Ruby Loropetalum is an evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family that features ruby-red new growth in spring, which darkens to a deep burgundy color by autumn. Each April, bright pink clusters of fringe-shaped flowers appear almost like magic. The combination of colorful foliage plus the pink blossoms makes this an exciting addition to almost any landscape. This shrub does need regular watering weekly, more often in extreme heat. It prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Protect from winter winds in zone 7. If you are pruning this plant, it is best to wait until the flowering is completed. More information on Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheLonicera acuminataLoropetalum chinense var. rubrumRhaphiolepis x delacourii
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Shrub
Life cycle
Woody
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in. | Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Rounded
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Oblong; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Ruby red new growth in spring. darkens to deep burgundy color by autumn.
Flower color
Pink
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower detail
Bright pink clusters of fragrant, fringe-shaped flowers in spring with sporadic blooming throughout.