Lagerstroemia 'Biloxi'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- la-ger-STROH-mee-ah
- Description
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'Biloxi' crape myrtle is a cultivar created by crossing (L. indica 'Dwarf Red' x L subcostata var. fauriei) x (L. indica 'Low Flame' x L. subcostata var. fauriei). It was first introduced at the United States National Arboretum and selected in 1977. It is a member of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae). Commonly known as 'Biloxi' crape myrtle, it is an ornamental, upright, multi-stemmed, vase-shaped, deciduous, small tree with 6- to 12-inch clusters of pale pink ruffled blooms from mid-summer to early fall. It grows 15 to 25 feet tall and equally as wide. Its leaves are simple, elliptical to obovate, and green, but have showy fall colors of orange, red, and yellow. This small tree's smooth, mottled, peeling, beige-brown bark adds to its appeal in the landscape.
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils of clay, loam, and sand. Winter hardy in zones 7 through 9, drought-tolerant once established, and has moderate salt tolerance. Lightly prune in late winter or early spring before new growth, but avoid severe pruning. The spent flowers may be removed. This will encourage re-blooming and discourage fruit formation. This cultivar is highly resistant to powdery mildew. It is also verticillium wilt resistant and resistant to most insect pests and diseases.
'Biloxi' crape myrtle has beautiful summer flowers and striking fall foliage. It is a favorite and commonly seen in urban landscapes. Consider this plant for a specimen planting, near a deck or patio, or as a lawn tree.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids may infest new growth, resulting in black sooty mold.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common crape myrtle pests and diseases.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Lagerstroemia
- Family:
- Lythraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract bees.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- 'Biloxi' is highly resistant to powdery mildew. Verticillium wilt-resistant and resistant to insects and diseases.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Open
- Spreading
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 24-60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is green, round, and less than 0.5 inches long. As it matures, it becomes brown, dry, and hard.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers appear at the tips of the branches and are showy, 6- to 12-inch-long, globose panicles or clusters of pale pink blooms. Each flower appears crinkled, resembling crepe paper. Long-lasting blooming season in mid-summer to late September.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are green, opposite, simple, with entire margins. Their fall color is shades of red, orange, and yellow. Each leaf measures from less than 2 inches long to 2 to 4 inches long.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Exfoliating
- Peeling
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- The beige- brown bark is smooth, mottled, and peeling.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The young branches are light brown and smooth, maturing to a grayish-brown to grayish-green.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Patio
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Street Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Compaction
- Diseases
- Drought
- Pollution
- Urban Conditions
