Other Names:  Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle

Brand:  Garden Debut

Description:

This attractive ornamental shrub or small tree is covered in abundant scarlet red blooms in summer, followed by vibrant orange and red fall foliage; a captivating focal point for the garden or border

Ornamental Features

Colorama™ Scarlet Crapemyrtle is clothed in stunning panicles of scarlet frilly flowers at the ends of the branches from early summer to early fall. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The oval leaves turn outstanding shades of red and orange in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Colorama™ Scarlet Crapemyrtle is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Colorama™ Scarlet Crapemyrtle is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Colorama™ Scarlet Crapemyrtle will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.