James Burghardt
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
Lagerstroemia indica 'Carolina Beauty'
Plant Common Name
Crapemyrtle
General Description
A classic, widely-grown crapemyrtle, ‘Carolina Beauty’ is a heat-loving, multi-stemmed, deciduous small tree, selected from a species native to eastern Asia. In mid to late summer it bears many loose clusters of vivid, bright cherry-red to pink-red flowers on branch tips. Mature plants have an upright, slightly fountain-shaped habit and bark that exfoliates modestly.
Like most crapemyrtles, ‘Carolina Beauty’ tolerates a wide range of soils, if drainage is good, and grows best in hot, sunny locations. Growth will be most beautiful in gardens with consistent moisture, especially when the tree is in flower. Infestation by aphids is possible, but in general it is a low-maintenance plant, having good resistance to powdery mildew, a common leaf disease that mars the leaves of susceptible crapemyrtles. Plant 'Carolina Beauty' in larger foundation beds, as a focal tree, as an informal small street tree, or in mixed borders.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
15'-22' / 4.6m - 6.7m
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Width
10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
China, Korea
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Magenta
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Dark Red
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Bark Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Street Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
