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Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle

Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia 'JM1' PP31585

Original price $139.95 - Original price $1,799.50
Original price $279.90
$139.95 each
$139.95 - $1,349.63
Current price $139.95 each

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Will thrive in

Not suited for outdoor growing in

Select Size: 3-4 Feet 36-48" Tall
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The Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle is a vibrant flowering tree that thrives in warm climates. It produces bright red blooms throughout the summer and fall, and even boasts attractive mottled bark during the winter months. This fast-growing, low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any yard, especially for small spaces. It's deer-resistant and grows well in zones 7-10.

Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle: Bold Blooms All Summer

Just picture the vibrant red blooms of the Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle. Not a singular shade, but a symphony of rich red, pink and scarlet. Some blooms unfurl with a deep, velvety richness, while others boast a fiery, almost coral hue. These aren’t isolated bursts of color either; the Colorama Scarlet produces clusters of blooms, each a cascade of vibrant red, cascading down its branches like a floral waterfall. This explosion of color is guaranteed to transform your yard into a showstopping spectacle, a breathtaking display that will have your neighbors green with envy.

  • Blooms bright red flowers all summer and fall
  • Fast-growing and low-maintenance
  • Tolerates hot summers and cooler zones
  • Compact size, matures at 12 feet tall
  • Deer-resistant

Crape myrtles are known for their low-maintenance nature, and the Colorama Scarlet is no exception. After its initial establishment, it requires infrequent watering, even during dry spells. Plus, forget complicated fertilization schedules - a single feeding in late winter or early spring is all it needs to flourish. This means you can spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the stunning display of red blooms in your own backyard. With the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle, an effortless landscape becomes a reality.

Fall is usually a time for vibrant foliage, but the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle defies expectations. Even after the summer blooms fade, this remarkable plant offers a captivating display. Its mottled bark adds a unique charm to your garden, transforming bare winter branches into an interesting focal point. This unexpected pop of color and texture adds winter interest, ensuring your outdoor space remains visually intriguing throughout the colder months. Plus, the Colorama Scarlet’s hardiness allows it to stand strong even in zones as cool as zone 7, bringing beauty to your garden year-round.

Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle Planting Distance

Image demonstrates how far apart to plant Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle

How to Plant Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle

Choose the Right Spot

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun. While adaptable, it prefers well-drained soil. If your soil leans towards clay, amending it with sand or compost can improve drainage.

Measure the Space

At maturity, Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle reaches 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. When planting multiples, space them at least 10 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

Dig the Hole

Dig a hole at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle. This provides ample space for the roots to spread out and establish themselves.

Plant It

Carefully remove your Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle from its container and gently loosen any circling roots. Position the tree in the hole so the crown (where the roots meet the stem) sits at ground level. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets and secure the tree.

Water Thoroughly

Give your newly planted Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle a deep watering to settle the soil around the roots. Aim to soak the soil thoroughly, allowing any excess water to drain away.

Mulch and Care

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Replenish the mulch annually to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Water your Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle deeply during the first year, especially during dry spells. Established trees are drought tolerant but still appreciate occasional deep watering during hot summers.

Why Choose Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle?

The Colorama™ Scarlet offers more than just visual appeal. Imagine effortless beauty – a plant that thrives with minimal care, tolerating hot summers and even braving cooler climates. It’s the perfect solution for busy lifestyles, bringing long-lasting color and low-maintenance charm to your outdoor space. Plus, its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, ensuring everyone can experience the magic. Don’t wait to create your own slice of paradise – order a Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle today and watch your garden flourish with year-round beauty.

Sunlight

Keep your Crape Myrtle happy by providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Watering

Water your tree regularly, especially during the first year. In hot weather, you might need to water every other day. As your tree matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing

Give your Crape Myrtle a boost with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to encourage blooms and healthy growth.

Mulching

Apply a fresh layer of mulch around the base of the tree each spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning

Prune your Crape Myrtle in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. Remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches for optimal health.

Pests and Diseases Monitoring

Keep an eye out for common pests like Japanese beetles and scales. Inspect your tree regularly and treat any problems promptly to ensure a healthy and vibrant plant.

When It Arrives

Give your new Crape Myrtle a deep and thorough watering after planting. Soak the soil around the base until water runs off.

During the First Year

Water your Crape Myrtle regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim for deep watering every other day to encourage deep root growth.

After the First Year

Once established, your Crape Myrtle becomes more drought-tolerant. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Weekly watering during dry spells is usually sufficient.

When It Arrives

No need to fertilize when you first plant your Crape Myrtle. The existing soil nutrients will be sufficient for initial growth.

During the First Year

You can hold off on fertilizing during the first year as well. The focus is on root development, and excess fertilizer can hinder this process.

After the First Year

In late winter or early spring of the second year, give your Crape Myrtle a boost with a single application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering trees and shrubs. Follow the application instructions on the fertilizer packaging for optimal results.

Timing

The best time to prune your Crape Myrtle is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid pruning during summer or fall as this can remove flower buds for the following season.

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp pruning shears or loppers will do the trick. Ensure they are clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases.

Steps to Follow

First, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. You can also prune to maintain your desired shape, making cuts just above a bud facing outwards.

Extra Tips

Avoid the temptation to “crape murder” your tree by removing large limbs or heavily pruning the top. This can weaken the tree and negatively impact flowering. When in doubt, prune less and focus on removing problem branches.

How much sun does the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle need?
This Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This is crucial for abundant blooms.
What kind of soil does the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle prefer?
While adaptable, it performs best in well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
How big does the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle get?
This Crape Myrtle matures at around 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens compared to other Crape Myrtles.
Is the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes! Deer tend to avoid Crape Myrtles, so you can enjoy your beautiful blooms without worry.
How do I water my Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle?
Water deeply and thoroughly when your Crape Myrtle is first planted and during the first year, especially during hot weather (every other day). Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch (usually once a week during dry spells).
How often should I fertilize the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle?
This low-maintenance bloomer doesn’t require frequent fertilization. In fact, avoid fertilizing when you first plant it or during the first year. In late winter or early spring of the second year onwards, a single application of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering trees and shrubs is sufficient.
When is the best time to prune the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle?
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid pruning in summer or fall as this can remove flower buds for the following season.
How should I prune the Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle?
Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Thin overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Prune for shape if desired, making cuts just above a bud facing outwards. Avoid “crape murder” by removing large limbs or heavily pruning the top, which can weaken the tree and reduce blooms.

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