GARDENJEWELS
GARDENJEWELS
GENERAL
GENERAL
'WORTHY OF A MENTION - LOROPETALUM AND MICHELIA'
LOROPETALUM
LOROPETALUM
Loropetalum Burgundy
Loropetalum Flowers
Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense), is an often-overlooked shrub for warmer climates. This witch hazel relative has softly crinkled evergreen foliage and profuse clusters of lightly scented, spidery flowers similar to its winter-blooming cousin. Many varieties have deep purple or burgundy leaves, a unique trait not typically seen in evergreen shrubs. Another attractive feature is its layered branching habit.
Native to woodland regions of the Himalayas, China, and Japan.
The sophisticated appearance belies its ease of growing and virtually maintenance-free nature, making it a suitable choice even for novice gardeners.
With a variety of foliage and flower colors, sizes and growth habits, this versatile shrub is a welcome addition to any style landscape.
LOROPETALUM BASICS
Height/Spread:
Upright, mounding, or spreading habit, 1 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide depending on variety.
Exposure:
Full sun to light shade; bloom and foliage color is best with at least 6 hours of full sun. Provide some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Bloom time:
Mid-spring, with some re-bloom throughout the year
Flower color and characteristics:
Tassel-like flowers with strappy, ribbon-like petals occur in prolific clusters up and down the branches. Bloom is heaviest in spring, with smaller, sporadic re-bloom at different times of the year. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Tiny, capsule-like fruits are insignificant.
Foliage color and characteristics:
This broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree has dense branching with small, opposite oval leaves 1 to 2-1/2 inches long. Fine-textured foliage comes in shades of burgundy, purple, chartreuse and green. Mature specimens can develop exfoliating bark.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
When to plant:
Plant during milder months of spring to avoid shock from extreme heat or cold.
Where to plant:
Grow in a sunny to lightly shaded site in a container or landscape. Plants will flower and retain color best in full sun.
How to plant:
Amend planting area as needed with compost or other rich organic matter, making sure that soil is loose and well draining. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the diameter and slightly shallower than the size of the root ball. Tease out circling roots or slash the root ball in several places if potbound. Place in the planting hole so the top of the root ball is level or slightly above the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water well. Until plants are established, continue to water once or twice a week. Spacing depends on the variety.
LOROPETALUM CARE
Pruning:
Loropetalum looks best when allowed to grow to its full size and naturally graceful shape, though it can also tolerate heavy pruning into formal hedging or topiaries. Since loropetalum blooms on old wood, wait until flowers are finished in spring before pruning. Trim out dead and diseased branches. Lightly shape as needed, or prune to desired size and shape.
Soil:
Plant in rich, well-draining soil that is amended with compost or other organic matter. Loropetalum prefers acidic pH between 4.5 to 6.5. In alkaline soil with pH above 7.0, plants may develop chlorosis, a nutritional deficiency that causes yellowing of the leaves. Add aluminum sulphate to increase soil acidity.
Amendments & fertiliser:
Loropetalum needs little or no supplemental fertilizer once established. If desired, fertilise in spring with a slow-release all-purpose fertiliser, or one that is specially formulated for trees and shrubs. Apply according to package instructions. Mulch around the rootball with 2 to 3 inches of organic matter such as compost, straw, or aged wood chips to suppress weeds and retain moisture; avoid covering the trunk and stems with the mulch.
Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Loropetalum is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Water more frequently during extreme heat or dry spells in summer.
Diseases and pests:
When planted in optimal conditions and properly maintained, loropetalum exhibits few, if any problems. Possible diseases include mildew, root rot, or bacterial gall. There are no significant pest problems, but they can be susceptible to spider mites if kept too dry or in too much sun.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOROPETALUM
For borders and landscapes:
Larger, quick-growing varieties will offer maximum impact. Use as hedging, screening along a property line, as a background element in a mixed border, or massed in a bed or landscape.
For slopes and hillsides:
Select a variety that will fill in quickly, and mass along a bank or slope for erosion control.
For containers:
Choose a to grow in a decorative container and display in a key area such as an entryway, patio, or deck.
Loropetalum Firedance
MICHELIA
MICHELIA
Michelia Inspiration
Michelia Warm Fuzzies
Michelia is native to the Chinese Himalayan Mountains and is a popular landscaping shrub. The long, narrow leaves have a tropical look but the real appeal is the magnificent, sweetly fragrant flowers. This is an excellent plant for container growing. Suitable for growing in cold climates if brought indoors for the winter.
Best grouped or massed in a shrub border. Ideal for planting in mixed borders or as a specimen plant. Beautiful when planted in large patio containers.
Michelia Inspiration
MICHELIA BASIC CARE
Plant Feed
Annually with organic matter.
Watering
Water regularly until established.
Soil
Ordinary, well-drained soil.
Basic Care Summary
Best in organic-rich, well-drained soil. Water freely in dry weather. Prune back as needed, after flowering.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Plant in spring or early Autumn to give plants the best start.
Choose a location that will allow roots to spread and branches to grow freely. Space plants far enough from building foundations, walls, and decks so that the growing foliage won't crowd the structure. Consider whether tall trees or shrubs will block windows or interfere with the roof or power lines.
To prepare the planting area dig a hole as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. After removing the soil, mix it with some compost or peat moss. This enriches the soil and loosens the existing dirt so that new roots can spread easily.
To remove the plant from the container, gently brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. The container can also be removed by carefully cutting it down the side.
Set the plant in the hole. If the root ball is wrapped in burlap fabric this must now be removed along with any string or wire securing the burlap. If roots are tightly packed gently rake them apart with your fingers.
Return the soil to the planting area packing it firmly around the root ball. Fill the hole until the soil line is just at the base of the plant, where the roots begin to flare out from the main stem.
