Contents
Description
Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red, also known as the Chinese fringe flower, is a shrub that belongs to the witch hazel family. It is native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has a dense, bushy growth habit, with arching branches that are covered with small, oval-shaped leaves. The plant produces fragrant, spidery flowers that are pink, red, or white in color. The flowers bloom in the spring and fall, and they attract butterflies and bees to the garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus | Loropetalum |
Appearance
The Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red has a round, bushy shape, with oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are about 2 to 5 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The flowers are small and spidery, with long, thin petals that are pink, red, or white in color. The flowers bloom in the spring and fall, and they are very fragrant. The plant produces small, round fruits that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruits are not edible and should not be consumed.
Care Guide
The Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring and fall, using a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and it is hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects can be controlled with a horticultural oil spray, while spider mites can be controlled with a miticide. The plant can also develop fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red is native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes, where it adds color and texture to the landscape.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall can the Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Q: When do the flowers of the Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red bloom?
A: The flowers bloom in the spring and fall.
Q: What type of soil does the Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
Q: What pests and diseases are common to the Loropetalum Chinense Ever Red?
A: Scale insects and spider mites can be common pests, while powdery mildew and leaf spot can be common diseases.
Related Plants
- Loropetalum Chinense ‘Ruby’
- Loropetalum Chinense ‘Burgundy’
- Loropetalum Chinense ‘Sizzling Pink’
References
- “Loropetalum chinense.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277757&isprofile=0&basic=Loropetalum%20chinense. Accessed 11 May 2021.
- “Loropetalum chinense.” NC State Extension, 23 Mar. 2018, content.ces.ncsu.edu/loropetalum-chinense. Accessed 11 May 2021.
- “Loropetalum chinense ‘Ever Red’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3281/ever-red-loropetalum/. Accessed 11 May 2021.
