Anyone have luck with Ever Red Loropetalums?

[WorseBeforeBetter]

Loropetalum chinense ‘Chang Nian Hong’

http://gardenersconfidence.com/plants/ever-red-loropetalum

I planted two in my yard, and they're a scraggly mess, and I'd like them to look bushy like this:



Any tips on pruning and fertilizing would be appreciated! I'm in Zone 7, and they're planted between a couple of pine trees in an area that, in the summer, gets strong afternoon sun.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I don't know about this particular plant

but I do know that many plants struggle around pine trees because of the acidity that the fallen needles add to the soil. They have a high acidity. That could be your problem and you might want to look into ways to deal with it.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

2. Thanks. That's my guess.

I'll do more research, but may end up moving them to a pine straw-free area. I planted them to hide an electrical box, along with a Golden Euonymus, which is growing like gangbusters.