Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica ‘SMNLCIBF’ USPP 32,515

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 10-12′

Width at Maturity: 6-8′
Spacing: 5′ for solid hedges; 14’+ for space between

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Bushy, Rounded Canopy

Growth Rate: Moderate, Fast

Flower Color: Glowing Red

Flowering Period: Summer, Early Fall

Flower Type: Single flowers in rounded clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Black
Fall Foliage Color: Black

Fragrant Foliage: No

Bark Color: Light Brown

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Moderate Drought, Heat

Description

When it comes to flowering trees, there’s simply no others more showy than Crape Myrtles. They bloom for up to 100 days during summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service in the landscape. Colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter enhance their overall appeal. It’s no wonder they are so wildly popular among designers and gardeners!

With its deep black foliage and glowing red flowers, the Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle will definitely be a focal point of attention in the landscape during summer and into fall. Many years were spent developing this vigorous selection that has disease-resistant, clean and glossy foliage you’ll enjoy throughout the season. growing to a little over 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, Center Stage Red can be grown as a large shrub or lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive, colorful small tree. Very low-maintenance, this one requires little if any pruning to control height or maintain a dense form.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing to 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, the Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle can be left to grow naturally as a shrub or lower branches can be removed to form an attractive small tree that serves as a highly colorful focal point specimen in the sunny landscape or home foundation plantings. Also makes a very colorful hedge and container plant. Whether planted as a specimen or in groupings, this is one plant that is sure to stand out in the landscape! A fine addition to red or black theme gardens and rock gardens.

Spacing: 5 to 6 feet apart for solid hedge; 12 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

The Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle is very easy to grow. It is not picky about soil type provided the soil is well-drained. A moist but well-drained soil of average fertility is preferred. Full sun is preferred and results in heavier flower production. Light shade is tolerated but flowering will be diminished in more shade. Has shown excellent resistance to powdery mildew and is quite drought tolerant when established.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Crape Myrtle trees.

How To Plant A Crape Myrtle In The Ground Or In A Pot

How To Prune a Crape Myrtle Tree the Right Way

How To Fertilize & Water A Crape Myrtle

How To Prune a Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle

Plant Long & Prosper!

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