Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans')
Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans' is a miniature, weeping Crape myrtle, offering showy purple blooms from June to September in USDA Zones 6-10.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ is a highly valued, miniature weeping Crape myrtle, perfect for gardeners seeking summer drama in confined spaces or as detailed ground cover. Developed by David Chopin, this variety stands out for its densely branched habit, rarely exceeding one foot in height, making it significantly smaller than many other summer-flowering shrubs. It provides long-lasting color with crepe-papery panicles of striking purple flowers from early summer well into the fall.
As a deciduous shrub, this Crape myrtle offers robust performance when matched with its required conditions: full sun and medium water. It is particularly unique due to its compact nature, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, or patio containers where larger specimens might dominate. Gardeners should note that while it is relatively hardy, winter protection may be necessary in the colder reaches of its range.
The appeal of the Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ lies in its ability to deliver significant seasonal impact in a miniature footprint, providing textural interest even when not in bloom due to its dark green foliage. Successful cultivation hinges on providing adequate sun exposure and managing soil fertility to maximize flower production over excessive leaf growth.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lythraceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best time to plant your Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ is when the danger of hard frost has passed, allowing roots to establish before the intense heat of summer. Ensure planting occurs in a location receiving full sun, as adequate light is crucial for prolific flowering. This Crape myrtle performs well in average, medium-moisture soils, tolerating both loamy and clay compositions, provided the drainage remains good.
Day-to-day care involves consistent watering, particularly during dry periods, focusing irrigation directly at the roots rather than wetting the foliage to minimize disease potential. Fertilize moderately with a slow-release formula; overly rich soils should be avoided as they encourage lush leaf growth at the expense of those sought-after purple blooms. For long-term health, plant this variety in a somewhat protected spot and incorporate a winter mulch layer.
Gardeners in borderline zones, such as those experiencing frequent temperatures below -5°F, must manage winter expectations. In areas like St. Louis (Zone 5b/6a), the top growth may die back annually, requiring renovation pruning in early spring—cutting stems back to about 8 inches—to encourage new flowering wood. If winter dieback occurs, prune back only to visibly live wood when new foliage emerges, similar to managing some shrub roses.
Landscape Uses
The miniature size of the Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ Crape myrtle unlocks specialized design opportunities many other landscape shrubs cannot fill. Due to its low, sprawling habit—often just under a foot tall while spreading up to three feet wide—it functions exceptionally well when massed or grouped together as a dense, flowering ground cover along borders or foundations. This density helps suppress weeds while maintaining a clean edge.
For rock gardens or alpine displays, Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ serves perfectly as a low specimen plant, contrasting its dark green leaves and bright purple flowers against stone textures. Furthermore, its weeping, compact form makes it an ideal candidate for container cultivation on patios. When grown in large pots, it can create a neat, contained specimen display, providing sustained summer color until the weather cools.
Because of its relatively small stature and tolerance for clay, finding companions that share a love for full sun and medium moisture is easy; consider pairing it with low-growing sedums, creeping thyme, or shorter perennial salvias for complementary texture and color without overwhelming the delicate scale of the Crape myrtle.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lagerstroemia is a genus renowned for its very showy, beautiful bloom time spanning summer into fall, with many varieties growing into small trees in warmer climates. Specifically, ‘New Orleans’ is a miniature, weeping cultivar belonging to the Dixie Series, characterized by dense branching, dark green foliage, and terminal panicles of purple, crepe-papery flowers. This grants it excellent utility where low ground coverage is desired while still demanding peak summer floral performance.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The primary concerns for typical Crape myrtles include fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew, though ‘New Orleans’ reportedly exhibits good resistance to these common ailments. Chlorosis, or yellowing of the foliage, can occur if the soil pH is too alkaline, indicating a need for soil amendment if discoloration persists. Be watchful for minor pest issues like aphids or scale insects, though significant infestations are uncommon on this variety. Winter injury is the most significant threat in zones 5 and 6, where top growth often succumbs to deep freezes, necessitating yearly pruning management to ensure spring rebirth and subsequent summer bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Crape myrtle suitable for?
This particular Crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’, performs best in USDA Zones 6 through 10.
How large does Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ grow?
Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ is a miniature variety, typically reaching a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a similar spread of 0.75 to 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Crape myrtle need?
For optimal flowering and health, this Crape myrtle variety requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
When does Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ bloom?
This variety produces masses of purple flowers beginning in June and continuing its bloom display until September.
Conclusion
Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’ offers unparalleled value for small-space gardening, delivering the signature season-long color of a Crape myrtle in a dwarf, weeping form. Its ability to tolerate drought and clay soil, combined with its showy purple blooms, makes it a superb choice for borders or containers. Before planting, verify your local hardiness zone and ensure the location provides the necessary full sun exposure to enjoy this unique miniature selection.
Companion Planting
When designing a sunny, medium-water garden bed around your Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’, select companions that echo its summer bloom time and tolerance for sun. Low-growing ornamental grasses, such as certain Carex varieties or smaller Miscanthus, provide contrasting texture without competing heavily for root space or light since the Crape myrtle remains perpetually low-growing. Also consider classic, drought-tolerant perennials like Salvia cultivars or Coreopsis to maintain vibrant color throughout the season near the purple flowers of the Lagerstroemia.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For Zone 6 gardeners, spring cleanup is crucial; wait until new growth appears before executing necessary hard pruning to remove any winter-damaged wood from the previous season. During late spring and summer, focus maintenance on deep, infrequent watering at the root zone, avoiding overhead sprinkling. Summer heat is when this Crape myrtle shines, so ensure it receives maximum sun. In the fall, especially in colder zones, ensure a protective layer of winter mulch is applied after the ground freezes to help insulate the roots of your Lagerstroemia ‘New Orleans’.
