The ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ (Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Fantasy’) is a distinctive cultivar that adds elegance and vibrant color to gardens. Its reliable summer blooms and ornamental features make it a popular, long-flowering deciduous tree for landscapes.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ stands out with unique features. It typically grows as a small to medium-sized tree, 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, though mature specimens can reach 50 feet. Its growth habit is rounded to vase-shaped, often multi-stemmed with a dense crown and slightly weeping branches. Its spectacular bark exfoliates in patches, revealing smooth, mottled surfaces in cinnamon-brown and cream, offering winter interest.
Foliage emerges mahogany-red in spring, matures to deep green in summer, and transforms into bright golden-yellow to orange and red in autumn. Large, non-fragrant white flower panicles appear from mid to late summer for a significant floral display. It produces ample new growth after flowering, contributing to a continuous display. It also resists powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot.
Planting and General Care
Site Selection
For optimal growth and abundant flowering, ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ requires full sun (at least six to eight hours daily). Less sunlight reduces vigor and bloom production. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root issues.
Soil Preparation
It adapts to various soil types but thrives best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-6.5). For heavy clay, incorporate organic matter like finely ground pine bark or pea gravel to improve drainage. Avoid fertilizer directly in the planting hole.
Watering
Newly planted ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtles’ need consistent watering to establish a robust root system. During the first year, a 5-gallon container tree may need about 10 gallons of water per week, ideally in two applications. Once established, crape myrtles are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ benefits from fertilization for growth and flowering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8, 10-10-10) is suitable. For established plants, apply fertilizer in early spring as new leaves emerge, and potentially again in mid-summer for continuous blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen; it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and may reduce cold hardiness.
Mulching
A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., pine bark, hardwood) around the tree’s base helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Spread mulch to the drip line, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and disease. This practice is especially beneficial for young plants and in drier conditions.
Pruning Practices
Pruning ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ is best done in late winter or early spring (late January to early March), before new growth. This timing allows for easy branch visibility and ensures pruning won’t diminish summer blooms, as crape myrtles flower on new wood. Primary purposes include shaping, promoting healthy growth, enhancing air circulation, and removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
When pruning, aim for an attractive frame with three to five main trunks if growing multi-stemmed. Remove suckers from the base or roots, and any inward-growing or rubbing branches. For a tree form, gradually remove lower branches to lift the canopy, but avoid removing more than one-third of the canopy per season to prevent stressing the tree.
Avoid “crape murder”—severe topping or heading back of large branches to stubs. This practice weakens the tree, creates an unsightly appearance, and can lead to weak, whip-like new growth that may not support blooms.
Common Challenges
Powdery mildew is a frequent fungal disease, appearing as white to grayish patches on leaves, flowers, and new shoots, especially in warm, humid conditions with poor air circulation. While ‘Fantasy’ has some resistance, severe infections can distort growth. Cercospora leaf spot, another fungal disease, causes yellow or brown spots on leaves, often leading to premature defoliation in late summer or fall.
Common insect pests include crape myrtle aphids, which are pale yellowish-green and excrete sticky honeydew. This honeydew can lead to sooty mold, a black fungus covering leaves and branches. While sooty mold usually doesn’t severely harm the tree, it can reduce vigor and aesthetic appeal.
Bark scale is a relatively new pest that clusters in branch crotches and under loose bark, also leading to honeydew and sooty mold. Good air circulation and selecting resistant varieties are preventative measures. For aphids and sooty mold, blasting with water or using insecticidal soap can be effective.
Winter Preparation
Preparing ‘Fantasy Crape Myrtle’ for winter is important, especially in colder climates (USDA Zones 6-9). While it tolerates temperatures as low as -10°F when dormant, young or newly planted trees may benefit from extra protection. Adequate fall hydration is beneficial, as roots grow in cooler soil temperatures, preparing the plant for winter. However, avoid overwatering during fall and winter, making it more susceptible to winter damage.
Applying a protective mulch layer around the root zone is key. A 3-6 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., shredded bark or leaves) insulates roots from freezing temperatures. This mulch layer should extend to the drip line but be kept a few inches away from the trunk. In areas with severe winters or for young trees, wrapping the trunk with burlap or a frost blanket provides protection. Remove any wrapping and excess mulch in early spring as temperatures warm.