Deciduous Trees – Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle

Center Stage Red Crape Myrtle 

Botanical name: lagerstroemia indica ‘SMNLCIBF’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 6-12 ft in height with up to an 8 ft spread

Bloom time: summer

Hardy zone: zones 6-10 

Flower color: red

Foliage color: black/purple/red 

Growth rate: about 2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: borders, mass planting, focal point 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: disease resistant, deer resistant, long blooming periods, unique colored foliage, drought tolerant

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a rose fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: late fall or early spring 

Best type of soil: adapts to all types of soil 

Companion plants: hydrangea, spirea, arizona cypress, coneflower

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no