Chinese Fringe Plant Feeding: Tips On Fertilizing Chinese Fringe Flowers

A member of the witch hazel family, Chinese fringe plant (Loropetalum chinese) can be a beautiful large specimen plant if grown in the right conditions. With proper fertilization, Chinese fringe plant grows up to 8 foot (2 m.) tall with lush, full green foliage and is full of unique witch hazel-like flowers. If your Chinese fringe plant does not look lush and healthy, continue reading to learn how to fertilize Chinese fringe plants.

Fertilizer for Chinese Fringe Trees

Nutrients can be leached from soil by rain and watering. While there are many nutrients shrubs and trees like, Chinese fringe plants need many for proper growth. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the most important. These are the NPK ratios often listed on fertilizer packages. A fertilizer with equal amounts of NPK would be 10-10-10, for example. Lack of nitrogen in Chinese fringe plants can cause slow growth, small or malformed leaves, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or premature autumn foliage color. Lack of phosphorus can cause poor root formation and lack of flowers or fruit. Lack of potassium causes the plants to not photosynthesize properly and not utilize water optimally. Chinese fringe plants may have yellowing, small, or malformed leaves and a lack of flowers and leaves if they are in soils that are too alkaline. Branches may grow short and stubby from high pH. Chinese fringe plants need slightly acidic soil. When fertilizing Chinese fringe flowers, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer for azaleas and rhododendrons. Sprinkle this around the root ball in spring.