Overview
Chinese Fringe Flower Bonsai (Loropetalum chinense) is a evergreen shrub with small leaves, pink strap-like flowers and purple-leaf cultivars. It is best suited to flowering and colour-interest bonsai, informal upright and clump styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor with winter protection in cold areas.
Placement
sun to partial shade; purple forms colour best with good light
Watering
keep evenly moist, avoiding drought in shallow pots
Feeding and fertilising
feed during spring and summer
Pruning and wiring
prune after flowering, then pinch new growth for density
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in spring after flowering
Propagation
semi-ripe cuttings
Pests, diseases and common issues
chlorosis in alkaline conditions, aphids and leaf scorch from drying wind