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Lagerstroemia 'Ruby Dazzle'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
la-ger-STROH-mee-ah
Description

'Ruby Dazzle' crape myrtle is a compact dwarf cultivar in the Lythraceae family.  The common name comes from its sweetly scented pink flowers.  This compact plant grows to a mature height of 2 to  5 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet.

The newly emerging leaves are a showy red and sparse fragrant pink flowers appear in the spring.  Bright red color returns in the fall with a showy display.  Plant in the full sun to partial shade in average to wet soil.  

It is the smallest of the crepe myrtle so is great for tight spaces, border fronts, walkways, courtyards, or patio areas.  Plant it along the top of a rock wall or use it in a fairy or cottage garden.

Pruning should be completed in winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood.  

A layer of organic mulch will help keep the plant retain moisture.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The aphids and scales are potential insects Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew. In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway.  This plant is often browsed by deer.  

More information on Lagerstroemia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#small spaces#pink flowers#small shrub#showy leaves#dwarf#cottage garden#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#fairy garden#courtyard garden#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#garden walls#fall color red#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#small spaces#pink flowers#small shrub#showy leaves#dwarf#cottage garden#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#fairy garden#courtyard garden#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#garden walls#fall color red#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Lagerstroemia
    Family:
    Lythraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Spring flowers are pink and have a plesant fragrance but are sparse on the plant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    New leaves are bronze-red and then turn green. Fall color is red.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Pond
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil