Review of Purple Pixie Loropetalum
Purple Pixie Loropetalum
Common Names: Dwarf Chinese Fringe Bush, Dwarf Chinese Fringe Flower
Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinensis 'Shanglo' PPIP - 'Purple Pixie'
Review By: Brent Wilson - Co-Founder Wilson Bros. Nursery
Review
I first saw the Purple Pixie Loropetalum about 3 years ago when Flowerwood Nurseries, one of the largest plant growing operations in the United States, sent us (Wilson Bros. Nursery) a few of the first plants to roll off the production line at their growing facility in Alabama. We had been waiting for over 10 years for a breeder to develop a true dwarf purple leaf Loropetalum. The purple leaf Loropetalums have been around now for over a decade, but the lowest-growing one to come along might have been 3 to 4 feet or so in height, with the tallest growing to over 15 feet. These taller cultivars are perfect for foundation plantings, mid to tall hedges or tree form specimens, but we wanted one that would work well in the landscape as a groundcover or border in beds. So, finally, along came Purple Pixie; a purple leaf Loropetalum we were told would not only retain its intense purple foliage year round, but grow to only 24 inches in height with a spread of about 4 to 5 feet.
After receiving the sample plants, first thing I did was to plant two of them at our nursery facility and two more in my home landscape. I knew that Loropetalum preferred well-drained soil, but wanted to see if Purple Pixie would tolerate some shade, so planted the two on the nursery property on an embankment under a Drake Elm tree. It's been about three years and as you can see in the photo above, the plants are doing exceptionally well as of May 2010. The plants have been fertilized lightly with Milorganite once per year in the Spring. The plants were watered when installed and then a little here and there during the first season. Since then, we have yet to water them again, even when there were prolonged dry periods. The two I took home were planted on level ground near my garden pond where they receive full, all day sun. The soil in the area is well drained and these two are doing just as well as the two planted at the nursery. Three years have gone by and all four plants are doing exceptionally well. This past year, in Georgia, we had the second rainiest winter on record. All four plants survived the deluge of water from the drenching rain. So, thus far, I give Purple Pixie Loropetalum a major green thumbs up in the categories of toughness, durability, and hardiness.
Description
This new spreading, dwarf Loropetalum has intense purple foliage that doesn't turn green during summer. In early spring the plants are covered in bright, fuchsia-pink fringe flowers, and they occasionally have flowers during the summer and fall. The unique growth habit of this variety makes it immensely useful; unlike other varieties, this one grows across the ground like a groundcover. In three years time, the plants in our trial gardens are now about 12 inches tall and about 24 inches wide. Mature size is supposed to be about 2 feet tall spreading 4 to 5 feet wide. Like other Loropetalum varieties, Purple Pixie will flower best in full sun, but grow fine in light or afternoon shade. They have no special requirements other than providing good drainage.
Usages
Purple Pixie can be grown in containers, planters, garden beds and islands. Its low and spreading growth habit makes it a good selection for a groundcover on slopes or embankments, as an edger or border around the perimeter of beds or along paths and walks, or to underplant large or small trees that allow some light underneath. When planted underneath a large shade tree, where not much sunlight shines through, don't expect many flowers. They are especially useful cascading over walls, or in large, well-drained containers.
HARDINESS
USDA Zones 7 through 9. Very heat and drought tolerant.
NATIVE ORIGIN / LOCATIONS
China. Can be grown in USDA Zones 7 through 9.
LIGHT / SUN EXPOSURE
Full sun to part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.
SOIL / CULTURE
Widely adaptable to soil, but must be well-drained. Loropetalums do not like wet feet, particularly 'Purple Pixie'.
MOISTURE / WATERING REQUIREMENTS
Once established this plant is very drought tolerant and will need very little if any attention to watering. Occasional watering may be necessary during the first growing season and from then on only during prolonged periods of dry weather or drought.
MAINTENANCE
Exceptionally low maintenance. We have yet to prune the plants in our trial gardens.
PROBLEMS
The plants in our trial gardens have had absolutely no pest or disease problems. Deer resistant.
FINAL COMMENTS
With its low and spreading habit, and evergreen purple leaves and pink flowers, Purple Pixie Lorotpetalum is a truly outstanding plant for sunny to partially shaded areas of landscape. Whether in containers or in garden beds, make sure the soil is well drained. As with other Loropetalums, Purple Pixie does not like wet feet!
See Plant File for More Details and Instructions for Care: Purple Pixie Loropetalum