One of the most exciting recent horticultural developments was the introduction of dwarf crapemyrtle shrubs to southern garden landscape designs. The big breakthough in crapemyrtle breeding began at the U. S. National Arboretum (U.S.N.A.) in the second half of the 20th century with the introduction of Japanese crapemyrtles (L. fauriei) by Dr. John Creech. The U.S.N.A. began to introduce cultivars of hybrids between the Japanese crapemyrtles and the common crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).
Landscape gardeners now have awesome numbers of modern crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia) cultivars from which to choose. There are sizes and forms to suit almost every southern and southwestern landscape setting. However, it is the dwarf cultivars which excite and inspire garden landscape design novelty and experimentation.
Their main site requirements are only full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The peak flowering period from July to September, autumn leaf color and year 'round exfoliating bark go hand-in-hand with size and form to make these crapemyrtles a four-season plant. However, as new plants, these deciduous shrubs tend to look like ragged piles of sticks.
These miniature shrubs are not only easy-to-grow, they also bring new possibilities to southern summer garden design. Crapemyrtle dwarf cultivars are shorter than 5' and may be utilized:
- as massed groundcovers,
- in shrub borders, (Photo #1)
- as a base in container plantings,
- at the forefront of foundation groups,
- in short hedges,
- and interspersed in perennial gardens. (Photo #2)
Here are some examples of outstanding dwarf crapemyrtle cultivars:
Fleming Filligrees ™ Developed by Fleming's Flower Fields
- 'Red Filli' (Patent #US PP14,353) – 1 to 1 ½' high, bright red flowers, leaves with purplish autumn tint;
- 'Coral Filli' (Patent #US PP14,317) – 1 to 1 ½' high, coral flowers; leaves with purplish autumn tint;
- 'Violet Filli' (Patent #US PP14,267) – most dwarf , growing to about 1' high and wide with violet flowers.
U. S. National Arboretum Introductions
These hybrid dwarfs, developed and introduced by Dr. Don Egolf , are among the first true miniature crapemyrtles.
- 'Pocomoke' (hybrid) – 3' to 4' wide x 2' to 3' high, compact mound, rose-pink flowers, 80 days of bloom; (Photo #3)
- 'Chickasaw' (hybrid) – 2' to 3' wide x 3'+ high, compact mound, lavender-pink flowers, 90 days of bloom, bronze-red autumn leaf color, high resistance to powdery mildew. (Photo #4)
McCorkle Nurseries’ Gardener’s Confidence™ Collection
Dazzle® series, developed by Dr. Michael A. Dirr, University of GA at Athens, are easy care, mildew–resistant and compact.
- 'Cherry Dazzle®' – Cherry–red blooms (Photo #5),
- 'Ruby Dazzle®' – Bronze-red foliage with pink blooms,
- 'Dazzle® Me Pink' – Profuse pink bloom,
- 'Raspberry Dazzle®' – Raspberry-red blooms,
- 'Snow Dazzle®' – White blooms.
More Suite101 Articles about Plants for Southern Gardens:
- Flowering Plants for Southern Garden Landscapes: Athens Select™ Plants and Southern Living™ Plant Collections in 2009
- Deer-resistant Loropetalums: New Dwarf Cultivars Featured in Southern Living™ Plant Collection
Georgene A. Bramlage - Suite 101 Landscaping Feature Writer and Topic Editor Free-lance Garden and Landscape Writer and Consultant
Join the Conversation