chinese fringeflower

delboy · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject: chinese fringeflower

Hi, i went looking for a Chinese elm today for a starter, birthday present for a friend. would you believe it i couldn't find one not even Morrison's or b and q's. At the garden centre i found a Loropetalum chinense. I've looked through A-Z but can't find any reference. Iknow they have pink flowers, which is what attracted me but i know nothing else about them. Does anyone? do they need anything special?
Delboy.

yamadorinige · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject: Re: chinese fringeflower

I've never tried Loropetalum as a bonsai, but I do know that they are closely related to Hamamelis mollis(witch hazel) and have many of the same properties. I would imagine that they should be treated the same

splendidplumage · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: chinese fringeflower

Loropetalum want at least frost protection, although if kept somewhere cool they drop most of their leaves and are very sluggish in spring. If you keep them somewhere heated and light over winter they will happily stay in leaf and have more vigor.

A lot of imported ones seem to be in pots that are too small for them so if that is the case keep in mind the cost of repottting it once bought.

If you really still want an elm why not make the trek across town to Greenwood. They always have elms in stock, loropetalums too. They have stocked them for years and could tell you all about them.

corin · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:08 am Post subject: Re: chinese fringeflower

hi delboy

pop over to Greenwood and say hello - either myself or my brother will be around to give you any advice you need on either tree

the other amusing name for the loropetalum is "razzle berry" - I think thats its show biz name Laughing

cheers

Corin

delboy · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thanks guys for your help.

Corin. I am actually saving up for a trip to greenwood Ha! i will be coming over in the next few weeks. I need pots as well as some accessories. see you sooon
Delboy.