Loropetalum Chinense Dark Fire #3-Deer Resistant

Meet the Loropetalum chinense 'Dark Fire'. 

'Dark Fire' brings rich, deep plum foliage that sticks around 365 days a year. The real showstopper, though? The neon-pink (bordering on red) fringe flowers that pop against those dark leaves in early spring. It’s instant curb appeal without the high maintenance.

Here in the Piedmont (from King down to Winston), we know our summers get hot, and our soil loves to hold water. 'Dark Fire' is a champ in our humidity and handles our Zone 7 winters just fine. The only catch? It hates "wet feet." Since we have plenty of that heavy red clay around Mount Airy and King, we always recommend planting this one a little high or amending your soil with some Pete's planting mix with pine bark to ensure it drains well. Do that, and it’ll thrive.

Why We Recommend It:

• Year-Round Color:  'Dark Fire' keeps the deep burgundy color all year long. It’s the perfect backdrop for your lighter perennials.

• Deer Resistant: If the deer in your neighborhood treat your yard like a buffet, you’ll love this. While nothing is 100% deer-proof, Loropetalum are generally not on their menu.

• Lazy Gardener Approved: This variety has a naturally rounded, dense habit. It grows neatly enough that you won't be out there pruning it every weekend. A quick shape-up once a year after it blooms is usually all it needs.

Best Used For:

• Foundation plantings (to hide concrete blocks).

• Colorful privacy hedges.

• Accent plants near entryways.

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Moderate.

• Mature Size: About 5–6 feet tall and wide (a nice manageable size!).

• Sun/Soil: Loves Full Sun (for the best purple color) to Part Shade. Needs moist, well-drained acidic soil.

Get Growing: Ready to add some "fire" to your landscape? Stop by the nursery and ask one of us to show you our stock of Loropetalums. For more scientific details and pictures, you can always check out the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox.