flowers are particularly attractive as they harmonise beautifully with the purple tones of the foliage. The fruits are villous brown capsules, ovate, measuring 8 mm in diameter, containing two seeds.

Stunning atypical flowers and young purple foliage of Loropetalum chinense ‘Pipa’s Red’.

The main varieties of Loropetalum

Compact Varieties

Vigorous Varieties

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Pipas Red - Chinese Witch Hazel

This recent variety is distinguished by its very dark, bronze-purple foliage that particularly highlights its lovely bright pink flowering. Its reduced growth allows it to be planted in all gardens, even the smallest.

• Flowering time April to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Ever Red - Chinese Witch Hazel

A very interesting cultivar due to its small size, which makes it easy to grow in pots or containers. It displays, in early spring, an incandescent red flowering that perfectly complements its dark purple foliage.

• Flowering time April to June
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Loropetalum chinense

This is the typical species. It bears lovely white flowers, slightly fragrant, with fine strips. Its red foliage initially gradually turns green. It can be planted both as a standalone or in hedges or at the back of borders.

• Flowering time March to May
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Young plantation

Where to plant Loropetalum?

Chinese Loropetalum should preferably be planted in partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil, free of lime. Hardy down to -10°C, it is suited to mild and cool climates in summer but be careful, young plants can suffer from -5/-6°C, so they will need protection from severe frosts in northern France. You can place it in colder areas (down to -10°C), trained against a sheltered wall.

While it is relatively tolerant of heat and drought once well established, it still prefers partial shade, lime-free soils… and mild climates! In southern regions, opt for a shaded spot in the afternoon or under the canopy of a leafy tree, while full sun will be suitable in cooler climates.

When to plant?

Plant Loropetalum preferably in spring if winters are harsh and in autumn otherwise to ensure deep rooting before facing summer drought.

How to plant?

To plant a loropetalum:

1. Soak the root ball in a bucket of water to thoroughly moisten it.
2. Dig a planting hole, 50 cm in all directions or a trench if creating a hedge.
3. Add a 10 cm drainage layer (gravel, sand…) if your soil is clayey.
4. Add manure or decomposed compost if the soil is sandy.
5. Place the plant in the planting hole.
6. Replace the soil and lightly firm it.
7. Water.
8. Spread a layer of mulch at the base to maintain good moisture around the roots. This will also limit weed growth. 

Recovery is easy and quick, requiring only monitoring of watering during the first 2 years following planting.

The Loropetalum chinense ‘Ever Red’ is well suited for pot cultivation.

Maintenance and pruning

Loropetalum are very low-maintenance and require little care.

Water regularly for the first two years, especially during hot and dry periods. Unlike many bushes, flowering pruning is not necessary.

Prune if needed to reduce the size of the bush, after flowering. Use pruning shears, avoiding cutting into old wood.

Possible Diseases and Pests

Few diseases or pests attack Loropetalum. The foliage sometimes experiences chlorosis when the soil contains too much lime. Add leaf mould or peat to lower the pH. Be cautious of waterlogged soils that can promote root rot and lead to the death of the bush. The bush may sometimes present tumours encircling the branches caused by olive gall (Pseudomonas savastanoi), which are not curable. Ensure your pruning shear is well disinfected.

Multiplication: propagating a loropetalum

Loropetalum can be easily propagated by cuttings at the end of summer (around August/September) using the tips of semi-woody shoots.

Propagation by Cuttings

Prepare a pot deep by filling it with potting soil mixed with sand, or carry out your cuttings in the ground if it is light, after aerating it with a fork, then moistening it.

1. Take a lignified shoot 15 to 20 cm long from the tip of a shoot from the current year.
2. Remove the leaves located near the base of the cutting.
3. Insert the cuttings into the soil to a depth of 2/3 of their height, ensuring they do not touch each other.
4. Gently firm the soil around them to eliminate air pockets and ensure good contact between the potting soil and the cutting.
5. Place them in the shade under a sheltered frame.
6. Wait until the end of the following spring to plant the cuttings in the ground. 

Uses and associations

Loropetalum can be used as specimen plants with their spreading, bushy, evergreen or semi-evergreen form tinted in light green or purple. The soft, horizontal branches adorned with small leaves give a very elegant appearance, especially as the generous, spider-like flowering remains very light. They stand out in spring scenes, beautifully coloured while the garden is still quite bare of flowers.

A spring association idea: Loropetalum chinense ‘Fire Dance’, Magnolia stellata, Muscari armeniacum, Narcissus poeticus ‘Actaea’, Narcissus ‘Stint’, Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii and some silver balls of Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’.

These bushes have become very trendy on terraces or balconies of urban gardens but also in English-style gardens for their originality and their possible associations with perennials such as Oriental Hellebores or spring bulbs (snowdrops, muscaris, crocuses, fritillaries…). They are well suited for pot cultivation and compact. Their trailing form is also suitable for planting at height above a low wall.

They can also be used in a free-standing hedge to please pollinators, or within a bed ofheather soil shrubs with staggered flowering: camellias, heather bushes, witch hazel, azaleas and rhododendrons, andromedas and Hydrangea for example. They can also be grown as bonsai. Just like deciduous azaleas with which it forms sublime associations, Loropetalum chinense proves to be quite water-efficient once well established. In neutral soil and a mild climate, it will accompany the flowering of China roses (‘Old Blush’), from February.

Did you know?

The name Loropetalum comes from the Latin loro meaning “strap” and petalum, “petal”, referring to the spider-like appearance of the corolla.