Shrubs - Loropetalum (Chinese Witch Hazel)
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  (February) I have loropetalums in my front flower bed and they are getting too tall. When is the time to prune them?

  The growth rate of loropetalums varies considerably by variety. Some are staying low, and more horizontal in shape, while others are skyrocketing, almost out of control Loropetalum, with variety names like Plum Delight and Razzle Dazzle, have become popular landscape plants. They have fabulous purple foliage-- year round, and wonderful hot pink blooms. I have had scattered blooms on mine already this month, but they should peak in a month or two-depending on our weather. If they need pruning--and many do, prune them after the first flowers have passed. They have been known to have scattered blooms on and off in the summer as well, so don't continue the pruning process. If planting new loropetalums, look at the tag to see how tall they are supposed to grow, and plant them where they have the room to reach their full potential.

  (April) I recently purchased a loropetalum on the advice of my nursery. I'm told its "new to Arkansas". I can find no information about the care/feeding/pruning/ etc of this attractive shrub. Any information you can give would be appreciated.

  Loropetalum, (Chinese witch-hazel, fringe flower, Plum Delight) is a relatively new shrub for Arkansas, and is getting planted profusely. It is not always 100% reliable in the northwest part of the state, so don't be surprised if you get a little burn in a cold winter. The southern 2/3 of the state should have no problems. It will do well in full sun to pretty heavy shade. It blooms with a myriad of hot pink fringe-like flowers in the spring, and scattered blooms off and on the rest of the season. In the sun, it will have dark purple foliage, while in the shade, you will get a bit more greenish-purple. Size varies tremendously by variety, so check the tag. So far, except for some cold damage in the north, it has proven to be an outstanding performer in Arkansas. Tends to be fairly drought tolerant, once established, and often grows rapidly on its own. Prune as needed in the spring after bloom. While the purple foliaged varieties are most common, there is a green-foliaged plant with white flowers.

  (April) My loropetalums seem to bloom all summer. When should they be trimmed back? They are already in full bloom. Also, what are the white trees blooming now that you see out in the woods when you drive down a highway?

  While loropetalums can have scattered blooms throughout the season, their peak bloom is now. They are loaded with blooms. Prune only if needed, after this period of bloom. The trees in the woods could either be wild plums or serviceberry trees. Dogwoods are just beginning.

  (October) I am looking for information on Loropetalum and found very little on the Internet. What can you tell me about this shrub? How large does it grow? Sun? Soil? Is it easy to keep pruned to a reasonable size? Pests? Diseases?

  Loropetalum, commonly called Chinese witch hazel, or 'Plum Delight' is an interesting shrub which has only been popular in our market for the past four or five years. They come in several varieties with both purple foliage and green foliage. The purple foliage ones are much more common. Size can be a bit of a surprise, if you don't choose carefully. Some varieties are supposed to be true dwarfs, no taller than three to four feet. These tend to grow more horizontally in growth habit. Many others grow quite large -- up to 15 feet or more. They also can spread out wide. It would make a good screen, but one thing to be aware of is they aren't dense canopied. They have a more open growth habit so you can see through them. It would make a good screen but would not give you total privacy. They bloom in the spring, and often periodically in the growing season. I have seen several in full bloom now. Mine has scattered flowers. The flowers are hot pink little fringed bouquets -- sort of like shredded coconut. I know of no pest problems thus far. They have been nipped back in Fayetteville by cold weather. They will do best in full sun to partial shade.

  (November) Could you please provide pruning and feeding information for loropetalum? Can extravagant growth be routed into more or larger blooms, as in Buddleia?

  Depending on variety, loropetalum can be vigorous growers. They do not bloom on the current season growth like the buddleia, so annual heavy pruning will not improve your flowering. Although they can have sporadic blooms off and on throughout the growing season, their main period of bloom is early spring, from flower buds set the previous fall. Get in the habit of doing any needed pruning as soon after this spring bloom as possible. How much to prune is determined by how much space you have for them to grow, and what variety you are growing. I would try to let them have a somewhat more natural shape, not try to box them in. As to fertilization, again, that varies by plant and location. Mine is a giant plant that has gone crazy, with no help from me as far as fertilizer goes. I would hate to see how much more it could grow. If yours are small and you want to encourage growth, one application per year should suffice, again after bloom. We have not had much winter damage in central Arkansas on the Loropetalum, but the northern 1/3 has had their share of die back in some winters.

  (November) I have several Loropetalum that are about 3 years old and probably 4 to 6 feet tall. My plants are very open and spreading. I have seen others that are more compact and upright. Are there different types of Loropetalum that grow differently, or do they need to be staked or pruned to shape them? If so, when should I do that?

  There are numerous varieties of loropetalum, and mature size can vary dramatically. You can prune them to help thicken them up in the spring, after bloom. Pruning can make a difference, but you will also find that different varieties will grow slower and denser, while others have a more upright-airy growth habit. There is even a new variety on the market which is supposed to grow no taller than one to two feet.

  (December) Could you please provide pruning and feeding information for loropetalum? Can extravagant growth be routed into more or larger blooms, as in Buddleia?

  Buddleia blooms on the current season growth, while loropetalum does a bit of both. Its heaviest blooms are typically in the spring from flower buds set in late summer or early fall. It can have scattered blooms throughout the summer and even a small showing in the fall. Depending on which variety you have, size can vary greatly. Some new cultivars are supposed to grow no taller than three feet, while others are topping fifteen. I usually do whatever pruning is needed in the spring following the peak of flowers. Since buddleias bloom on new growth, they need to be pruned prior to new growth in the spring. If you did that to your loropetalum, you would miss the bulk of your flowers. The flower size will never increase to that of buddleias-they simply have different flower types.

  What can you tell me about a plant called Razzle Dazzle or Loropetalum? I moved into a new home, and they are planted there. They have an interesting purple/red foliage and I am told they bloom. I have never heard of them, and neither have my friends. Do I want this plant, and what do I do with it?

  You definitely want this plant!! It is one of my new favorites. It is a member of the witch hazel family and sometimes commonly called Chinese witch hazel. There are several varieties to choose from--those with the purple foliage and some with green foliage. They are evergreens growing six to eight feet tall and about as big around, although they can be kept shorter. Your plant will be covered in hot pink fringe-like flowers in the spring, then sporadically produce them off and on all summer. There are some varieties with white flowers. It thrives in a rich soil, in full sun to partial shade. It won’t tolerate dry sites, but it has really caught on. It grows rapidly. It is considered hardy through zone 7, and I daresay it will become a popular plant in our landscapes. Enjoy it!

  Enclosed you will find a sample from a plant that is growing in a fairly new landscaped yard. The sample is from a small bush (as of now). They were literally covered with pink fringe blossoms all spring. I can’t find anyone who knows what it is. I told them surely you would know. 

  The plant in question is a loropetalum. Commonly it is called Chinese Witch hazel or fringe flower. There are varieties with purple foliage and pink flowers, and green foliage with either pink or white flowers. This is a relatively new plant for Arkansas, and it is really catching on. It has quickly become one of my favorites. They can grow to be 8 - 10 feet tall, although there is some varietal differences. They may be damaged by winter temperatures below 0 degrees.

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