Loropetalum is a famous plant that is planted in gardens. When it comes to growing it, you should note that the plant is a little different when compared with other varieties. This is because Loropetalum is usually grown as a small tree or shrub. Additionally, instead of having flowers, the main reason why the plant is loved is because of its leaves. These come in different shades of red and purple which help in giving your garden a unique look.
Keep in mind that there are several types of Loropetalum that you can select from. Each of them has its unique features including some varieties having flowers. Two of the most famous Loropetalum are crimson fire and purple diamond. If you are confused between these two then going through this article should help you in understanding their differences. This is because we will be providing you with a comparison between the two varieties of Loropetalum.
Loropetalum Crimson Fire vs Loropetalum Purple Diamond
Loropetalum Crimson Fire
The crimson fire Loropetalum has recently been gaining a lot of popularity. When it comes to its characteristics, you will notice that these look a little different. While the color of its flowers is a neon pink shade, the leaves are purplish. This helps in creating a unique look that people love. Keep in mind that most of the requirements for this plant are the same as standard Loropetalum. However, when you get into its size, the crimson fire variant is considered to be a dwarf plant.
This is because the plant only grows up to 2 or 3 feet in both height and width. The growth rate is quite fast which means that even if the shrub is cut down, it should grow back again without any issues. Although, you should also note that the spread of this plant is not like other variants of Loropetalum.
This is why people mostly plant these in pots to display the flowers in their garden. The flowers usually bloom during springtime, and these will start to fall off near winter. However, the area you live in plays a huge role in how the growth of these plants will be affected.
This is because Loropetalum prefers a warmer environment which helps its leaves and flowers in staying healthy and maintaining vibrant color. Other than this, one more difference that you should keep in mind is that the soil on the crimson fire Loropetalum should be kept drained. The plant cannot withstand water on its soil as this suffocates its roots. This can be quite dangerous for the flowers but keeping the problem in check can help in avoiding it.
Loropetalum Purple Diamond
The purple diamond variant is another famous type of Loropetalum that people plant in their gardens. When it comes to this, you will notice that the plant is also referred to as a dwarf. This is because this variant also has a smaller size on it when compared with other types of Loropetalum. However, the purple diamond is a semi-dwarf because the plant can reach up to 6 feet in height and width.
This is a lot more when compared with the crimson fire variant. Additionally, the size of a purple diamond easily allows people to create shrubs out of it. Keep in mind that the plant requires some sunlight to grow properly. Considering this, ensuring that the leaves are getting a few hours of light every day is important. If you manage to do this, then your Loropetalum should start spreading all around your garden.
You can then prune it to handle its growth and spread the shrubs as you like. The color on these leaves of purple diamond Loropetalum is bright pink which is slightly different than crimson fire. Additionally, the leaves have a dull color, but these still look quite good when planted. While the flowers will only grow out during spring, the leaves on this plant should last you the entire year.
This can be amazing but keeping the plant maintained is also essential. Just make sure that you water the Loropetalum on time and keep its soil fertilized. This helps in avoiding most issues and ensuring that your leaves can last you a long time without any problems. If you notice the leaves on your Loropetalum changing their colors, then you should look into the plant carefully for any issues.