The Chickasaw Crape Myrtle is a popular dwarf cultivar, valued for its compact size, adaptable nature, and aesthetic appeal in home gardens. Its manageable nature makes it a favored choice for various landscape designs.
Chickasaw Crape Myrtle Characteristics
The Chickasaw Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’) is a deciduous shrub developed by the U.S. National Arboretum. It typically reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads about 1.5 to 3 feet wide, although some sources indicate it can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. This compact size is achieved over approximately seven years in container culture.
The plant features glossy, dark green, fine-textured foliage. In the fall, this foliage transforms into attractive bronze-red or orange-red hues. From mid-summer until the first frost, it produces abundant terminal clusters of pinkish-lavender, crepe-papery flowers. Individual flower buds are small, opening into clusters around 2-3 inches long.
The bark, which develops an attractive exfoliating quality with age, is typically light beige and brown. This cultivar is resistant to powdery mildew, a common crape myrtle disease.
Planting Your Chickasaw Crape Myrtle
Sunlight and Soil
These plants thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Planting in a shady spot can significantly reduce bloom production. Chickasaw Crape Myrtles adapt to a wide range of soil types, as long as there is good drainage. They prefer medium moisture, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.0 and 6.5.
Planting Steps
When preparing the planting area, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. Before placing the plant, gently remove it from its container and tease apart any circling roots. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil line.
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, lightly tamping it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. The Chickasaw Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9 or 6 through 10.
Care and Maintenance
Watering
After planting, consistent watering is important for establishment. During the first growing season, newly planted crape myrtles require deep watering once or twice weekly, or whenever the top few inches of soil dry out. Water in the morning, allowing foliage to dry during the day, and direct water to the soil around the plant to minimize fungal issues like powdery mildew.
Once established, typically after the first year, Chickasaw Crape Myrtles are quite drought-tolerant and will not require frequent watering. However, during extended dry spells, providing supplemental water can help maintain healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Overwatering should be avoided, as consistently wet soil can lead to root problems.
Fertilization
Fertilization is best done in early spring as new growth emerges. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is suitable. For young plants, a light monthly application during the growing season can promote root development.
Established plants benefit from broadcasting granular fertilizer evenly around the drip line, avoiding the area closest to the trunk. Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowering and may increase susceptibility to winter injury. Cease fertilization in late fall to prepare for winter dormancy.
Pruning and Pests
Pruning for this dwarf variety should be minimal, focusing on shaping, removing dead or damaged wood, and thinning crossing branches to improve air circulation. This selective thinning helps prevent fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, which can still affect plants with poor air circulation. Avoid severe cutting back, often termed “crape murder,” as it can result in an unnatural appearance and may delay flowering. Occasional issues like aphids or sooty mold can occur, but these are typically manageable.