The Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Ever Red Fringe Flower

The ever red fringe flower, also known as Loropetalum chinense ‘Ever Red’, is a stunning ornamental shrub gaining popularity in gardens across the country. With its vibrant burgundy foliage and bright cherry red blooms, it adds striking color to the landscape. This easy-care plant thrives in the right conditions with minimal upkeep required. Let’s explore why the ever red fringe flower deserves a spot in your yard.

Loropetalum chinense is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family native to China and parts of Asia. It typically grows to 6-8 feet tall and wide, but can reach up to 15 feet in height. The species features green leaves and insignificant white flowers.

‘Ever Red’ is a standout variety with deep burgundy-purple foliage that intensifies in cooler weather. In early spring, clusters of vibrant red strappy blooms create a showy display. This compact cultivar only reaches 3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for containers.

Key Features of Ever Red Fringe Flower

Here are some of the top qualities that make ever red fringe flower such a prized landscape plant

• Vibrant year-round color: The dark leaves and bright blooms provide stunning color impact in the garden.

• Low maintenance: Once established, ever red fringe flower is quite drought and pest tolerant. Little pruning or upkeep is required.

• Versatile uses: It can be used as a low border, specimen planting, container plant, and more. The compact size makes it easy to incorporate.

• Deer resistant: Deer tend to leave this plant alone, so it’s ideal if you struggle with deer pressure.

• Hardy Ever red fringe flower thrives from USDA zones 7-10, surviving winters as low as 0°F once established

Growing Conditions for Ever Red Fringe Flower

While adaptable ever red fringe flower performs best in the right growing environment. Here are its ideal conditions

• Sun: Plant in full sun for the darkest foliage and maximum blooms. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal.

• Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5 is preferable. Avoid soggy or clay soil.

• Water: Drought tolerant once established, but regular watering is needed initially. In dry periods, give a deep soak 1-2 times per week.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering. Organic compost also benefits ever red fringe flower.

• Temperature: Performs best in USDA zones 7-10. Provide winter protection in colder climates.

How to Plant and Care for Ever Red Fringe Flower

Caring for ever red fringe flower is quite simple with proper planting and just a bit of basic maintenance:

• Planting: Give ever red fringe flower plenty of room, spacing at least 3 feet apart. Amend soil with compost at planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape and stimulate new growth. Avoid heavy pruning.

• Watering: Water 1-2 times per week until established, then water during drought. Avoid overwatering.

• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Compost and organic mulch also provide nutrients.

• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest and disease resistant. Monitor for mites, scale, or fungal issues and treat accordingly.

• Winter Care: Protect from harsh winter wind and freeze. Mulch the root zone for insulation in cold climates.

How to Use Ever Red Fringe Flower in the Landscape

Thanks to its compact size and vibrant color, ever red fringe flower is endlessly versatile in the home landscape. Here are some excellent uses for this eye-catching shrub:

• Borders, walkways, and garden edges
• Foundation plantings by entryways
• Accent or specimen planting
• Grouped in island beds or small hedges
• Container planting, either alone or combined with annuals
• Rock gardens, xeriscapes, and drought-tolerant gardens

Try pairing ever red fringe flower with plants like lavender, blue star juniper, blue fescue grass, and yellow barberry for a vibrant, complementary color scheme. It also complements materials like stone and brick.

Why You Should Add Ever Red Fringe Flower to Your Garden

If you’re looking for an easy-care shrub that packs year-round visual punch, ever red fringe flower is an excellent choice. Here’s a summary of why this beautiful plant deserves a spot in your landscape:

• Provides vibrant red and purple color impact
• Thrives with minimal care and watering once established
• Compact size fits any garden, even containers
• Tolerates heat, drought, humidity, and poorer soils
• Resists pests, diseases, and deer damage
• Flowers profusely in spring with no deadheading needed
• Foliage looks great all year, turning burgundy-black in winter

For stunning flowers and colorful foliage that require very little work from you, ever red fringe flower is a perfect choice. Add some eye-catching appeal to your garden this season with this beautiful easy-care shrub.