Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’ (Crape Myrtle)

Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’ (Crape Myrtle) – Deep Rose-Pink Flowers on a Compact Dwarf Shrub

Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’, commonly called Pocomoke crape myrtle or Pocomoke crepe myrtle, is a miniature deciduous flowering shrub prized for its deep rose-pink blooms, glossy dark green foliage, dense rounded habit, and exceptional usefulness in small gardens. It delivers the summer color and heat tolerance associated with crape myrtles without developing into a tree.

Released by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1998, ‘Pocomoke’ was selected to remain naturally low and compact. Depending on climate, age, and growing conditions, it commonly reaches about 2 to 5 ft. tall and wide (60-150 cm). Its manageable size makes it especially valuable for foundation beds, low hedges, mass plantings, sunny borders, rock gardens, and large containers.

The richly colored flowers appear in midsummer and may continue into early fall in warm climates. Maroon-tinged new foliage matures to glossy dark green before developing bronze-red to reddish fall tones. Although the bark is less prominent than on tree-form crape myrtles, older stems may still add subtle winter texture after the leaves fall.

Quick Facts – Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’

Summary: Miniature rose-pink crape myrtle forming a dense, rounded mound with glossy foliage and strong summer color.
Use: Excellent for small gardens, low hedges, foundation beds, mass plantings, sunny borders, rock gardens, and large containers.
Highlight: One of the smallest National Arboretum crape myrtles, with a naturally compact habit that generally needs little size-control pruning.
Note: Full sun is strongly recommended for the heaviest flowering and tightest growth. Avoid wet, poorly drained soil and excessively alkaline conditions.

Botanical Name	Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’; often listed in commerce as Lagerstroemia indica ‘Pocomoke’
Family	Lythraceae
Common Names	Pocomoke crape myrtle, Pocomoke crepe myrtle, miniature crape myrtle, dwarf crape myrtle
Origin	Miniature hybrid introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1998
Plant Type and Habit	Deciduous dwarf flowering shrub; dense, rounded, mounded, compact, and multi-stemmed
Hardiness (USDA)	Zones 6 to 9; top growth may suffer winter damage near the cold edge of its range
Size	Commonly 2-5 ft. tall and wide (60-150 cm), depending on climate and age
Growth Rate	Slow to moderate
Sun and Exposure	Full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, with 8 or more hours ideal
Soil	Average, moderately fertile, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil; slightly acidic to neutral conditions are best
Bloom Time	Midsummer through late summer, sometimes continuing into early fall
Flower Color	Deep rose-pink to rich rosy pink
Foliage and Fall Color	Maroon-tinged new leaves, glossy dark green summer foliage, and bronze-red to reddish autumn color
Disease Resistance	Highly resistant to powdery mildew; also rated resistant to leaf spot in comparative trials
Wildlife Value	Flowers may be visited by bees and other insects; best regarded as a supplemental floral resource
Deer Resistance	Generally deer resistant, although tender growth may occasionally be sampled

Care – Quick

• Planting: Choose a hot, sunny site with well-drained soil and room for a mature spread of up to 5 ft.
• Water: Water deeply during establishment; mature shrubs tolerate moderate drought.
• Feeding: Use compost or a modest spring fertilizer only where growth is weak or soil fertility is low.
• Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter; avoid cutting the shrub back hard every year.
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 in. of organic mulch without covering the crown or lower stems.
• Best use: Plant where its naturally low mound can be appreciated rather than hidden behind taller shrubs.

What Is Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’?

Description and Origin

‘Pocomoke’ is a miniature hybrid crape myrtle developed through the U.S. National Arboretum breeding program and released in 1998. It was selected for a genuinely compact, mound-shaped habit, deep rose-pink flowers, and high resistance to powdery mildew. Unlike tree-form crape myrtles, it remains a low shrub and normally keeps its rounded shape without annual size-control pruning.

The cultivar is often sold as Lagerstroemia indica ‘Pocomoke’, but its breeding background is more complex than that name suggests. The broadly accurate and commercially clear designation is Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’.

Growth Habit and Mature Size

‘Pocomoke’ forms a dense, multi-stemmed mound with closely spaced branches and small leaves. Published size descriptions vary: young or colder-climate plants may remain around 20-36 in. tall, while established shrubs in favorable conditions can approach 4-5 ft. Mature spread is often equal to or greater than height.

This variation is important when planning a hedge or foundation bed. Space shrubs about 3-5 ft. apart, depending on whether you want individual rounded specimens or a continuous flowering mass. Do not place them so close to a walkway that mature branches must be repeatedly sheared.

Flowers and Bloom Season

The deep rose-pink flowers are carried in compact terminal clusters over the small, glossy leaves. Bloom commonly begins in July or midsummer and continues through August, with flowers sometimes extending into early fall where warm weather persists.

The display is strongest in uninterrupted sun. Plants grown in partial shade may survive, but flowering becomes lighter and the mound may open or lean toward available light. Removing individual spent clusters is optional and usually unnecessary for a healthy, established shrub.

Foliage, Fall Color, and Winter Form

New growth may emerge maroon or reddish before maturing to glossy dark green. In fall, the foliage can develop bronze-red, burgundy, or reddish tones, although the intensity varies with temperature and site. After leaf drop, the fine branching structure and gray-tan stems remain visible.

Because ‘Pocomoke’ has small stems, its exfoliating bark is less dramatic than that of large cultivars such as ‘Natchez‘. Its primary winter value comes from the dense, rounded silhouette rather than bold trunk color.

Hardiness and Climate

‘Pocomoke’ is generally grown in USDA Zones 6 to 9. In Zone 6 and colder parts of Zone 7, stems may die back during severe winters and regrow from the crown. A sunny, protected site and a broad organic mulch layer help protect the roots, but flowering may begin later where the growing season is short.

Uses in the Landscape

• Small-garden specimen: Use one shrub as a vivid summer focal point without introducing tree-scale growth.
• Low flowering hedge: Space plants closely enough to merge while preserving airflow and access for maintenance.
• Foundation planting: Position in full sun where the mature mound will remain below windows and away from vents.
• Mass planting: Repeat several shrubs for a broad carpet of rose-pink summer color.
• Sunny mixed border: Place near the front or middle of the bed with lower perennials around the edges.
• Rock or gravel garden: Use where the root zone receives moisture during establishment but drains freely.
• Large container: Grow in a frost-resistant pot with excellent drainage and reliable summer watering.

Wildlife and Pollinator Value

The flowers may receive visits from bees and other insects, but ‘Pocomoke’ is best considered a supplemental floral resource. Combine it with native perennials and grasses that provide nectar, pollen, seeds, and shelter across a longer season.

Deer and Browsing Animals

Crape myrtles are generally considered deer-resistant plants. However, low-growing shrubs are more accessible than tree canopies, and deer may sample tender new shoots where browsing pressure is severe.

Drought and Heat Tolerance

Once established, ‘Pocomoke’ tolerates heat and moderate drought. Newly planted shrubs and container-grown specimens need consistent moisture while roots develop. Long dry periods can reduce flowering, scorch foliage, or cause premature leaf drop.

Toxicity

Crape myrtle is not commonly regarded as toxic to people, cats, dogs, or horses. Nevertheless, ornamental plant material should not be intentionally eaten, and any concerning ingestion should be discussed with an appropriate medical or veterinary professional.

Invasiveness

‘Pocomoke’ is a compact shrub rather than an aggressive spreader. It does not run by underground stems, but occasional seedlings may appear where capsules mature. Related Lagerstroemia indica material has naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States, so remove unwanted seedlings near sensitive natural areas.

Growing Conditions for Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’

Light

Full sun is strongly recommended. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; eight or more hours generally produce the heaviest flowering, tightest habit, and lowest fungal disease pressure. Avoid sites shaded by buildings, trees, or taller shrubs.

Soil

‘Pocomoke’ grows in clay, loam, or sandy soil if drainage is adequate. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. In strongly alkaline ground, iron chlorosis may cause yellow leaves with greener veins. Improve drainage before planting, but avoid creating a narrow pocket of highly amended soil.

Water

Water deeply after planting and whenever the developing root zone begins to dry. Once established, irrigate during extended drought rather than applying frequent shallow sprinklings. Container plants dry much faster than shrubs in the ground and may require regular watering during hot weather.

Feeding

Excess fertilizer encourages leafy growth and may reduce flowers. Apply compost or a modest slow-release fertilizer in spring only when soil fertility or plant performance indicates a need. A soil test is especially useful when foliage shows chlorosis.

Planting, Maintenance, and Propagation

Planting Tips

Plant in spring or fall with the root flare at or slightly above grade. Dig the planting hole wider than the root ball but no deeper, backfill with the existing soil, water thoroughly, and mulch over the root zone. Allow enough space for a mature spread of approximately 3-5 ft.

Maintenance and Pruning

‘Pocomoke’ flowers on new wood, so remove dead, damaged, crossing, or winter-killed stems in late winter or early spring. Light thinning may improve air circulation, but routine hard pruning is unnecessary because the plant is genetically compact.

Avoid cutting every stem back to short stubs. Severe annual pruning delays the natural development of the mound, produces weak shoot clusters, and can reduce early flowering. If a shrub repeatedly outgrows its position, transplant it or choose a smaller cultivar rather than forcing it into the space.

Growing in Containers

Choose a broad, frost-resistant container with generous drainage holes. Use a high-quality, well-drained potting mix and water whenever the upper layer begins to dry. In cold climates, protect the root ball from repeated freezing by moving the container to a sheltered location or insulating the pot.

Propagation

Propagate ‘Pocomoke’ vegetatively from cuttings to preserve its compact habit, flower color, and disease resistance. Seedlings may vary and should not be expected to reproduce the cultivar accurately.

Problems and Pests

‘Pocomoke’ is highly resistant to powdery mildew and has performed well against leaf spot in comparative cultivar trials. It can still experience ordinary crape myrtle pests or environmental problems, especially when crowded, shaded, overfertilized, or grown in poorly drained or alkaline soil.

• Aphids: Sap-feeding colonies may distort young growth and produce sticky honeydew.
• Sooty mold: Black fungal growth develops on honeydew from aphids or scale. Manage the insect producing the honeydew.
• Crapemyrtle bark scale: White or gray felted insects may appear on stems and produce honeydew and sooty mold.
• Cercospora leaf spot: Resistance reduces risk, but warm, wet weather and crowding can still encourage spotting or premature leaf loss.
• Powdery mildew: ‘Pocomoke’ is highly resistant, but full sun and open spacing remain worthwhile preventive measures.
• Iron chlorosis: Yellow leaves with green veins may develop in alkaline soil. Confirm soil pH before applying iron products.
• Winter injury: Stems may die back near the northern edge of the cultivar’s range, although established crowns can often resprout.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants with Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’

These companions share the shrub’s preference for full sun and well-drained soil and remain suitably scaled for a compact planting. Keep adequate space around ‘Pocomoke’ so its low rounded form remains visible, and check local heat tolerance in the warmest parts of Zone 9.

• Lavender-blue edging: Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ – soft lavender-blue flowers spread around the base without competing with the rose-pink canopy.
• Soft yellow contrast: Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ – fine foliage and pale yellow flowers brighten the planting while tolerating heat and moderate dryness.
• Silver fragrant foreground: Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ – silver foliage and violet flowers provide a strong Mediterranean contrast in sharply drained soil.
• Airy late-season movement: Muhlenbergia capillaris – pink fall plumes extend the rosy color theme and add movement behind the compact shrub.
• Native summer layer: Echinacea purpurea – coneflowers add stronger pollinator value and an upright counterpoint in sunny borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

U.S. National Arboretum – International Cultivar Registration Authority, Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’: https://www.usna.usda.gov/science/icra/lagerstroemia/pq/

U.S. National Arboretum – Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’ Introduction: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_standard_image/Lagerstroemia_Pocomoke.pdf

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lagerstroemia-pocomoke/

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – Dwarf Crape Myrtle Cultivars: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/crapemyrtle/detail-dwarf/

Clemson Cooperative Extension – Crape Myrtle Diseases and Insect Pests: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-diseases-insect-pests/

Updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by Gardenia Editors