Images Depict Mature Plants
Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia 'Gamand 1' PP#16917
Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle delivers brilliant cherry-red blooms, compact growth, and exceptional disease resistance, making it a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape choice. Perfect for foundation plantings, low hedges, colorful borders, and patio containers, Cherry Dazzle adds bold summer color and pollinator appeal to sunny gardens.
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Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle
Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle is a stunning, compact shrub known for its brilliant cherry-red blooms and vibrant, disease-resistant foliage. This eye-catching variety bursts into color in mid-summer and continues to bloom profusely into fall, creating a dazzling display that brightens any sunny landscape. Growing to a tidy 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, Cherry Dazzle is perfect for small gardens, foundation plantings, low hedges, and colorful borders. Its compact size and vivid flower clusters make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add bold color without overwhelming their planting spaces.
Adaptable and low-maintenance, Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, showing excellent resistance to common Crape Myrtle diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant, making it a smart choice for water-wise and sustainable landscapes. Its dense growth habit also requires minimal pruning, keeping maintenance easy while ensuring a consistently beautiful appearance. Cherry Dazzle’s fiery red blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem throughout the hottest months of the year.
In addition to its spectacular flowers, Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle offers rich seasonal interest with its lush green foliage in spring and summer, followed by attractive red-tinted fall color. Whether grown as a stand-alone specimen, grouped for a bold hedge, or used in containers to brighten patios and decks, Cherry Dazzle brings incredible color, resilience, and versatility to any landscape. With its compact size, stunning cherry-red blooms, and outstanding adaptability, Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle is a top choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty and low-maintenance charm.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 5 feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 5 feet |
| Classification: | Semi-dwarf/Miniature (3-5 feet) |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched, mounding habit |
| Flower Color: | Bright cherry red flowers in mid to late summer through Early Fall |
| Foliage: | New growth emerges a rich glossy bronze, changing to a equally rich dark green. Highly tolerant to powdery mildew |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used in the mixed border, mass planting, or part of a perennial garden. Also try them in containers on the patio |
How to Care for Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle plant for years to come!
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How do I Plant Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle Shrubs?
To plant your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs, choose a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day to ensure the best flowering and healthy growth. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, loosening the surrounding soil to help the roots establish quickly. Place the shrub in the center of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding ground. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, gently firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. When planting Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs, it's important to allow enough space for their mature size, typically 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Space multiple plants about 3 to 4 feet apart if you're planning a vibrant hedge or mass planting. Consistent watering during the first growing season is essential to establish a deep, strong root system, especially in hot, dry weather. With the right planting location, spacing, and initial care, your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle will reward you with dazzling cherry-red blooms, dense foliage, and outstanding performance for years to come.
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How do I Water my Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle Shrubs?
When watering your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs, it’s important to provide deep, consistent soakings, especially during the first growing season. Water your Cherry Dazzle thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent common fungal diseases. Deep watering encourages strong root development, allowing your Cherry Dazzle to become more drought-tolerant as it matures. Once established, Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs are fairly drought tolerant and typically only require supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Check the soil moisture by feeling a few inches below the surface; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Mulching around the base with 2–3 inches of organic mulch can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the need for frequent watering. Proper watering practices will keep your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle healthy, vibrant, and covered in brilliant cherry-red blooms all season long.
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How do I fertilize My Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle Shrubs?
To fertilize your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 formula, in early spring as new growth begins. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, and water it in thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Fertilizing at the right time encourages vigorous growth, lush foliage, and an abundance of dazzling cherry-red blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production. For even better performance, you can lightly fertilize your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs again in midsummer if growth or blooming seems to slow. Incorporating organic compost or well-rotted manure into the soil can also improve long-term soil health and boost plant vitality naturally. Always follow fertilizer package instructions to avoid overfeeding, which can stress the plant and reduce flowering. With proper fertilization, your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle will thrive, delivering bold color, healthy growth, and exceptional garden beauty season after season.
How and When Should I Prune My Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle Shrubs?
You should prune your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs in late winter or very early spring, before new growth starts to emerge. This timing allows you to shape the plant while it is dormant and ensures you won’t accidentally remove developing flower buds. Begin by cutting away any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. Since Cherry Dazzle naturally forms a dense, rounded shape, only light, selective pruning is needed to maintain its tidy appearance and encourage a strong flush of cherry-red blooms in the summer. When pruning your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrubs, avoid the common mistake of cutting back the main stems severely, often referred to as "crape murder." Instead, focus on gently thinning out overcrowded branches and maintaining the plant’s natural form. You can also remove spent flower clusters in mid-summer to encourage a second flush of blooms. With careful, thoughtful pruning each year, your Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle will stay healthy, beautifully shaped, and covered in vibrant flowers season after season.
