The 'Arapaho' Crape Myrtle is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree that is prized for its abundant clusters of vivid red flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are held on long panicles and have crinkled petals, creating a striking display against the backdrop of glossy green foliage. In addition to its beautiful blooms, 'Arapaho' Crape Myrtle also features smooth, peeling bark that reveals shades of tan, cinnamon, and gray, adding winter interest to the landscape. Arapaho' has a compact, upright growth habit with a rounded canopy, making it suitable for smaller landscapes, borders, or container plantings.The Arapaho is a "triple threat" hybrid from the U.S. National Arboretum. It was the first variety bred using three different species of Crape Myrtle. It is exceptionally resistant to Powdery Mildew and Cercospora leaf spot, keeping the leaves looking clean all summer.
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Scientific Name
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Lagerstroemia 'Arapaho' |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: New leaves emerge with a maroon/wine-red tint, maturing to a glossy dark green. In the fall, they turn a brilliant orange-red.
Flowers: "True red" bloom that doesn't fade to pink in the hot sun
Bark: As it ages, the bark peels away to reveal a beautiful, smooth mahogany-colored trunk.
Seeds: Persistent, woody dark brown capsules (<0.5 inch).
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Mature Height
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15–20 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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10–15 feet |
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Growth Rate
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2-3 feet per year |
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USDA Zone
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7–9 (Root hardy to Zone 6 with protection) |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun. It thrives in full sun exposure, which is essential for promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Adequate sunlight also helps enhance the intensity of the flower color and promote compact growth. Essential for the best "true red" bloom color.
Water Requirements: Moderate. Needs regular deep watering during its first year; becomes very water-wise once established.
Drought Resistance: Very High. Known for its ability to handle "difficult," hot sites and dry spells.
Soil Type: Adaptable. Thrives in well-drained soil with good fertility and adequate moisture retention. It is relatively tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Prefers a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
Deer Resistance: High. Generally avoided by deer, though they may nibble the flowers if other food is scarce.
Maintenance: 'Arapaho' Crape Myrtle is relatively low-maintenance once established. It benefits from regular pruning in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to promote a tidy, compact growth habit. 'Arapaho' Crape Myrtle blooms on new wood, so pruning encourages the development of fresh growth and more abundant flowering. Avoid heavy pruning or pruning in late summer, as this can reduce flowering the following year.
