New varieties are being introduced each year and the list is growing rapidly. Since the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney foundation formed in the late 1990s, we have contacted more than 100 wholesale growers and all major botanic gardens and research institutions where work has been conducted with crape myrtles, and this is a very good beginning of a list. In other cases, there are variety names in historic nursery catalogs from decades past, but those varieties are apparently nowhere to be found in the nursery trade today. Only gene testing could tell us the real facts. There are many cultivars/varieties that are identical to others with different names. No one will probably ever have a complete list of all the crape myrtle varieties. The flower clusters at the top were from varieties growing to mature heights of less than 5 ft., while flowers at the bottom of the photo were from varieties that will grow to be 20 ft. If a winter is particularly harsh, the crape myrtle may lose branches or parts of its trunk, but if the root system is protected, it will sprout new branches and keep a more shrub-like form.To show the incredible diversity within crape myrtles, this photograph was taken in a crape myrtle nursery in Celina, Texas, on June 30, while they were in peak bloom of summer.
Heavy mulching of 3-4 inches will protect the roots of a crape myrtle in the winter. Cold weather is detrimental to crape myrtle trees, so when planting in zone 6 it is recommend to plant out of the winter wind if possible. Once the root system establishes, the crape myrtle will reliably emerge sooner, but still leafs out late in the spring compared to other trees. When caring for crape myrtles it is important to understand that they often remain dormant well into the spring (or early summer), especially in cooler climates after being transplanted.
They can do just as well in dry sandy soil as they do in moist well-draining soil and are fast growing often putting on two feet or more of new growth in a single season. Once established, crape myrtles become quite drought tolerant. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.Ĭaring for your Ornamental - Crape Myrtle
General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. compared to other crape myrtles the Cherry Dazzle is slower growing, but can reach 3 to 5 feet if not pruned.Ĭherry Dazzle keeps a shrub like form, which makes it perfect for a shrub border, a backdrop in front of a fence, lining a drive, or planting on the corner of a house. The leaves of crape myrtles are a unique glossy red/green. These red crape myrtles produce 4 ” to 6” clusters of red flowers that can last for many weeks or even months. The blooms of a crape myrtle are a magnificent display that attract flocks of hummingbirds and butterflies through the summer months. These compact crape myrtles are a very fast growing shrub that fills with gorgeous clusters of bright red blooms from July to September, and both beautiful, hearty, and very drought resistant once established.
Cherry Dazzle® part of the Razzle Dazzle® series of dwarf crape myrtles will give you all the best qualities of a crape myrtle in a compact shape with enhanced disease resistance and cold heartiness.