Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia species) are beloved ornamental trees known for their vibrant flowers, attractive bark, and extended bloom season. While many varieties grow tall and wide, a range of smaller crape myrtles has emerged, making them ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, and even container planting. In this article, we’ll explore the smallest crape myrtle tree varieties, their characteristics, and how to care for them.
What Defines a Small Crape Myrtle?
Before diving into specific varieties, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as a “small” crape myrtle. Standard crape myrtles can reach up to 30 feet or more in height, but dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are much more compact.
Dwarf Crape Myrtles: These typically grow between 2 to 5 feet tall, making them the smallest crape myrtles available.
Semi-Dwarf Crape Myrtles: These varieties usually range from 5 to 12 feet tall, ideal for mid-sized gardens.
In general, small crape myrtles are sought after for their versatility, fitting in tight spaces while still offering the stunning color and texture associated with the larger types.
The Smallest Crape Myrtle Tree: ‘Pokomoke’
Among the dwarf varieties, ‘Pokomoke’ holds the distinction of being one of the smallest crape myrtle trees available. This compact, deciduous shrub is loved for its unique size, colorful blooms, and low-maintenance requirements. Let’s explore what makes ‘Pokomoke’ stand out.
Size and Growth Habit
Height: Typically reaches 2 to 3 feet at maturity.
Width: Spreads about 3 feet wide.
Growth Habit: A compact, rounded shrub with dense branching and a mounding shape.
Bloom Color and Season
Flower Color: Vibrant pink blooms that appear in clusters.
Bloom Season: Blooms profusely from late spring through summer, often extending into fall.
Leaf Color: New foliage emerges as dark green, providing a rich backdrop to the pink flowers.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a variety of soil types.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during hot, dry periods.
‘Pokomoke’ is perfect for small garden spaces, rock gardens, and even container planting due to its diminutive size and easy care.
Other Small Crape Myrtle Varieties
While ‘Pokomoke’ may be the smallest, several other dwarf crape myrtle varieties are excellent choices for gardeners looking for compact options. Here are a few notable ones:
1. ‘Chica Red’
Height: 3 to 4 feet tall.
Bloom Color: Bright red flowers.
Characteristics: Compact and bushy, ideal for small landscapes and containers. Its bold red blooms are eye-catching against dark green foliage.
2. ‘Dazzle Me Pink’
Height: 3 feet tall and wide.
Bloom Color: Bright pink flowers.
Characteristics: A dense, low-growing crape myrtle with abundant blooms. Perfect for borders, foundation plantings, and patio containers.
3. ‘Pixie White’
Height: 2 to 3 feet tall.
Bloom Color: Crisp white flowers.
Characteristics: Offers a clean, bright contrast to other landscape plants. Its small size makes it suitable for tight garden spaces and container growing.
4. ‘Chickasaw’
Height: 2 to 3 feet tall.
Bloom Color: Pale pink flowers.
Characteristics: Extremely compact with a broad, spreading habit. It’s a low-maintenance option for those looking to add subtle pink tones to their garden.
Why Choose a Small Crape Myrtle?
Small crape myrtles offer several advantages that make them popular among gardeners with limited space or those seeking versatile landscaping options. Here are a few reasons why choosing a small crape myrtle can be the best choice for your garden:
1. Space-Saving
Small crape myrtles fit easily into small gardens, courtyards, and urban spaces where larger trees would overwhelm the area. Their compact size makes them ideal for container planting on patios, terraces, or balconies.
2. Low Maintenance
Most dwarf crape myrtles are low-maintenance and require minimal pruning or care. Their compact size means they won’t outgrow their space, and they’re generally hardy and resilient.
3. Extended Bloom Season
Like their larger counterparts, small crape myrtles bloom over a long season, often from late spring through early fall. This extended blooming period adds vibrant color to the garden for months.
4. Versatile Use
Dwarf varieties are perfect for garden borders, hedges, and foundation plantings. Their small size also makes them suitable for accenting perennial beds, rock gardens, or even as specimen plants in small spaces.
How to Care for Small Crape Myrtles
Once you’ve chosen a small crape myrtle variety, understanding how to care for it is essential to ensure it thrives. Here’s a guide to keeping your crape myrtle healthy and vibrant year after year:
1. Planting Location
Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun, as crape myrtles need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flower abundantly.
Soil: Ensure well-drained soil. Crape myrtles are adaptable to various soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils.
2. Watering
Initial Care: Water regularly during the first year of planting to establish a deep root system.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, small crape myrtles are quite drought-tolerant. However, they still benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
3. Fertilizing
Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Application: Apply fertilizer sparingly, as excessive fertilization can result in more foliage than flowers.
4. Pruning
Minimal Pruning: Small crape myrtles require little pruning. You can trim lightly to shape the tree or remove any dead or diseased branches.
Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to encourage a well-shaped tree and prevent excessive sprawl.
5. Pest and Disease Control
Common Issues: Crape myrtles are relatively disease-resistant but can be prone to powdery mildew, aphids, and sooty mold.
Solutions: Regularly inspect for pests and use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps as needed. Ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Landscaping Ideas with Small Crape Myrtles
Due to their small size, dwarf crape myrtles can be used creatively in various landscaping designs. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your garden:
1. Container Planting
Small crape myrtles thrive in large containers, making them ideal for patios, balconies, or poolside settings. Use them as focal points or accents in your outdoor living space.
2. Border Plantings
Plant small crape myrtles along garden borders or walkways to add structure and vibrant color. They can create an attractive boundary without overwhelming the space.
3. Foundation Plantings
Dwarf varieties are perfect for planting near the foundation of your home or around decks and porches. Their compact size won’t block windows or grow too large for close quarters.
4. Mixed Garden Beds
Combine small crape myrtles with perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses to create a visually appealing, multi-season garden bed. The bright blooms of crape myrtles will contrast beautifully with green foliage plants.
See Also: Top 10 Most Expensive Wedding Bouquets in the World
Conclusion
The smallest crape myrtle varieties, such as the compact ‘Pokomoke,’ are perfect for those with limited space or those looking for versatile, low-maintenance options. These dwarf crape myrtles provide the same stunning flowers, foliage, and extended blooming season as their larger counterparts, but in a much smaller package. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, along a border, or in a container, these diminutive trees offer a big impact in even the smallest spaces. With the right care and attention, small crape myrtles can brighten your garden for many seasons to come.
You Might Be Interested In:
