The ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Cherokee’) is a popular deciduous shrub or small tree, cherished for its vibrant summer blooms and attractive year-round features.
Distinctive Features of ‘Cherokee’
The ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtle grows 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Its most striking feature is the abundant display of bright, wine-red flowers, which emerge in large clusters from mid-summer into fall.
Beyond its blooms, ‘Cherokee’ offers year-round interest. In spring, leaves unfurl with a coppery-bronze hue, maturing to dark green by summer. In autumn, foliage transforms into shades of gold, orange, and red. The exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal mottled layers of light-grey, tan, and brown, provides texture and character. ‘Cherokee’ is also resistant to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease.
Planting ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtle
Select a site for your ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtle that receives full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, to ensure abundant flowering and healthy growth. Good air circulation is also beneficial.
Prepare the soil by digging a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line. Remove the plant from its container, loosening any circling roots before placing it in the hole. Backfill the hole, tamping lightly to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly. Creating a shallow basin around the base can help direct water towards the roots.
Caring for ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtle
Consistent watering is important for the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Newly planted ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtles require watering once or twice weekly, or whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry. Water deeply, allowing the soil around the root ball to become thoroughly moist. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods, especially before and during bloom.
Established plants in fertile soil require minimal fertilization, as excessive nutrients can promote leafy growth over flowers. If your soil is poor, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Stop fertilizing a couple of months before the average first frost date to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
Pruning is best performed in late winter before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain the plant’s natural shape. Removing spent flower clusters in mid-summer can encourage a second flush of blooms. Avoid severe heading or “crape murder,” which involves drastically cutting back large branches. Instead, aim for selective thinning to enhance the plant’s structure and show off its attractive exfoliating bark.
Common Issues and Solutions for ‘Cherokee’
Powdery mildew, a common fungal disease, appears as a white coating on leaves and stems. While ‘Cherokee’ is resistant, it can occur in shady, damp conditions or areas with poor air circulation. To manage it, ensure proper plant spacing for airflow, avoid overhead watering late in the day, and remove affected foliage.
Insect pests like aphids and scale may affect ‘Cherokee’ Crape Myrtles. Aphids feed on new growth, leading to sticky honeydew and sooty mold. Scale insects appear as small bumps on stems and leaves. Minor infestations can be managed by spraying with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Environmental stressors can cause a lack of blooms or leaf discoloration. Poor flowering often results from insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization with high-nitrogen fertilizers. Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) may indicate a nutrient deficiency, such as iron, or an issue with soil pH. Crape myrtles prefer slightly acidic soil.