How to Grow Loropetalum

Loropetalum are evergreen and free-flowering shrubs with a compact foil of fluffy spider -like scented flowers and colour changing leaves during winter and spring. This plant is a close relation to the witch hazel family. They are perfect within flower beds and borders within courtyard, coastal and informal garden settings as well as within containers. You should expect to see your Loropetalum plants grow to an approximate height and spread of 1m (40”).

Loropetalum are best planted in well-drained soil of sand, chalk and loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Amend your soil with a generous amount of organic matter, and mix with the native soil thoroughly. Dig a hole that is the same depth and width as the root ball and place gently into the planting area, watering deeply and carefully once planted. Loropetalum are best positioned in a sheltered area of full sun or in part shade.

There is no need to prune Loropetalum; however, you may wish to remove old, dead and diseased wood, trimming unkempt growth to retain a tidy shape. Once established, these pants are drought tolerant and will only require watering during prolonged periods of drought. Loropetalum will benefit from a winter mulch and some tender varieties may need extra winter protection.

It is possible to propagate Loropetalum by semi-ripe cuttings in the summer time using bottom heat.