Carolina Midnight Loropetalum

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(4+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 10

Carolina Midnight develops some of the darkest Loropetalum foliage, with glossy burgundy-purple leaves setting off deep fuchsia-pink fringe flowers in spring. This Loropetalum chinense f. rubrum grows into a large evergreen shrub about 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide when allowed to mature naturally. Reddish new leaves deepen as they age, keeping the canopy richly colored through the seasons, while occasional flowers may return later in the year. The broad mass of dark foliage makes a stunning backdrop for lighter-colored plants.

Its fast-growing, upright habit can be maintained as a substantial hedge, allowed to arch naturally as a privacy screen, or gradually limbed up into a small tree. Carolina Midnight performs well in heat and humidity and becomes quite drought tolerant after its root system is established. Deer generally avoid loropetalum, and significant pest or disease problems are uncommon when the shrub is planted in suitable soil. Use it along property lines, behind mixed shrub borders, against large blank walls, or as a dark evergreen specimen in landscapes with enough room for its mature spread.

Carolina Midnight Loropetalum Care

Plant Carolina Midnight Loropetalum in full sun to partial shade, with stronger sun exposure supporting denser growth and deeper foliage color. It accepts amended clay, loam, sand, and silt as long as excess water drains away readily. Acidic to slightly acidic soil is preferred, with a pH around 4.5 to 6.5 providing suitable conditions for healthy foliage.

Water deeply and regularly during the establishment period, allowing the upper soil layer to begin drying between irrigations. Mature shrubs need considerably less supplemental water and can handle moderately dry soil between rainfall events. Apply fertilizer in late winter or early spring before flowering begins, using a slow-release product suited to broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Maintain a layer of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and limit weeds.

Prune after the main spring flowering period when controlling height, shaping a hedge, or refining the shrub's outline. For a more natural form, thin selected older or crowded branches from inside the canopy instead of repeatedly shearing the exterior. Plants being trained as small trees can have lower branches removed gradually as the upper framework develops.

Carolina Midnight Loropetalum Spacing

Space Carolina Midnight Loropetalum about 6 feet apart on center for a solid hedge or privacy screen, and 8 to 10 feet apart in mixed borders where individual plants need room to broaden. Young plants can be grown in containers at least 20 to 24 inches wide, although this cultivar's eventual size makes permanent landscape planting the better long-term use. Use a well-drained container mix and check moisture frequently during hot weather.

Carolina Midnight Loropetalum Companion Plants

Pair Carolina Midnight Loropetalum with pieris shrubs and hostas in partially shaded, acidic beds, where their lighter foliage and flowers stand clearly against the dark evergreen canopy. Liriope can form a lower edging layer beneath established shrubs and tolerates the filtered light near the shrub's base. In large containers, bacopa can trail over the rim around a young loropetalum while accepting regular watering and well-drained growing media.

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