The ‘Lagerstroemia Miss Frances’ is a Crepe Myrtle cultivar, a popular deciduous shrub or small tree admired for its vibrant summer blooms. This adaptable plant offers striking visual impact and is a favored choice for gardeners due to its relative ease of care.
Distinctive Features of ‘Miss Frances’
‘Miss Frances’ is distinguished by its unique aesthetic and growth. It produces large, deep red flowers with an extended bloom season, from late June into early fall.
Its foliage is dark green through summer, turning red or reddish-purple in autumn. Mature plants develop exfoliating bark, revealing an attractive grey-orange or cinnamon-brown pattern, adding winter appeal. ‘Miss Frances’ typically reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, with a rounded, spreading shape.
Optimal Planting and Ongoing Care
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
For abundant blooms, plant ‘Miss Frances’ in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Even limited shade can reduce its flowering. The plant adapts to various well-draining soil types and tolerates a range of soil pH.
When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill with soil, tamp gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle it.
Watering Practices
Water ‘Miss Frances’ regularly, particularly during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering encourages an extensive root system, contributing to drought tolerance once established. Consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods benefits health and bloom production.
Fertilizing Schedule
Fertilize ‘Miss Frances’ annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for flowering trees and shrubs. Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and risk winter injury.
Mulching
Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of ‘Miss Frances’ to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Leave a small space around the trunk to prevent rot or fungal issues. Refresh the mulch layer annually to maintain its effectiveness.
Strategic Pruning for ‘Miss Frances’
Pruning maintains the health, shape, and bloom production of ‘Miss Frances’. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth, when the plant’s structure is visible for easier branch identification.
Avoid severe pruning, known as “Crepe Murder,” which cuts branches back to large stubs. This leads to weak, excessive growth and an unattractive appearance. Instead, remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and prevent disease.
Pruning can also shape the tree. While ‘Miss Frances’ blooms on new wood, deadheading spent blooms can encourage a longer flowering season.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While ‘Miss Frances’ has good disease and pest resistance, issues can arise. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery patches on leaves, shoots, and flowers, often in shady, damp conditions with poor air circulation. Ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning helps prevent it.
Aphids are common pests that feed on plant sap, causing yellow spots and distorted new growth. They excrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold, a black coating on leaves. Sooty mold indicates an aphid infestation.
Monitor for aphids and use insecticidal soaps or oils to manage populations. Poor blooming often results from insufficient sunlight or improper pruning.