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photo of Megan Mathey

Meet the Breeder

Megan Mathey
Grand Haven, Michigan

CENTER STAGE® Red

Crapemyrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

'SMNLCIBF'

PP#32,515

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the cherry-red flowers of center stage crapemyrtle the cherry-red flowers of center stage crapemyrtle The red flowers of Center Stage crapemyrlte Center Stage crape myrtle has deep black foliage and a narrow upright habit The deep black disease resistant foliage of center stage crapemyrtle the cherry-red flowers of center stage crapemyrtle the cherry-red flowers of center stage crapemyrtle YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • 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. More colors to come!

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

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.

  • Grower Sheet: Center Stage™ Red Lagerstroemia Professional Grower Sheet
  • Tag: Center Stage™ Red Lagerstroemia tag
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week June 4, 2020
  • Benchcard: Center Stage® Red Lagerstroemia Benchcard
  • Spec Sheet: Center Stage™ Red Lagerstroemia spec sheet
  • Spec Sheet: Center Stage Lagerstroemia Spec Sheet

    • 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, USDA Zone 10, 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, USDA Zone 10, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Red flowers, Black foliage