Loropetalum belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family and is a small shrub variety ideal for decorating gardens or exteriors. It is native to Japan and the area of ​​Southeast Asia.
This shrub can easily reach 4 or 5 meters in height (although it is normal to see them between 2 and 3 meters) and is characterized by its colorful leaves that sprout in late winter and early spring (ideal time for planting or transplant).
Loropetalum leaves are tiny (about 3cm long), green or bronze, depending on the plant’s variety and state of maturation. Its leaves are green in spring and summer, turning to a deep purple in autumn.
The scented flowers of this shrub, which bloom in late winter and early spring, remind us of the shape of spiders due to their long, linear, ribbon-shaped petals, white, pink, or magenta, depending on the species.
Loropetalum Ornamental Shrub Care
This evergreen shrub usually has a rounded and leafy shape, and it does not require much care; in addition, it can be a very successful option to add color to the garden or exterior with little maintenance.
Its decorative flowers and persistent foliage throughout the year with pointed oval leaves will undoubtedly give a unique touch wherever you place it with coppery, pink, and purple colors when its leaves are new and olive green when mature.
Some more characteristics of the tree native to China and Japan:
- It can be planted in the garden and a pot, but ideally, the plant’s stem should not be buried too much to avoid water stagnation.
- Irrigation: it is a medium irrigation plant where the ideal is to always let the soil dry between irrigation and irrigation. The younger the plant, the more water it needs. Obviously, in hot weather like summer, you will need more.
- Flowering: Generally from late winter to April (early spring).
- Prune: if necessary, at the end of the summer to restore its shape and clean it of dead branches. It is not demanding in this sense.
- Soil or substrate: ideally, it should be slightly acidic (it does not tolerate limestone soils well). In addition, it must be well drained.
- Pests and diseases: the Loropetalum is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.
- Reproduction: by cuttings in summer and from seeds sown in spring.
- Maintenance: low and medium growth.
Although it can withstand low temperatures, it is always advisable to protect the plant during frosts and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures of -5/-9 degrees Celsius.