Product details
Product Overview
Loropetalum chinense rubrum Plum Delight is an evergreen shrub with rich plum-purple to burgundy foliage and bright pink, ribbon-like flowers. Its dense, rounded habit provides year-round colour and structure, making it suitable for informal hedges, mixed garden beds, feature planting and large containers.
Growth:
Moderate growing, typically reaching approximately 2 m high and 2 m wide. Develops a naturally bushy, rounded shape and responds well to light pruning.
Light Requirements:
Grows best in full sun to part shade. Good sunlight encourages rich foliage colour and abundant flowering. In hot inland gardens, provide some protection from intense afternoon sun.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid waterlogged positions and strongly alkaline soils. Use a quality potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants when growing in containers.
Water Requirements:
Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, provide supplementary watering during extended dry periods and hot weather. Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping mulch clear of the stems.
Frost Tolerance:
Tolerates light to moderate frost once established. Young plants and soft new growth may need protection from severe frost, particularly in exposed positions.
Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought tolerant once established, although growth and appearance are best with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry conditions.
Flowering Information:
Produces clusters of bright magenta-pink flowers with narrow, fringed petals, mainly in spring. Further flushes may occur in autumn, with occasional flowers at other times of the year.
Spacing Requirements:
Space approximately 1–1.5 m apart for an informal hedge. Allow around 2 m between plants when growing as individual shrubs to accommodate their natural spread.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a controlled-release fertiliser suitable for acid-loving shrubs in spring, following the label directions. Water well after feeding and avoid fertilising dry or heat-stressed plants.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Maintain an organic mulch layer and avoid frequent heavy clipping if growing for flowers.
