The U.S. National Arboretum
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
LAGERSTROEMIA indica 'Cherokee'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Crapemyrtle
General Description
Cherokee crapemyrtle is a heat-loving, open-branched, large shrub that arose from the hybridization of other crapemyrtle cultivars. By midsummer it bears clusters of crinkled, subdued-red (or powdered coral-red) flowers at its branch tips among glossy, dark green leaves. In autumn, the leaves turn a brilliant red with hints of purple. The smooth, attractive bark, mottled light-gray, tan and brown, becomes the ornamental highlight in winter.
Like other crapemyrtles, it tolerates a wide range of soils, given good drainage, and grows best in hot, sunny locations. In general, this cultivar has good resistance to powdery mildew, to which many crapemyrtles are susceptible. Terrific as a border specimen or focal shrub in a border, 'Cherokee' can also be trained as a small tree by removing its lower branches early and regularly. Removing spent flower clusters promptly often leads to a second, smaller flowering.
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
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
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
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, 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
