Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Lythraceae
Botanical Name
LAGERSTROEMIA indica( DIXIE SERIES)
Plant Common Name
Dixie Dwarf Crapemyrtle, Dwarf Crapemyrtle
General Description
The Dixie Series is a collection of ten miniature, weeping, shrub crapemyrtles. They grow no taller than thigh high and several grow only shin high. These summer-blooming deciduous shrubs boast flowers in a range of colors from purple to red or pink. Leaves are typically an attractive dark-green in spring and summer and in fall change into a kaleidoscope of yellow, orange and red.
Dixie dwarf crapemrytles are heat and drought-tolerant shrubs that can be planted in practically any well-drained soil that is not too alkaline. Full sun and adequate moisture, especially as plants begin to flower, will ensure the best best growth and flowering. Their dwarf stature suits these shrubs to small yards and mixed borders.
Rejuvenate the shrubs annually or every few years by pruning out older branches. As these shrubs are not particularly cold hardy, such a pruning schedule may be mandatory in regions with harsher winters where die-back is expected. Regular pruning can keep the shrubs much smaller, shorter and even prostrate. Members of the Dixie Series include the deep-red flowering 'Baton Rouge' ('Beverly'), lavender-flowering 'Cordon Bleu' ('Louisa'), 'Pink Blush', and the early season, heavily-blooming, purple-flowered 'New Orleans.'
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 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, Partial Sun
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Height
0'-2' / 0.0m - 0.6m
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Width
0'-2' / 0.0m - 0.6m
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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
Well Drained
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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
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Purple, Pink, Lavender, Ivory
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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, Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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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
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
