Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
LAGERSTROEMIA indica 'Chisam Fire'
Plant Common Name
Compact Crapemyrtle
General Description
This compact crapemyrtle, 'Chisam Fire,' is a free-flowering deciduous shrub with green leaves and bright red to purplish red flowers in clusters at the tips of its branches. Heavy flowering typically starts by midsummer and lighter flowering can continue until frost. In fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange and red. The longest branches tend to arch slightly, giving the tree a graceful shape.
Like other dwarf crapemrytles, 'Chisam Fire' tolerates heat, drought, and almost any well-drained soil that is not highly alkaline. Adequate moisture, especially as plants begin to flower, ensures green leaves and full bloom. 'Chisam Fire' would be best planted en masse in expansive foundation beds or in the foreground in mixed borders, or in rock gardens as a specimen. It may also be grown in a large container. Ensure excellent air flow around the plant by giving it room to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, to which it is susceptible.
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
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
China, Korea
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Orange
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Bark Color
Brown
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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
No
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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
No
