Product Details
Maroon-black foliage adds contrast to the garden and serves as the backdrop for the bright, cherry red blossoms of Lagerstroemia indica Center Stage™ Red, a robust, upright, mildew-resistant Crape Myrtle that brings dynamic colors to the garden over a long season. These versatile shrubs bloom earlier than some of their cousins, extending the drama. Center Stage™ Red is a 2023 Blue Chip designee from the Louisiana State University AgCenter, awarded to one of the top five outstanding warm-season trial bed plants. A Proven Winners®/Color Choice® variety. 'SMNLCIBF' PP 32,515
The genus Lagerstroemia is comprised of about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees in the Loosestrife family (Lythraceae). Originating in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, Crape Myrtle (sometimes spelled Crepe Myrtle) was named for its panicles of crepe paper-like flowers. It is widely cultivated in warm climates around the globe and has long been a staple of Southern landscapes, valued for its long season of bloom, graceful form, fall color, and adaptability. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil as a large shrub or multi-stemmed tree. At the Northern end of their hardiness range, plants may suffer dieback over winter or be killed all the way back to the ground, but roots should remain hardy and will resprout, limiting ultimate height of the plant. Choose a sheltered location in colder areas and mulch well for winter. Crape Myrtle is deer-resistant, tolerant of air pollution, and somewhat tolerant of drought once established.
Exploring unique plants and sharing them with our customers is one of the greatest joys of our work. We’ve gathered a selection of remarkable shrubs and perennials that northern gardeners traditionally considered exotic specialties for “warm zone” gardens only. As growing conditions and Hardiness Zones shift, many of our customers now garden in milder climates, opening new possibilities for color and texture. These new offerings can also be treated as container plantings and overwintered indoors in colder areas. We invite you to browse these exciting selections and check each plant’s Hardiness Zone to find the best fit for your garden.
For more information on growing Crape Myrtle, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: lag-er-stro' mee-ah
Lagerstroemia is a genus of about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees originating in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, and widely cultivated in warm climates around the globe. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil as a large shrub or multi-stemmed tree. In Northerly zones, choose a sheltered location; plants may experience winter dieback but should resprout from the roots, limiting ultimate height.
Light: Crape Myrtle should be grown in full, hot sun.
Soil: Average loamy soil to clay if well-drained. An acidic pH is best; plants may experience chlorosis and be unable to take up some nutrients in alkaline soils.
Watering: Average water needs, avoid overwatering and overhead irrigation.
Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release general fertilizer in spring every few years if needed, particularly if there has been extensive winterkill. Avoid overfertilization and high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote lush, weak growth at the expense of flower formation.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain natural form, encouraging growth to go upward and outward. Remove spindly, weak growth and branches that head toward the center of the tree and rub against other branches. When growing to full-sized tree form in warmer areas, some lower branches can be removed to highlight the tree’s handsome mottled bark. When you prune, always enhance the form and do not lop off thick stems at the same level to reduce height, which will result in congested, unattractive sprouting (some call this practice “crapemurder”). If top growth has been killed during a cold winter, remove dead branches and cut dead stems back to 8” in spring, once it is clear they are indeed dead.
Pests/Diseases: Older varieties can be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew, but newer varieties, such as those we offer, are more resistant.
