Plum Gorgeous is a premier selection of the Chinese Fringe Flower, widely regarded by Australian landscapers as the benchmark for purple-foliaged shrubs. While other varieties may fade to a bronzy-green during the height of summer, Plum Gorgeous maintains its intense, deep plum-purple colouration throughout the entire year. It grows into a naturally graceful, mounded shrub with a slightly weeping habit, reaching approximately 1.5 metres high and 2 metres wide.
In spring, and often again in autumn, the plant is covered in a profusion of vibrant raspberry-pink, tassel-like flowers. These dainty, ribbon-like blooms create a stunning contrast against the dark, leathery foliage. Its compact and reliable growth makes it an ideal choice for hedging, a dramatic specimen plant, or a high-contrast backdrop in a garden bed.
Care Tips
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Position: Performs best in full sun to part shade. While it will grow in shadier spots, the purple foliage remains most intense and the flowering is most prolific when it receives at least half a day of direct sunlight.
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Climate: Extremely versatile across Australia. It is frost-hardy once established and handles the humidity of Subtropical regions well, provided it has good airflow.
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Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. If planting in alkaline (lime) soils, it may benefit from an occasional application of iron chelates to prevent the leaves from yellowing.
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Watering: Requires regular watering while establishing. Once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but it will look its best with a deep watering during long, dry Australian summer spells.
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Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. For best results, use a fertiliser suited for acid-loving plants (like Camellia or Azalea food).
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Pruning: Plum Gorgeous requires very little pruning to maintain its lovely shape. However, it can be lightly trimmed after the spring flowering to encourage a denser habit or to maintain a specific size for a hedge.
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Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (like pine bark or leaf mould) around the base to keep the root system cool and retain moisture.
