Meet the Breeder
Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan
CENTER STAGE® Red
Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia
'SMNLCIBF'
32515; CBRAF
- Cerise-colored flowers
- Disease resistant
- Heat tolerant
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. More colors to come!
USDA Zone 7 - 9 (0°F/-17.7°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.
Uses Specimen plant; hedging; foundation plantings.
Growing Tips Boasts handsome bark and excellent fall color in addition to flowers. Can be grown multi- or single stemmed.
Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Fall interest, Heat tolerant
Filters: Botanical genus: Lagerstroemia, Common name: Crapemyrtle, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Red flowers, Black foliage
Features: Attracts pollinators, Clay soil, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Fall interest, Heat tolerant
Filters: Botanical genus: Lagerstroemia, Common name: Crapemyrtle, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Red flowers, Black foliage