Other Common Names:  Fringe Flower

Zhuzhou is one of if not the tallest and fastest growing of the Loropetalums making it one of the best for use as tall hedges or privacy screens or an outstanding single or multi trunk tree. Also known as the Chinese Fringe Tree, the handsome deep burgundy-purple foliage of ZhuZhou is an excellent contrast and background for the hot fuchsia-pink fringe-like flowers that are produced in abundance during late winter and early spring and sporadically in fall. The leaves on this selection are arrow shape and longer than on other Loropetalum varieties.

Growing 8 to 15 feet tall and equally as wide depending on pruning, the Zhuzhou Loropetalum can be grown as a large shrub or small tree. As a shrub it is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as a natural of clipped formal hedge or privacy screen. As this Loropetalum grows taller, lower branches can be removed to form a small evergreen tree that serves for use as a colorful focal point specimen in landscape borders and home foundations. Also a good candidate for espalier (trained to grow flat against a wall) and for various topiary shapes and forms such as pyramid, pom pom, poodle tier and standards (single trunk tree). Its low water needs makes it a good candidate for use in Xeriscape plantings. The purplish-red foliage contrasts nicely with plants that have yellow, light green, grey or other light colored foliage or flowers. A fine addition to pink or purple theme gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  8 feet apart for solid hedge or privacy screen;  18 feet or more apart for space between plants

SEE: Design Ideas & Planting Tips for Privacy Screen Plantings

Note:  For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a, where this Loropetalum variety is not reliably winter hardy, you'll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring. Requires a well-lit space for overwintering indoors.

Zhuzhou Loropetalum is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. As with so many other ornamental plants, constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. So make sure to plant in a well-drained site. Established plants are exceptionally drought tolerant, requiring little if any supplemental irrigation. Foliage is more dense and flowering heavier in full sun however light shade is tolerated. Requires no pruning, however responds very well to almost any amount, which makes it an excellent choice for hedges, topiary, and espalier.

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Loropetalum shrubs.

Questions?  Contact Us