Maple Tree · Gardenality Genius · Zone 10A · 30° to 35° F · Comment About Planting
Loropetalum prefers moist, but well drained, rich humusy, acidic soil, but it seems to adapt to less than ideal conditions. They flower best and have the attractive leaf color when planted in full sun. They will tolorate some shade, but in more than 50 percent shade the plant will be less stricking than in the sun.
Before planting add generous amounts of organic humus into the planting soil to prevent root rot which can occur when roots are wet constantly. This can be a problem in poorly-draining clay soils. Be sure to set the plant so that the root ball is right at or just above ground level then add a layer of mulch to help top layer of soil from drying out and keep shallow roots cool in warmer weather.

Maple Tree · Gardenality Genius · Zone 10A · 30° to 35° F · Comment About Pruning
Loropetalum needs very little pruning if left to grow in their natural form. In early spring you can prune out any dead or old growth that may have been damaged from winter weather. As with other early-spring blooming plants, should you need to shape or prune to confine its growth it is best done after blooming.

Maple Tree · Gardenality Genius · Zone 10A · 30° to 35° F · Comment About Feeding
Fertilize the Loropetalum in April or after spring blooming and again in June to encourage growth. Use a slow-release ballanced tree and shrub food. Follow the directions on the package, but apply the fertilizer lightly. Water in well so as not to burn shallow feeder roots.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
Purple Diamond Loropetalum has no insect, pest or disease problems. Consistently wet soil can cause problems with the roots so always plant in a well-drained site.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Purple Diamond is a smaller growing loropetalum (4-5' x 4-5') making it an excellent selection for foundation plantings. It is also useful as a natural or formal hedge or in small or large groups for splashes of outstanding color.