Have I killed my loropetalum 'Fire Dance' plants?

Posts

• bertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697

  March 2021

  We had one last year and the colours were brilliant. Then we noticed that the stems kept cracking up and falling off. After this had happened a few times we returned it to the nursey and we were informed that this was typical of the plant. So we didn't get another one but did have our money back.

  A real pity as it was a lovely plant before all went wrong.
  

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• CathyB. Posts: 16

  March 2021

  Hi.  Its a real shame.  This is a gorgeous plant.  Im wondering if I have over watered and its got root rot.
  I'm a real novice and a bit over ambitious. 

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• Nollie Posts: 7,529

  March 2021

  I believe believe Fire Dance is not reliably hardy below certain temps, so it might have been got by the cold snap. I have a L. Black Pearl which can take lower temperatures and sailed through a very prolonged freeze of temps down to -8. The odd stem does seem to wither and snap, but it puts on new growth easily enough. I find Loropetalums pretty sensitive to PH and grow and colour up best in slightly acid compost. Healthy and vigorous in a pot of ericaceous, but they really hate it my very alkaline clay. It looks as if its still alive, just, so give it a month more before deciding to give up!

  Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.

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• CathyB. Posts: 16

  March 2021

  Thanks Nellie.
  I'm a total novice.  So am learning loads.  Maybe I'm being a bit over ambitious.  I bought the plant as its so beautiful and it can grow in pots.  Im a container and raised bed gardener.
  Lots to learn 😊

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