Loropetalum chinense ‘Ruby Snow’ – Striking Evergreen with Contrasting Colour

Loropetalum chinense ‘Ruby Snow’ is a stunning evergreen shrub that adds drama and elegance to gardens year-round. Known for its deep burgundy-purple foliage and unique white, fringe-like flowers, this variety creates an eye-catching contrast that stands out in borders, containers, and mixed plantings. The combination of richly coloured leaves with snowy-white blooms makes it a favourite for gardeners seeking something both unusual and long-lasting.

‘Ruby Snow’ is compact, versatile, and low-maintenance, making it equally suitable for modern landscapes and traditional planting schemes. Its tidy habit and vibrant colour provide a striking alternative to common evergreen shrubs, offering texture, interest, and seasonal charm.

General Information

Loropetalum chinense, also called Chinese Fringe Flower, is native to Asia and has become increasingly popular in Europe due to its ornamental value. The ‘Ruby Snow’ cultivar stands out thanks to its strong leaf colour and its unusual white flowers, which beautifully contrast against the deep foliage.

• Growth habit: Dense, compact, and bushy with a naturally rounded shape

• Height & spread: Typically grows 1–1.5m tall and wide, ideal for small to medium gardens

• Foliage: Evergreen, oval leaves in rich burgundy-purple tones

• Flowers: Clusters of delicate, spidery white blossoms in spring, often with repeat flushes through the year

• Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade for best colour

• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens; shelter from very harsh winds

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter

• Uses: Excellent in borders, low hedging, feature planting, or containers

The distinctive look of ‘Ruby Snow’ allows it to be used as a focal point, a colour contrast among green-leaved plants, or as part of a mixed planting scheme where year-round foliage colour is needed.

Care Guide

Caring for Loropetalum chinense ‘Ruby Snow’ is straightforward, and with a little attention, it will thrive and reward you with vibrant colour all year round.

Planting

• Choose a spot in full sun to light shade; more sun enhances the deep leaf colour.

• Plant in well-drained, acidic soil; add ericaceous compost when planting.

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, mix in organic matter, and water well after planting.

• If planting in containers, use a quality ericaceous compost.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly until established; once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant.

• Container plants will need more frequent watering.

• Apply a slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning is rarely needed; simply remove any stray or damaged shoots after flowering.

• Trim lightly to maintain shape if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning.

• Mulch annually with compost or bark to conserve moisture and enrich soil.

Protection

• Hardy in most areas, but avoid exposed sites with strong, drying winds.

• In colder climates, a layer of mulch around the roots helps protect in winter.

Why Choose Loropetalum ‘Ruby Snow’?

This unique variety of Loropetalum offers year-round beauty with minimal effort. The rich burgundy foliage provides constant colour, while the crisp white flowers add seasonal flair in spring and beyond. Its compact size makes it perfect for both large gardens and smaller spaces, including patios and courtyards.

• Unusual colour contrast: Purple foliage with snowy-white flowers

• Compact habit: Perfect for borders, containers, and small gardens

• Low-maintenance: Minimal pruning and easy to grow

• Evergreen: Provides all-season structure and colour

Whether used as a feature shrub, planted in groups, or showcased in containers, Loropetalum chinense ‘Ruby Snow’ brings year-round interest, striking colour, and a touch of elegance to any garden.

• Size
  2 lt

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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