Crape Myrtle

Petite Red Imp (Trademark) is a dwarf variety of Crape Myrtle from Monrovia Nursery. New to our Sunnyvale Garden in 2024. We purchased ours from Summerwinds Nursery in San Jose.

Crape Myrtle vs Crepe Myrtle: “Crape myrtle” and “crepe myrtle” are both correct spellings for the ornamental tree Lagerstroemia indica. “Crape myrtle” is more common in North America, while “crepe myrtle” is more common in Europe. “Crape myrtle” is also the most common spelling in California. A third spelling, “crepemyrtle”, is a combination of the two most common spellings.

Overview

DescriptionThis dwarf variety of a popular, showy deciduous shrub displays a profusion of deep crimson blossoms from summer to fall. Distinctive bark has n smooth, attractive texture. Excellent when massed in single-color plantings, or used as an individual accent. Perfect for bringing color and texture to small spaces.
LightFull sun
WateringWater deeply when soil is dry.
BloomsEarly summer through fall
Mature SizeModerate growing; reaches 5 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide.

Details

Deciduous/EvergreenDeciduous
Special FeaturesAttractive BarkEasy CareFall ColorWaterwiseNon-toxic to Cats and DogsCompact Form
Problems/SolutionsTolerates Urban Pollution
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitUpright
Flower AttributesShowy Flowers

Style

Landscape UseBorderContainerHedgePrivacy Screen
Design IdeasAbsolutely beautiful when several are massed together. When planted as specimen all by itself, its rich crimson blossoms in late summer command attention. Perfect for the centerpiece of a raised terrace or planted along a driveway for a colorful welcome home.
Flower ColorRed
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsIndian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis)Daylily (Hemerocallis)Catmint (Nepeta)Agapanthus (Agapanthus)Loropetalum (Loropetalum)

Care

CareThrives in average, well-drained soil. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Feed in early spring. Thin young trees late winter to early spring; leave 3 to 7 main trunks or canopy branches. Remove suckers from the base of older trees.

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