Loropetalum ‘Fire Dance’ (Chinese Witch Hazel)

Planting

Dig a hole around twice the width of the root ball and deep enough for the plant to sit at the same level it was growing in its pot. Position the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.

Watering

Water regularly while your Loropetalum establishes, particularly during dry weather. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells and check container-grown plants more frequently during warm weather.

Feeding

Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and flowering. A layer of garden compost or well-rotted organic matter around the base will help retain moisture and improve the soil.

Light & Position

Plant Loropetalum ‘Fire Dance’ in full sun or partial shade, choosing a sheltered position away from cold winds. Its rich foliage colour makes it particularly effective where it can be seen throughout the year.

Soil

Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well drained. Avoid positions that remain waterlogged, particularly during winter.

Give It Room to Grow

Allow around 0.5–1m for its naturally compact, bushy growth. Its manageable size makes it a useful choice for borders, courtyards and patio containers.

Pruning

Little routine pruning is needed. Remove any dead, damaged or poorly positioned growth and lightly shape the plant after flowering if required.

Winter Care

In most UK gardens, established plants need little winter attention. A sheltered position will help protect the evergreen foliage from cold, drying winds, while container-grown plants can be moved closer to a wall or other protected spot during particularly cold spells.

Container Care

Water regularly during dry weather, particularly through spring and summer, and make sure excess water can drain freely. Feed during the growing season to support healthy foliage and flowering.

For Foliage Contrast

Use the deep red-purple foliage to create contrast among fresh green, silver or golden-leaved plants. Its evergreen habit means the colour continues to contribute to the planting long after flowering has finished.

In Mixed Borders

Its compact, bushy growth works well towards the front or middle of a mixed border, where the dark foliage provides a strong backdrop to spring bulbs and flowering perennials.

Courtyards & Containers

Its manageable size makes ‘Fire Dance’ particularly useful for sheltered courtyards and patio containers. Grow it as a feature shrub or combine it with lower-growing plants to create a layered display.

Potted Shrubs

Our shrubs are supplied in a range of pot sizes, from smaller 9cm pots through to larger specimens in 15 litre pots. The pot size refers to the container the plant is growing in rather than the overall height or spread of the plant.

What Will My Plant Look Like?

Plants are living products and their appearance naturally changes with the seasons. The height, shape, amount of foliage and stage of growth of the plant you receive may therefore differ from the photographs shown.

During spring and summer, plants may arrive in active growth, while those ordered later in the year may be changing colour, losing their leaves or entering dormancy. Deciduous shrubs can arrive with few or no leaves during autumn and winter. This is a normal part of their seasonal growth and they will produce fresh foliage when growth resumes.

Why Do Plants Vary in Size?

Even plants supplied in the same pot size can naturally vary in height, shape and fullness. Different varieties have different growth habits, and plants may also have been trimmed at the nursery to encourage healthy, well-branched growth. The eventual height and spread shown on the product page refers to the plant's mature size rather than the size you will receive.

When Your Plant Arrives

Unpack your shrub as soon as possible and check the compost, watering if it feels dry. If conditions are suitable, it can be planted into its final position. If you can't plant straight away, keep it in its pot in a sheltered position outdoors and water as needed to prevent the compost from drying out.

When Can I Plant?

Container-grown shrubs can be planted throughout the year when ground and weather conditions are suitable. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground, and take extra care with watering when planting during warm, dry weather.