Razzleberri Loropetalum

Razzleberri Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense 'Razzleberri') is a fast growing evergreen shrub that settles at about 1.5m tall and wide, carrying plum tinted foliage and covering itself in fringed pink flowers. Few shrubs give colour from both leaf and flower while asking so little in return. It is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and it clips into a hedge at 1m spacing.

Why you'll love it

• Colour without flowers. The plum tinted leaves carry the display through the year, so the plant still earns its spot between flowering flushes.
• Fringed pink flowers. The ribbon like blooms smother the bush and bring in bees and butterflies.
• Wide climate range. Frost hardy and humidity tolerant, so it works from subtropical coasts through warm temperate gardens into cool temperate districts.
• Low input once away. Drought tolerant after the first year, with one trim a year enough to keep it tidy.

Where it works best

Hedging. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a dense hedge to about 1.5m. It closes quickly, and a light trim after flowering keeps the line even.

Borders, edging and mass planting. At 1m centres in a block it makes a coloured band that contrasts with green foliage plants and reads well from a distance.

Pots and feature planting. A single plant in a large pot beside a doorway holds its shape, and the foliage colour lifts a plain courtyard.

Growing Razzleberri Loropetalum in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Sun deepens the leaf colour and increases flowering, while part shade gives a greener, softer plant. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens and is frost hardy once established.

Soil. Free draining and slightly acidic is ideal. Improve heavy clay with compost and plant on a raised mound. Mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the stems. Alkaline soil causes yellowing between the leaf veins.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then only in dry spells. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser for acid loving plants in early spring, and again after flowering if growth looks tired.

Pruning. Trim straight after the main flowering flush, which is when next season's buds are set. It reshoots from old wood, so an overgrown plant can be cut back hard in spring and will refurnish within a season.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in two sizes: a pack of ten in 140mm pots and a pack of six in 200mm pots. Both are pack quantities aimed at hedging and mass planting rather than single specimen use, which is the economical way to plant a run of 10m or more. The 200mm plants are further along and give a visible line sooner.

Plants travel packed upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet fortnight, then new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather, and a closed hedge line in about two seasons at 1m spacing. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to plant and maintain a hedge
• Compare hedging plants
• Browse low maintenance shrubs
• See the full shrub range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

1m apart in a single row. At that spacing the plants meet within about two seasons and the hedge holds cover down to ground level.

Will it handle frost?

Yes. It is frost hardy once established, which is why it suits cool temperate gardens as well as subtropical ones. Protect young plants through their first winter.

How do I keep the leaf colour strong?

Give it as much sun as your climate allows. Plants in part shade grow greener, and a feed formulated for acid loving plants in early spring helps hold the tone.

When should I prune it?

Straight after the main flowering flush. Pruning later removes the wood that carries next season's flowers, which is the usual reason a plant flowers poorly.