Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle has ruffled coral flowers and burgundy-black foliage. The flowers are there from late spring to first frost with no deadheading required. Developed by Megan Mathey at the University of Florida, Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle blooms earlier, is more resistant to mildew and has a more intense flower color than other crape myrtles.
This crape myrtle is deciduous so will lose its leaves each winter. However, it has nice ornamental looking bark. It is native to China and Korea but has largely become naturalized in the southern part of the United States. Deer do not like this shrub unless they are starving, when they will eat everything. Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle can be used as specimen plants, borders, in containers, in landscapes, and in massed plantings. Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle is hardy in zones 7-9.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Care
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle wants full sun and an average amount of water. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to almost any soil. Do not let the soil stay wet all the time or the roots will rot. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer for shrubs and trees when new growth starts.
These crape myrtles generally do not need pruning except to remove dead wood. If you do prune, do so right when new growth starts. There is no need to cut the branches off and just leave a stump with a few knots on it. We refer to that as crape murder—don’t let it happen to your trees.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Spacing
This is a large shrub or small tree, with a height of 6-12 feet and a width of 8 feet. Be sure and plan for the adult size by spacing it 8 feet apart from other plants or buildings.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Plant Type: Shrub
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun
Mature Height: 6 – 12 Feet
Mature Width: 8 Feet
Plant Spacing: 8 Feet
Growth Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): Pink, Red
Flower Shade: Coral
Seasonal Interest: Summer
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Foliage Color(s): Black
Resists: Deer, Disease
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance
Uses: Border Plant Container Landscape Mass Planting Specimen or Focal Point
