How to Grow Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy
Wikimedia Commons
Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy
Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Burgundy'
shrubChinese Fringe Flower Burgundy is a deciduous to semi-evergreen ornamental shrub prized for its deep burgundy foliage and delicate, wine-colored fringe-like flowers that bloom in spring and sporadically through summer. This cultivar is a dramatic evolution of the traditional Chinese Fringe Flower, offering year-round visual interest with its rich coloring. It grows moderately fast and works well as a specimen plant, hedge, or landscape accent.
When should you plant Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-10, with best performance in zones 8-9
Sign up free to see if Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant focuses on root development with initial leaf growth; foliage may appear lighter burgundy initially.
Water regularly to establish deep root system. Mulch around base (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid fertilizing for first month.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerPlant develops branch structure and fuller foliage; burgundy leaf color deepens with maturity and cooler temperatures.
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Prune selectively to shape and encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
4-6 weeks in spring, sporadic summer bloomsDelicate, wispy wine-colored flowers appear in clusters along branches; flowers are fragrant and extremely ornamental.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms throughout season. Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Avoid heavy pruning during bloom.
Summer Growth
June through AugustPlant may produce secondary growth flush after spring pruning; foliage maintains deep burgundy coloring.
Reduce fertilizer applications. Continue watering during hot, dry periods. Light pruning acceptable to maintain shape.
Fall/Winter Dormancy
October through FebruaryPlant enters semi-dormancy (or full dormancy in colder zones); foliage may become even deeper burgundy with cooler temperatures.
Reduce watering frequency significantly. No fertilizing needed. Prune only if necessary to remove dead wood or reshape.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, especially during hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity around plant. Repeat applications every 5-7 days as needed.
-
Apply dormant oil spray in late winter. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap during growing season. Prune out heavily infested branches.
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations.
-
Improve air circulation through pruning. Remove infected leaves. Apply fungicide if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Ornamental Accent & Specimen Plant
LandscapeThe striking burgundy foliage and delicate wine-colored flowers make this an excellent focal point in landscape designs, borders, and foundation plantings. Its compact form works well in contemporary, Asian-inspired, and mixed ornamental gardens. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant, delicate fringe flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and can be cut in spring when blooms are at peak color. Branches with foliage add burgundy texture to floral designs. [source]
Privacy Screen & Hedge
LandscapeWhen planted in groups, Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy creates an attractive living screen or hedge with seasonal interest. Its moderate growth rate and semi-evergreen habit provide structure year-round. [source]
Pollinator-Friendly Plant
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies to the garden. It provides food and shelter for beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Cut flowering branches for fresh arrangements in spring when blooms are vibrant. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching off branch tips to encourage more blooms. Prune in late winter (February-March) before new growth to shape plant and remove winter damage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chinese Fringe Flower is called 'Loropetalum' from Greek words meaning 'strap' (loro) and 'petal' (petalum), referring to the unique shape of its distinctive fringe-like flowers.
- 🌱 The Burgundy cultivar's deep wine-colored foliage is intensified by cooler temperatures and acidic soil conditions, meaning fall and winter display the richest color.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental shrubs, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum is fragrant, with flowers that emit a subtle, sweet perfume particularly noticeable in warm spring weather.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Chinese Fringe Flower Burgundy timeline →