Chinese fringe flower Loropetalum chinense
Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Hamamelidaceae family, native to China, Japan and the Himalaya (woodland margins). It grows 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) tall and 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Chinese fringe flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Japan and the Himalaya (woodland margins) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Chinese fringe flower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese fringe flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Chinese fringe flower
- How far apart should I plant Chinese fringe flower?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft).
- Does Chinese fringe flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese fringe flower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese fringe flower?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Chinese fringe flower flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinese fringe flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
- What grows well with Chinese fringe flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese fringe flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Foliage colour assumes the popular burgundy cultivars; the species is green-leaved with white flowers.
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen; leaf drop is partial in cold winters.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hybrid witch hazel Hamamelis x intermedia
- Persian ironwood Parrotia persica
- Buttercup winter hazel (hyūgamizuki) Corylopsis pauciflora
- Chinese witch hazel Hamamelis mollis
- American witch hazel (common witch hazel) Hamamelis virginiana
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens