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Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense) is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub. It grows fast and can be used in many different ways in the landscape. The species plant offers deep green leaves and a mass of white flowers, but cultivars vastly expand the color choices. You can find loropetalum with foliage and flowers in eye-popping shades. Loropetalum grows fast, often ending up as wide or wider as it is tall. This vibrant plant, also called Chinese witch hazel or Chinese fringe plant, thrives without pruning. However, if this shrub outgrows the space you have allotted for it in the garden, you may start asking how to prune a loropetalum. Pruning this plant is easy. Read on for tips on pruning a loropetalum.
Loropetalum plants generally range from 10 to 15 feet (3-4.6 m.) high, with a similar width, but they can get much taller. Specimens have reached 35 feet (10.7 m.) tall over 100 years. If you want to keep your loropetalum a specific size, you’ll need to trim back the plant. Severe loropetalum pruning should only be done when absolutely required since it detracts from the plant’s natural shape. On the other hand, as long as your loropetalum pruning occurs at the right time, you can hardly go wrong. For top results, pick the best time for trimming loropetalums. Pruned during the appropriate season, the evergreen shrubs tolerate severe pruning and grow rapidly, so any loropetalum pruning errors are quickly forgotten.
Loropetalum is a popular ornamental shrub grown for its showy pink red purple or white blooms that appear in early spring. With its attractive foliage that ranges from deep burgundy to green depending on variety, loropetalum provides great color in the landscape. Proper pruning is key to keeping loropetalum looking its best. Here is a guide on when and how to cut back loropetalum.
When to Prune Loropetalum
The best time to prune loropetalum is right after it finishes blooming in early spring, This allows you to shape the shrub and remove any dead branches without sacrificing the current season’s flowers
Pruning in early spring also gives the shrub time to produce new growth that can harden off before winter, You want to avoid heavy pruning later in summer or fall that might lead to tender new growth being damaged by cold temperatures
Light trimming and shaping can be done as needed during the growing season but cease major pruning two months before your area’s first expected fall frost to avoid cold damage.
How Often to Prune
How often you need to prune loropetalum depends on the variety and how formal of a look you want. Some varieties like Purple Pixie loropetalum tend to maintain a tidy habit with little intervention. Larger varieties may need annual pruning to keep growth in check and maintain shape.
If you are growing loropetalum as a formal hedge or screen, plan on shearing it 2-3 times per year to maintain the desired shape. Take care not to over shear, as too frequent pruning can stress the plant.
You can cut back old, overgrown shrubs hard every 2-3 years as needed to rejuvenate them. But avoid hard pruning annually, which can weaken the plant over time.
How to Prune Loropetalum
Light Pruning
For general tidying, use sharp bypass pruners to remove dead, damaged or stray branches back to the main framework of the plant. Prune suckers sprouting from the base as needed.
Shaping
After spring flowering, prune branches as needed to shape the shrub. Make cuts just above strong buds or lateral branches, taking care to maintain the natural form.
Rejuvenation Pruning
To rejuvenate overgrown, neglected loropetalum, cut all branches back by 1/3 to 1/2 their length in early spring after blooming. This stimulates the production of new growth from the base and interior of the shrub.
Shearing Hedges
Use hedge shears or an electric trimmer to shear formal hedges and screens of loropetalum 2-3 times per year. Make cuts just above key lateral branches to encourage fullness. Avoid shearing into old wood, which can damage the plant.
Pruning for Tree Form
You can prune loropetalum with a single trunk and rounded canopy by selectively removing lower branches. Start when the shrub is young and continue over years as needed.
Avoid Pruning in Fall
As noted above, avoid heavy pruning late in the season that can lead to cold damage on new growth. Stick to light trimming only after mid-summer.
Pruning Tips
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Disinfect pruning tools before each use with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease spread.
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Prune in dry weather to avoid spreading disease.
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Remove branches at the base or origin rather than making stubs.
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Pile up and destroy pruned branches if the shrub shows signs of disease.
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Water and fertilize after major pruning to encourage quick regrowth.
Signs It’s Time to Prune
- Dead, crossing or crowded branches
- Suckers sprouting from the base
- Overgrown, neglected plants
- Loss of shape or desired form
- Lack of flowering due to old wood
When Not to Prune Loropetalum
Avoid heavy pruning during fall after August, as this can lead to cold damage on new growth. Only do light trimming after mid-summer.
Never prune loropetalum in winter when it is fully dormant. This can remove flower buds and negatively impact spring blooming. Stick to pruning immediately after flowering is finished.
Pruning loropetalum after its spring flowering is the best way to direct growth, maintain shape and maximize blooms. Take care not to over prune, which can stress the plant. With the proper technique and timing, pruning will keep your loropetalum looking its vibrant best for years to come.
Best Time for Trimming Loropetalums
According to experts, it is best to delay pruning a loropetalum until spring, after it has bloomed. Since loropetalum sets its buds in summer, autumn pruning reduces the next season’s flowers.
How to Prune a Loropetalum
How to prune a loropetalum depends on how much you want to cut it back. If you want to reduce size by a few inches (7.5 cm.), cut individual stems with a pruner. This will help maintain the natural, vase-shape of the bush. On the other hand, if you want to dramatically reduce plant size, feel free to chop off as much as you like. This is one shrub that accepts almost any pruning. Pruning a loropetalum can even be done with shears. If you are pruning overgrown loropetalum, you might prune it back two times during the year, reducing it each time by about 25 percent.
Q&A – When and how do I prune my Loropetalum?
FAQ
How far back can you cut Loropetalum?
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Heavy Pruning:Loropetalums are known for their ability to tolerate heavy pruning, making them suitable for various uses like topiaries, bonsai, or foundation plantings.
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Timing:Prune after the flowering season, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring.
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Amount to Remove:While they can handle substantial pruning, it’s best to remove no more than one-third of the plant’s volume at a time to maintain its health and vigor.
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Pruning Cuts:Make cuts just above the main, dense form of the plant.
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Regrowth:Loropetalums regrow quickly, so don’t be afraid to prune them back to maintain a desired size or shape.
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Why prune?Loropetalums can get very tall, so pruning is often necessary to maintain a smaller size or shape, especially in landscape designs.
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Dormancy:Hard pruning should be done during dormancy, after the last frost or before the first frost.
Can you cut Loropetalum to the ground in the fall?
Loropetalum can tolerate heavy pruning if used as topiaries, Bonsai, or around foundations, but remove no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time to keep it healthy. Since this shrub flowers on old wood, wait until after flowering to prune—usually summer.
What are common problems with Loropetalum?
Problems. Normally, loropetalums have few serious pest or disease problems. However, root rot can be an issue, especially in poorly drained soils. In addition, leaves may become chlorotic (yellow) in alkaline (pH greater than 7.0) soil.
How do you care for Loropetalum in the winter?
Winter Care For Loropetalum
The growth rate slows down quite a bit during cooler months, but the leaves should stay in tact. Loropetalum do not flower during the winter though. In general we recommend leaving the plants alone during the winter and do not prune or fertilize.
Should Loropetalum be pruned?
Pruning loropetalum later can cause a risk of cutting off flower buds which can result in having fewer flowers next season. Remove dead branches, cut back damaged limbs, and remove any shoots or unruly stems that take away or distract from the overall shape of the plant. Begin pruning your Oakleaf hydrangea in spring soon after it stops flowering.
How do you prune loropetlaum?
Selective Pruning To keep your Loropetlaum plants tidy, at any time of year you can use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to selectively remove stray, broken or dead branches. On healthy growth, make your pruning cuts to a point just above the main, dense form of the plant.
Is Loropetalum a good landscaping plant?
Loropetalum is a popular landscaping plant due to its adaptability to a range of growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade and a variety of soil types. To keep them in good shape and health, the shrubs can be grown as specimen plants, hedges, or foundation plantings. When and How To Prune Loropetalum?