Copper Deficiency of Red-Leaved Loropetalum

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, Chinese fringe-flower, was introduced into the United States in 1989 and quickly became on of the most popular plants in the nursery trade. Growth abnormalities (little leaf disorder) started to become a problem on container-grown plants in pine bark substrates during the late '90s. UGA horticulturists in Tifton sampled foliage from a commercial nursery for micronutrients concentrations. Initial data indicated that copper, zinc, and nickel were low and could be causing the problem. Results from several studies show that a two to three X rate of incorporated copper is required to prevent the problem. Growers have successfully saved their crops based on this research. One grower in North Georgia has had great success with just one application of foliar copper. A grower in Florida saved six acres of plants, worth an estimated $250,000. This research finding, applied across the southeastern United States, has an annual economic impact of several million dollars. Research findings are being utilized by nurseries across the country and in Australia.