Loropetalums have a bold beauty in landscapes that I admire, but I’ve noticed that the traditional, large varieties can sometimes be a bit overwhelming in small garden spaces.

That’s why I love the Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum. This compact, cascading shrub offers all the rich color and charm of its larger relatives but in a low growing, spreading form that’s perfect for a variety of uses.

While traditional loropetalums can grow to reach 8-15 feet tall, Purple Pixie remains low to the ground. It matures at just 1-2 feet tall, spreading 3-4 feet wide. This makes it ideal for small gardens, container plantings and groundcover uses such as spilling over a retaining wall.

I also love Purple Pixie’s deep burgundy-purple foliage which remains vibrant throughout the year, unlike some loropetalum varieties that fade to green in warmer months.

The small, oval leaves have a slightly leathery texture and a glossy upper surface that enhances their intense color. Arranged alternately along gracefully arching stems, the foliage creates a striking contrast in the garden.

In early spring, Purple Pixie bursts into bloom with clusters of bright pink, fringe-like flowers. These are a stunning pop of color against the dark foliage. Blooms often make a second appearance in late summer or fall, adding extra seasonal interest.

Loropetalums thrive in full sun to partial shade, with full sun bringing out the richest foliage tones and encouraging the best flowering. Purple Pixie is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7-10, making it an excellent choice for Mississippi gardens.

Purple Pixie prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It also benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape, though it naturally keeps a tidy, cascading habit. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, but regular watering during the first year helps it develop a strong root system.

Regular fertilization helps the plant to maintain its rich foliage colors and compact growth. For best results, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early to mid-spring as new growth emerges. A second application in mid-summer can encourage continued growth and color retention.

If needed, a light feeding in the fall can prepare the plant for winter, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor.

Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 8-8-8, to promote overall health and growth, or opt for an acid-loving plant fertilizer since loropetalums prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Fertilizers designed for azaleas or camellias can be beneficial.

Spread granular fertilizer around the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, and water thoroughly after application to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. If using a liquid fertilizer, apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

If your landscape needs some additional color with the loropetalum, I recommend planting companion plants such as Wave petunias, calibrachoas or lantanas nearby. The trailing habit of these plants pairs beautifully with Purple Pixie in containers or hanging baskets.

Purple Pixie as a groundcover looks fantastic beneath small ornamental trees like Japanese maple, crape myrtle or redbud for a layered effect.

If you’re looking for a loropetalum that delivers year-round color and stays small in the landscape, consider giving Purple Pixie a try.