Loropetalum can be trained to grow as a tree. This process involves pruning and shaping the plant to create a single central leader and removing lateral growth from the central leader up to the desired height of the canopy or tree.
To begin, select a young Loropetalum plant that has a strong central stem or trunk. Ideally, choose a plant that already has a straight and upright growth habit. This will make it easier to train it into a tree form.
Start by removing any lower branches or lateral growth from the central stem up to the height you want your canopy to be. This will help create a clear trunk and give the plant a tree-like appearance. You can use pruning shears or a hand saw to make clean cuts just above the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch attaches to the main stem.
As the plant grows, continue to remove any new lateral growth that sprouts from the central stem below the desired canopy height. This will help maintain the tree form and prevent the plant from reverting back to a shrubby growth habit.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tree shape and prevent the canopy from becoming too dense. You can selectively prune branches to maintain a balanced and open canopy.
It’s important to note that Loropetalum naturally has a tendency to grow as a shrub, so training it into a tree form will require ongoing maintenance and pruning. Regular monitoring and pruning will be necessary to keep the central leader dominant and prevent the tree from developing multiple leaders.
Personal experience: I have successfully trained a Loropetalum into a tree form in my own garden. It took a few years of consistent pruning and shaping, but I was able to create a beautiful tree with a well-defined canopy. It adds a unique focal point to my landscape and has become a favorite feature in my garden.
With proper pruning and shaping, Loropetalum can be trained to grow as a tree. Regular maintenance and monitoring will be necessary to maintain the tree form and prevent the plant from reverting back to a shrub. With patience and dedication, you can create a stunning tree-like specimen of Loropetalum in your own garden.
