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Lagerstroemia Center Stage® Pink (Crepe Myrtle)

Center Stage® Pink Crepe Myrtle, Center Stage® Pink Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLIG'

Crepe Myrtle, Crape Myrtle, Center Stage Pink Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtle, Crape Myrtle, Center Stage Pink Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Center Stage® Pink is a versatile and visually appealing cultivar, offering vibrant blooms, striking foliage, and a compact growth habit. Its ease of care and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers looking for a plant that provides long-lasting color and interest.

Crepe Myrtle Center Stage® Pink: An In-depth Look

Lagerstroemia Center Stage® Pink, a part of the Center Stage series, is a stunning cultivar known for its vibrant blooms and striking foliage. As a deciduous shrub or small tree, it exhibits a compact, rounded habit, making it an attractive choice for a variety of landscape settings.

Native: This cultivar belongs to the Lagerstroemia indica species, originally from the temperate and tropical regions of Asia. It has undergone extensive breeding and cultivation globally, primarily for its decorative appeal.

Plant Type and Habit: It’s a deciduous shrub or small tree, known for its upright habit, creating a full, rounded shape as it matures.

Size: Typically, it reaches a height of about 6-12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m) in spread.

Flowers: The hallmark of this cultivar is its brilliant pink flowers. These blooms are large, showy, and create a striking contrast against the foliage. They cluster in panicles and are a visual delight throughout the blooming season.

Bloom Time: It flowers in mid to late summer, providing a colorful display during these warmer months.

Foliage: The foliage is another striking feature, with leaves that emerge a deep burgundy color and mature to a dark, almost black hue. This foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for the bright flowers and maintains visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Bark: This Crepe Myrtle has an exfoliating bark that reveals a smooth, mottled surface beneath. This characteristic adds winter interest and textural contrast to the landscape.

Uses: Ideal for use as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a colorful addition to urban gardens.

Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 6-10, tolerating a range of temperatures once established.

Toxicity: Crepe Myrtle is generally not considered toxic to humans or pets, making it a safe choice for family gardens.

Wildlife: The flowers attract and provide nectar and pollen to many important pollinating bees, making crepe myrtle a valuable addition to gardens.

Deer and Rabbit: Crepe Myrtle is seldom severely damaged by deer.

Drought:  Crepe Myrtle is known for its excellent drought tolerance once established.

Invasiveness:  Lagerstroemia indica has become naturalized and invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Find where it is invasive in the United States. Discover Native Plant Alternatives to Crepe Myrtle.

Crepe Myrtle Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a variety of soil types but flourishes in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Watering: Regular watering is essential for young plants. Mature Crepe Myrtle is drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or crossing branches and shape as needed. Avoid heavy pruning to maintain natural form.

Propagation: Can be propagated from softwood cuttings in early summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for pests like aphids, Japanese beetles and diseases like powdery mildew or root rot. Treat promptly with appropriate organic or chemical treatments.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Lythraceae
Genus Lagerstroemia
Common names Crepe Myrtle
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 8' (240cm)
Spacing 96" (240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lagerstroemia ‘Cherry Mocha’ (Crepe Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia ‘Like a Latte’ (Crepe Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia Center Stage® Coral (Crepe Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia Center Stage® Red (Crepe Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia Raspberry Sundae® (Crape Myrtle)
Lagerstroemia Rhapsody in Pink® (Crape Myrtle)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Salvia (Sage)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Fall
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle)
Native Plant Alternatives to Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Lythraceae
Genus Lagerstroemia
Common names Crepe Myrtle
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 8' (240cm)
Spacing 96" (240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle) to pick?
Compare Now

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