I have planted a total of four Loropetalum's this summer, and three have lost their leaves almost over night and died. I live in zone 8a (upper South Carolina) and we've had an extremely hot, dry summer. I've watered my plants daily to provide the necessary water they need. My yard is sandy; however, I added top soil and peat moss to the area when I initially planted.
Your shrubs likely just did not do well with the stress of planting in the heat. Watering is the key and with sandy conditions the drainage of moisture may have not allowed the roots to draw up the moisture.
2 to 3 inches of hardwood mulch around the plants can help with moisture retention. Also tamp around the base of the plant to make sure there are not any air pockets around the roots.
Continue to add moisture until the plants are dormant.
Keep in mind that most reputable garden centers will guarantee plants and trees for 1 year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/loropetalum-shrubs.htm
I am afraid that my husband may have over pruned our Loropetalum tree. It had gotten way too large for where it was located. He pruned it this past fall similarly to the way he prunes our crepe myrtle trees. There were no leaves left. It is February and I see no signs of new growth. Not concerned that it won't bloom this spring, but sure hope the leaves return. Help!
It is likely your Loropetalum will recover over time, but you will lose flowering this season.
Here are links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/pruning-overgrown-loropetalum.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/loropetalum-shrubs.htm
Are these shrubs acid loving like Azaleas? What type of fertilizer is best?
The Chinese Fringe plant does prefer an acid soil. Ph should be 4.5 to 6.5.
Here is an article with growing and care information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/loropetalum-shrubs.htm
Bloomed in the spring. Now branches are very brittle. They break in half. Dallas, Texas.
Did you experience a cold snap after they bloomed? It may have suffered shock if the temperatures dipped well below normal OR it may just need a severe pruning. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/loropetalum-shrubs.htm
and
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum/pruning-overgrown-loropetalum.htm
Are Chinese fringe flowers deer proof? I know nothing is actually deer proof but is this a mistake to put where they can access?
Unfortunately, when food is scarce, deer will nibble away on anything. Your Chinese Fringe plant is likely fair game but probably not a favorite of your local deer herds.
This article provides some deer-resistant plants that you can plant around the borders of your garden or property:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-resistant-garden-plans.htm
Carolina midnight Loropetalum: I currently live in zone 8 in NC (near the coast). I'm moving to Zone 6 mountains of Va. Will I be able to grow this there?
Carolina midnight Loropetalum is winter-hardy in zones 7-10. Many plants that can be grown in zone 7 can also be grown in zone 6 if you provide enough winter protection. However, it may not flower as much and it's possible that it will be damaged.
Placing the plant close to the house or in a sheltered area, providing mulch over the roots in winter, and using some of the other strategies in the following articles may help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/wrapping-plants-in-burlap.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protecting-plants-winter.htm
My Loropetalum landscaping shrubs are dying. My landscaper said it is from using well water versus public city reuse water. Is it true that Loropetalum shrub will die using well water?
The better choice for your garden depends on the quality of both the well water and the public reuse water. In many parts of Florida, the water supply (both well water and/or reuse water) may be quite salty, which could harm plants. If you contact your local extension service, they will probably be able to tell you more about your area's water quality.
Here is more information about using reuse water on gardens:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss544
Loropetalum shrubs also don't do well in alkaline soil (high pH), which could be affected by the water supply.