Download Dwarf Crape Myrtles - ifas.ufl.edu

Dwarf Crape Myrtles are Useful Landscape Additions
Photo from Valley View Farms: Dwarf crape myrtles such as Cherry Dazzle can fit smaller spaces in the garden
where larger crape myrtles won’t.
David MacManus is an Assistant Director of Grounds and Landscape Operations at Florida State
University and member of the University of Florida IFAS Leon County Extension advisory committee,
http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu For gardening questions contact [email protected]
Friday, June 29, 2012
Tallahassee Democrat
During the summer months some of the best landscape color is provided by crape myrtles. Few
landscape plants can match their long lasting floral display and the wide array of colors
available. But many times homeowners plant crape myrtles that are really too big for the site.
Fortunately, there are also many dwarf or shorter varieties of crape myrtles, too.
Many homeowners considering purchasing crape myrtles when they are blooming. The beautiful
plants in the nursery, especially if they are at a special sales price, encourage impulse buying.
But before selecting a crape myrtle, the site they are to be planted in should be carefully
considered. Crape myrtles require a sunny location and well drained soil. But one of the most
important considerations is often forgotten- how much space is available? What size is best for
the chosen location?
Unfortunately many crape myrtles varieties have been mismatched for the spots they have been
planted in. When they grow too large there is an increased temptation to commit the horticultural
malpractice of “crape murder”- the severe pruning of crape myrtle during the winter that leaves
unsightly stubs after they have been topped. A crape myrtle will be most attractive if it receives
minimal pruning which gives a natural form that is aesthetically pleasing even in the winter
when they are leafless.
Some Crape Myrtles grow to tree size and are not good candidates for many landscape sites. But
fortunately there are many intermediate varieties (height less than twenty feet after ten years),
semi dwarf varieties (height less than twelve feet after ten years) and dwarf varieties (height less
than four feet after five years) to choose from. Dr. Gary Knox of UF-IFAS Extension has
authored an excellent guide titled “Crapemyrtle in Florida” available online at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg266 which can aid homeowners in choosing appropriate varieties to
match the chosen landscape site.
There are a number of popular varieties that grow to tree size that can be chosen but many
homeowners would profit from considering some of the shorter crape myrtles. Here are some of
the proven varieties that are listed as dwarf : ‘Chickasaw’ with pinkish lavender blooms,
‘Pocomoke’ with deep rose pink blooms, ‘Tightwad Red’ with true red blooms, and 'Velma's
Royal Delight' with purple magenta blooms. Proven semi-dwarf varieties include ‘Acoma’ with
white blooms and ‘Tonto’ with fuchsia red blooms. Proven intermediate varieties include
‘Apalachee’ with light lavender blooms, ‘Burgundy Cotton’ with white flowers and wine colored
new growth, ‘Pink Velour’ with hot pink flowers and new foliage that is deep burgundy-red, and
‘Sioux’ with clear medium pink blooms.
Since Dr. Knox’s crape myrtle guide was published there have been a number of new shorter
than tree form varieties released to consider as well. The Razzle Dazzle series are noted for their
short size, good powdery mildew resistance and very long blooming period. ‘Berry Dazzle’
grows 3-4’tall with fuchsia blooms and burgundy new growth. ‘Cherry Dazzle’ grows 3-5’tall
with red blooms. ‘Dazzle Me Pink’ grows 3-4’ tall and has pink blooms. ‘Diamond Dazzle’
grows 3-4’tall with white blooms and dark green foliage. ‘Raspberry Dazzle’ grows 4-6’ tall and
has purplish-pink flowers. ‘Strawberry Dazzle’ grows 4-5’ high with rose colored flowers.
‘Sweetheart Dazzle’ grows 2-3’ tall and has pink flowers and interesting elongated leaves. The
Early Bird Series from Southern Living generally grow 5-8’ tall and are noted for blooming in
May and re-blooming later in the summer they are available in lavender, purple and white.
###