Deciduous Trees (Flowering) – Miss Frances Crape Myrtle

• Miss frances crape myrtle 

Botanical name: lagerstoemia indica ‘miss frances’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 6-10 ft in height and up to 8 ft in width 

Bloom time: summer 

Hardy zone: zones 7-9

Flower color: red

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: can grow 2-3 ft per year

Pruning instructions: remove dead or broken branches and trim to maintain desired shape and size in the late winter while the plant is in dormancy 

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use:  large border tree or hedge 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators 

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 in the early spring 

Best time to plant: late fall or early spring

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil

Companion plants: viburnum, roses, hosta

Toxicity level:  non-toxic for humans and pets

Invasive species: yes