This is a very pretty and unusual Crape Myrtle selection that we made years ago. After more than a decade it has shown no sign of powdery mildew and has profuse frilly rich purple reliable flowers. This is a compact and slow growing shrub to 6′ tall in 10 years and half as wide progressively larger over time. In early July it alights in large trusses of clear purple flowers, in full bloom they obscure the foliage. Fresh green foliage emerges tinted pewter and changes to shades of orange and red in fall. Rich soil, in full all day sun in a warm position. Crape myrtles loathe any and all shade. The compact habit and measured growth means that pruning is seldom necessary. Thin trunks and stems exfoliate to a glossy tan and are showy in winter. Water once a week through bloom. This shrub creates a wonderful ball of purple for 6-8 weeks beginning in early July. The long bloom time means that this is a supreme pollinator shrub. Rich soil with mulch is ideal. Very adaptable to large containers and with regular water and annual applications of all organic fertilizer. Crape myrtles will stall, the leaves will turn red and not bloom if they have insufficient irrigation water once a week. A great small purple crape myrtle we specifically selected for the Willamette Valley.
Xera Plants Introduction
