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Why do peoplemurder crepe myrtles?
No, it’s not too much Neanderthal DNA.
It’s that the variety ofcrepe myrtlethey planted got waytoo big for their space.
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Growers created new selections of dwarf and semi-dwarf types that bloomed well,resisted disease, and were hardy.
Let me introduce some of my favorites, all of which are available at garden centers.
Then for the foreground, you could add a low-growing evergreen such as blue rug creeping juniper.
The possibilities with these bitty bloomers are endless.
‘Pocomoke’
This pretty dwarf myrtle features bright-pink blooms and deep green foliage on a mounding shrub.
Its a great pick for pots.
Ive found that ‘Raspberry Dazzle’ doesn’t bloom as well.
Size:3 to 4 feet tall and wide
‘Tightwad Red’
Dark-red flowers on a mounding plant.
Dense foliage
Size:3-4 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide
Zones:7-10
‘Victor’
Deep-red flowers.
Semi-dwarf or small crepe myrtles typically top out at 12 feet tall or less at maturity.
Anything else we can say here about trees of this size?
‘Acoma’
That’s it up top.
White flowers atop an arching, sculptural small tree.
Great in a large container.
Size:8-10 feet high and 4-6 feet wide
Part of ourSouthern Living Plant Collection.
Early Bird Series
Comes in three colorslavender, purple, and white.
Long-blooming plant starts flowering in May.
Grows 5 to 8 feet tall.
Size:7 to 10 feet tall and wide
Zones: 6-9
Magic Series
Rounded, bushy plants.
Colors include coral-pink, fuchsia-pink, and purple.
Foliage emerges reddish and then changes to deep-green.
Nearly seedless; blooms for a long time.
Size:6-12 feet tall and wide
‘Red Rooster’
Brilliant red flowers.
Foliage emerges maroon and changes to green.
Flowers may show white or red flecking.
Nearly seedless; blooms for a long time.
New foliage emerges wine-red and then changes to dark green.
Size:6 to 10 feet tall and wide
‘Tonto’
Red flowers and maroon foliage.
Cold-hardy to well below zero degrees.
Size:4 to 6 feet tall and wide
‘Zuni’
Medium-lavender flowers on a vase-shaped, spreading plant.
Long bloomer, cold-hardy, handsome bark.
In areas with less sun exposure, crepe myrtles produce fewer flowers and are susceptible to diseases.
Proper air circulation and healthy soil help prevent diseases from developing.
Early spring or late fall is best for planting crepe myrtles.
