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Close up of the cherry-red flowers of Center Stage Red crapemyrtle

Close up of Center Stage Red crapemyrtle's bright red flowers

The red flowers of Center Stage Red crapemyrtle against the deep black foliage

Center Stage Red lagerstroemia with deep black foliage and a narrow upright habit

The deep black foliage of Center Stage Red crapemyrtle

Close up of the cherry-red flowers of Center Stage Red lagerstroemia

Center Stage Red crapemyrtle's bright red flowers against its deep black foliage

YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page

Meet the Breeder

Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan

CENTER STAGE® Red

Crapemyrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

'SMNLCIBF'

PP#32,515

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Cerise-colored flowers
Disease resistant
Heat tolerant

Description: Looking for a crapemyrtle that doesn't disappear in the crowd? This is it! The CENTER STAGE^® Red series was developed by Spring Meadow's Megan Mathey with the goal of very disease-resistant black foliage and super stunning flower color. CENTER STAGE^® Red is the first to market, with vivacious cerise-colored blooms in summer. Performing very well in heat trials as well as in our field and gardens here in West Michigan. 2023 Blue Chip designee - Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter.

Awards: 2023 Blue Chip designation from the LSU AgCenter
USDA Zone: 6b-10 (-10°F/-23°C)
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 6' - 12'
Width: 8'
Finish Time: 1 season
Type: Deciduous
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Red
Foliage Color: Black
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

General Care

Soil

Moist, well drained soils are best, but crapemyrtle is widely adaptable, including to compacted urban soils.

Pruning

Blooms on new wood. Pruning depends on the plant's role in the landscape, however, these large, tree-like crapemyrtles are best pruned only to develop an appealing form. Regular pruning or cutting back should generally be avoided.