How to Grow Red Filigree Lace
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Red Filigree Lace
Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Red Filigree Lace'
shrubRed Filigree Lace is a compact ornamental shrub prized for its delicate, deeply lobed burgundy-red foliage that resembles fine lacework. It produces small white flowers in spring followed by blue-black berries, and maintains its striking leaf color year-round, making it an excellent accent plant for borders, containers, and landscapes.
When should you plant Red Filigree Lace in your zone?
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Example Red Filigree Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Filigree Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Filigree Lace
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown in zone 7b with winter protection
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Get my Red Filigree Lace timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung shrub with delicate red-burgundy foliage beginning to develop its characteristic lacy form
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping clear of stem. Avoid fertilizing first season.
Vegetative Growth
Year 1-3Shrub develops dense branching structure with increasingly intricate red filigree foliage; reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide
Prune lightly to shape as desired. Provide moderate fertilizer in spring. Maintain consistent moisture during dry spells.
Flowering
Spring (March-May depending on zone)Small delicate white flowers appear in clusters across the plant, contrasting beautifully with dark red foliage
Light feeding with balanced fertilizer. Do not deadhead if you want berries to form. Minimal pruning during bloom.
Fruiting
Late spring through winterFlowers develop into small ornamental blue-black berries that persist into winter, adding winter interest
Allow berries to mature naturally for extended ornamental value and wildlife food. No special care needed.
Maturity
Year 3 onwardsFully developed shrub displaying peak foliage color and form, typically 3-4 feet tall and wide
Maintain shape with selective pruning after flowering. Provide occasional deep watering during droughts. Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if severe
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Inspect regularly, prune affected branches, use horticultural oil spray or neem oil in early spring
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil or miticide if infestation is severe
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur or fungicide in cool, humid seasons
Uses
Ornamental Landscape Accent
HouseholdRed Filigree Lace's striking burgundy-red lacey foliage makes it an exceptional focal point in gardens, borders, and containers, providing color and texture year-round with minimal maintenance. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdIts compact size and striking appearance make it ideal for decorative containers, patios, and balconies, thriving in well-draining potting mix with occasional watering. [source]
Wildlife Food and Habitat
WildlifeThe ornamental blue-black berries attract birds and wildlife throughout winter, while the dense foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat for small animals. [source]
Screening and Privacy
HouseholdWhen massed or hedged, Red Filigree Lace creates attractive living screens and privacy borders while maintaining visual interest with its delicate foliage texture. [source]
Floral Arrangements and Decorations
CraftThe delicate red foliage and white flowers can be used fresh or dried in floral arrangements, wreaths, and seasonal decorations for long-lasting ornamental displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable; this is an ornamental shrub. Enjoy foliage year-round and berries in winter. Prune as needed for shape and size control after flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Filigree Lace is a cultivar of Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata), a plant native to Southeast Asia that has been extensively hybridized to create many ornamental varieties.
- 🌱 The intricate lacey appearance of the foliage comes from deeply lobed, finely dissected leaves that are much more delicate than those of the species, creating an almost fern-like aesthetic.
- 🌱 Unlike many deciduous shrubs, Red Filigree Lace retains its stunning red-burgundy coloring year-round in warm climates, providing consistent color interest when many other plants fade in winter.
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