Author Keri Byrum 6-23-2020
Loropetalum are an excellent, easy care shrub for your garden and landscape. Taking time to fertilize loropetalum in spring will reward you with healthy, robust shrubs. Loropetalum both new and old will benefit from a yearly fertilization and keep flowering and growing steadily.
How to Fertilize Plant Loropetalum
Loropetalum can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer spread around the perimeter of the plant or with a water soluble fertilizer. Loropetalum do prefer slightly acidic soil, so an acid loving plant fertilizer will promote strong growth. The root zone of your loropetalum extends beyond the leaves of the plant, for this reason it's best to spread fertilizer out in a broad pattern instead of just around the plant’s base.
Best Time To Fertilize Loropetalum
Loropetalum bloom in early spring and summer so right after this is the best time to fertilize your plants. If this period has passed, anytime until early fall will work just fine. Ideally, plants should not be fertilized as winter approaches so that they are not pushed to grow new, tender leaves.
If older loropetalum plants require pruning the period after this will also be a good time to fertilize. Water the plants well and apply fertilizer to help the pruned shrubs grow new leaves quickly.
Best Fertilizer For Loropetalum
We recommend using a slow release, granular fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer like an 8-8-8 or similar will work well. Look for fertilizers labeled for acid loving plants (such as hydrangea) to help improve soil acidity.
Miracle Grow will work well for loropetalum in both the landscape and in containers.
Loropetalum Fertilizing Tips
- Fertilize in spring or early summer
- Spread fertilizer throughout the “root zone”
- Use a slow release granular fertilizer designed for acid loving plants
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label