Loropetalum chinense Jazz Hands Bold® (Chinese Fringe Flower)

Loropetalum chinense ‘Jazz Hands Bold®’ is a dynamic and versatile shrub that offers year-round visual interest with its unique purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers. Its ease of care, coupled with its non-invasiveness and resistance to common garden pests, makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscaping applications. Whether used as a standout specimen or part of a mixed border, ‘Jazz Hands Bold®’ will surely add a touch of drama and color to any garden setting.

Loropetalum chinense ‘Jazz Hands Bold®: An In-depth Look

Loropetalum chinense ‘Jazz Hands Bold®’ is an exceptionally ornamental variety of Chinese fringe flowers. This cultivar stands out for its vibrant coloration and lush, full growth. It features striking purple foliage and vivid pink flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking visual impact.

Native: Loropetalum chinense is native to Southeast Asia, specifically regions in China, Japan, and the Himalayas.

Plant Type and Habit: This cultivar is an evergreen shrub known for its dense, rounded, and bushy growth habit. It’s part of the Hamamelidaceae family, closely related to witch hazel.

Size: Jazz Hands Bold®’ typically reaches about 5-6 feet (150-180 cm) in height and spread, making it a medium-sized shrub ideal for various garden settings.

Flowers: The shrub produces abundant clusters of bright pink, fringed flowers that are both showy and delicate. These blooms are eye-catching against the dark foliage.

Bloom Time: It blooms profusely in the spring, with some intermittent blooming possible throughout the summer months, depending on the climate and growing conditions.

Foliage: One of the most striking features of ‘Jazz Hands Bold®’ is its rich purple foliage. The leaves maintain their vibrant color throughout the growing season, adding continuous interest to the landscape.

Uses: This cultivar is perfect for use in foundation plantings, mixed borders, and as a specimen plant. It’s also suitable for container gardening and can be used to create colorful hedges.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, it is adaptable to a range of temperate climates but may require protection in colder regions.

Toxicity: Generally not considered toxic to humans or dogs and cats.

Wildlife: Chinese Fringe Flower may not be a significant attractant for bees and butterflies compared to other flowering plants. While its flowers can provide some nectar, they are not typically recognized as a major food source for these pollinators.

Deer and Rabbit: It shows a good degree of resistance to deer, making it a suitable choice for gardens where these animals are.

Drought: It exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established. While it prefers regular watering, it can withstand short periods of dryness.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not invasive. It grows vigorously but remains well-contained within its intended area, making it a responsible choice for most gardens.

Loropetalum Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Best flower production and leaf color in full sun, although this plant appreciates some afternoon shade. Shelter from cold winds and provide winter protection.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Enriching with organic matter can improve growth.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive growth at the expense of flowering.

Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering.

Propagation: Can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant. Watch for aphids and scale insects. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.