Lophomyrtus X Ralphii 'Red Dragon'

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Lophomyrtus × ralphii ‘Red Dragon’

• Common Name: Red Dragon Lophomyrtus

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub with striking year-round foliage colour.

• Growth Habit: Dense, rounded, and bushy; typically grows 1.5–2 m tall and up to 1.5 m wide.

• Foliage: Small, rounded leaves in rich deep burgundy-red, intensifying to a deeper purple in cooler months.

• Flowers: Small, white to pale pink flowers in summer, adding seasonal interest.

• Fruit: Occasionally produces small dark berries.

• Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage colour with peak vibrancy in spring and autumn; summer flowers offer an extra layer of appeal.

• Garden Uses: Perfect for hedging, borders, container growing, or as a colourful specimen plant.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees and pollinators; dense foliage provides cover for small birds.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most parts of the UK and Ireland; may need some frost protection in very exposed or cold inland sites.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Best colour is achieved in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay-based soils.

• pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0) for optimum growth.

• Moisture Needs: Prefers evenly moist soil but will tolerate short dry spells once established. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures.

• Spacing: Allow 1–1.5 m between plants for natural growth; space closer (50–60 cm) if forming a hedge.

• Shelter Needs: Performs well in sheltered spots; avoid cold, drying winds which may scorch foliage.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with contrasting foliage plants such as Pittosporum, Phormium, Choisya, and silver-leaved shrubs.

• Container Growing: Suitable for large pots; use soil-based compost with added grit for drainage and position in a sunny spot.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly in the first year after planting to establish deep roots.

  • Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, especially in containers.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to promote healthy foliage colour and steady growth.

  • For container plants, feed monthly during the growing season with a liquid fertiliser.

• Pruning:

  • Lightly trim in late spring or early summer to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

  • Remove any damaged or crossing stems as needed.

• Mulching:

  • Apply an organic mulch (such as composted bark or leaf mould) in spring to retain soil moisture and enrich the soil.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases; occasional aphid or scale insect infestations can be controlled easily.

• Winter Care: Hardy, but in areas with severe frost, protect with horticultural fleece or mulch heavily around the base.

• Weed Control: Keep the base clear of weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Hedge Care Tip: For formal hedges, trim twice a year to keep a neat outline and maintain dense growth from the base upwards.

• Longevity: Long-lived with minimal maintenance, offering decades of colourful interest.

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.