Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw')
Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw' is a dwarf Crape myrtle producing pinkish lavender blooms from July to frost. Ideal for small spaces.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ Crape myrtle is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking the summer color of larger varieties in a compact, manageable form. This specific cultivar is a miniature hybrid developed by the National Arboretum, offering dense branching and glossy dark green foliage which sets off its lovely bloom display. Cultivating this variety allows success in smaller gardens or containers where traditional Crape myrtles are impractical.
Valuable for its season-long performance, Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ provides beautiful pinkish lavender, crepe-papery flowers that last from mid-summer right up until the first frost. Its dwarf nature, typically reaching only 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, makes it a standout performer without overwhelming the landscape.
This tough little shrub exhibits good disease resistance, particularly against mildew, which is a common concern for other Crape myrtle types. Gardeners relying on the hardiness of this specific Crape myrtle will appreciate its resilience in urban environments, tolerating both clay soils and air pollution once established.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lythraceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to frost
- Bloom Description: Pinkish lavender
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best time to plant Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, allowing it to establish roots before winter stress. This Crape myrtle thrives best when placed in a location receiving full sun, which is crucial for prolific flowering. It adapts well to average, well-drained soils, including loamy or clay compositions, provided drainage is adequate.
Watering should be targeted deeply at the roots, especially during dry spells throughout the summer, while making an effort to keep the foliage dry to prevent potential fungal issues. When feeding, apply a slow-release fertilizer; be cautious of overly rich soils, as this can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of desirable summer blooms.
For gardeners in borderline cold zones (like St. Louis, zones 5b/6a), winter preparation is key for this Crape myrtle. Apply a winter mulch around the root zone and choose a protected planting site. In very harsh winters, top growth may die back to the ground, but the roots are often hardier (sometimes surviving down to Zone 5). Expect to prune out any dead wood in early spring, or cut all stems back to 8 inches annually to encourage flowering on new wood, treating it much like an herbaceous perennial.
Landscape Uses
Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ is intentionally bred to be a miniature Crape myrtle, making it perfect for small-scale architectural interest. Its compact, low-mounding habit makes it an outstanding choice for mass planting along short borders or tucked into foundation plantings where taller shrubs would overwhelm the space. Consider using it as a defining edge or subtle groundcover in a mixed perennial bed.
As a specimen plant, the dwarf size shines in rock gardens where its summer color can be appreciated contrast against stone textures. Furthermore, due to its reliably smaller stature, the ‘Chickasaw’ cultivar is highly recommended for container gardening on patios, brightening outdoor rooms throughout the hot summer months.
This plant’s unique size means it pairs well with plants that offer textural or color contrast without competing for vertical space. Think about pairing it with low-growing ornamental grasses or sun-loving perennials that bloom earlier or later in the season to extend garden interest beyond the Crape myrtle’s primary bloom window.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ is a miniature, mildew-resistant hybrid cross between L. Indica and L. Fauriei, distinguished by its dense, dwarf-mounded form. This shrub features glossy dark green foliage topped with terminal panicles of delicate, crepe-papery pinkish lavender flowers, blooming reliably from mid-summer until frost. The common name references the papery texture of its blossoms and the myrtle-like appearance of its bark and leaves.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew are the primary disease concerns for Crape myrtles generally, though ‘Chickasaw’ exhibits good resistance. Be mindful that foliage may turn yellow if planted in highly alkaline soils (chlorosis). Aphids and scale can occasionally infest the plant. Winter injury to the top growth is the most common issue in USDA Zones 5 and 6; mitigate this by protecting the planting site and practicing annual pruning management, especially in colder extremes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Crape myrtle suitable for?
This specific cultivar, Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ grow?
It is known for staying small, typically reaching a height between 1 and 2 feet tall and spreading 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Crape myrtle bloom?
Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ provides extended color, blooming consistently from July until the first frost arrives.
What sun exposure does Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ need?
This beautiful specimen requires full sun exposure to maximize flowering performance throughout the season.
Conclusion
The Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ Crape myrtle is an invaluable addition for any sunny spot, delivering long-lasting, showy summer flowers in a perfectly dwarf package resistant to mildew. Ensure you plant this cultivar where it receives ample sun and has well-drained soil to encourage the best performance. Before planting, always confirm that your local USDA zone falls within the 6 to 9 range for reliable shrub establishment.
Companion Planting
When designing beds around your Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’, focus on companions that share its love for heat and full sun while offering complementary textures. Spiky plants like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or ornamental grasses provide an excellent vertical contrast to the mounding habit of this Crape myrtle. Since ‘Chickasaw’ tolerates clay and drought once established, pair it with other tough, sun-loving perennials such as Coneflowers (Echinacea) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). This grouping ensures uniform cultural needs across the entire planting area.
Container Growing
Growing this miniature Crape myrtle in containers is an excellent management strategy, especially in colder northern reaches where root protection is easily achieved. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with a bit of slow-release fertilizer to support its continuous bloom cycle. Containers allow you to move the Lagerstroemia ‘Chickasaw’ to a slightly more protected spot during harsh winter snaps, thus safeguarding the above-ground structure better than in the open ground. Ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent soggy roots, adhering to the general rule that Crape myrtles appreciate moist, but not wet, soil conditions.
