Blooming Razzleberry Ruby Shrub
Another favorite early spring blooming shrub of mine is the showy “Razzleberry” evergreen shrub, also called Chinese Fringe Flower Loropetalum chinense, var. rubrum “Razzleberry”. Its striking deep pink fringe-like flowers have a sort of “flopsy mopsy” show-off demeanor. In spring, its foliage is a verdant green, deepening to a beautiful bronze color later in the year.
Not only are its flowers and leaves showy, I love its mound-like structure, too. Although it can reach 4 feet high and wide in maturity, I keep mine compact at about 3 feet high by 3 feet wide, and off of the ground. Its layers of graceful arching branches add to Razzleberry’s flowering drama which is best in the spring, but it can flower at other times throughout the year, too. It benefits from a shapely trim, now and then, and certainly before its spring bloom.
Originally from Japan and Southern China, this evergreen shrub is drought tolerant once established, and likes sun to partial shade. I planted mine under a mature avocado tree, so it has sun and partial shade. I also planted it along my boxwood pathway, surely to be noticed by passersby.
The Razzleberry shrub can be used in many different ways in the garden. Place it in an entrance to a sun-speckled woodlood garden. Plant it next to a wonderful gurgling water feature. Espalier it against your courtyard wall. With young plants, you can pot it in a patio container with other color, or in your favorite moss-covered hanging basket.
Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese Fringed Flower, comprises a large variety of cultivars, with pink, red, or white flowers and various other size and structural characteristics. Besides, the Razzleberry, other popular varieties are Ruby, Sizzling Pink, and Burgundy. They grow best in zones 7-9. These shrubs are easily found in local nurseries, and by mail order via the internet.
For an eye-catching addition to your spring garden, plant a dazzling Razzleberry shrub. Do you have a Chinese Fringed Flower shrub in your garden, you’d like to share comments on?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a Razzleberry bush in my garden and love it. Is it possible to start a new plant with a slip from my present bush?
Darlene,
I have never tried it, but it is worth a shot. Try putting a little root stimulator on your slip when potting. Keep me posted. Thanks for your great question….VintageGardenGal
I live in Zone 10a and would love to plant some Razzleberry as ground cover next to my front porch. The spot I’m thinking of is full sun 75 percent of the day and very shallow and sandy. Would it work here?
Melissa, I’m inclined to say it might not. Sunset’s Western Garden Bookdoesn’t list your zone for it. You can always try it, and see. Thanks for your great comment…VintageGardenGal
Does anyone know if these plants might be poisonous to dogs or any other animal. My Jack Russell ate some of the plant and she developed hives and swelling of her face and eyes and had trouble breathing shortly after eating some of the plant. Any help would be wonderful.
Thank you
Sue
Susan, I have not read anything that Razzleberry Shrub might be poisonous. I know they are tolerant of deer and rabbits. Maybe your vet would know.
Thanks for your great question…..VintageGardenGal
When should this shrub be trimmed. Our has gotten very overgrown and I don’t want to trim at the wrong time and prevent flowering.
Linda, this shrub takes pruning well. I wouldn’t trim it when it is blooming. Thanks for your great question….VintageGardenGal
Can you advise me how to fertilize this shrub. It is being infested with aphids and I have sprayed with white oil several times. I have recently resorted to a prune and would like to strengthen the health of the shrub to assist it to cope with further aphid attacks.
When is the best time to shape the Razzleberry bush? Would it damage it to shape it now in the Spring while blooming? Mine are beautiful, just really large and need trimming back
Jan, it is best to trim your razzleberry shrub before its spring bloom. You could also trim it, after it has bloomed. Thanks for sharing….VintageGardenGal
I live in Maryland , would I be able to plant Purple Pixie Loropetalum?
Thanks , Janet
Janet, the Purple Pixie likes garden zones 7,8, or 9. Check to see what garden zone you live in. Thanks for sharing….VintageGardenGal