Product Description
Lagerstroemia 'Dark Roast' PP32954 (4) 1-gallons
BARISTA® Collection
Common Name: Crapemyrtle
With a name like 'Dark Roast', you know you can expect notably dark foliage-this is one of the darkest leafed Lagerstroemia we offer. Leaves have red undertones, especially near the tips of the stems. In late summer to early fall, bright fuchsia pink flowers are produced over the fully rounded, compact habit.
Crapemyrtle have long been a popular flowering shrub in the south, and it's time that these beautiful flowering shrubs made a splash in the Northern market! The hybridizing team at Walters Gardens has worked hard toward selections that perform well in our West Michigan climate. All of the members of this collection bloom on new wood, so you can expect a great flowering performance year after year.
Note to southern growers: all measurements are based on plant performance in Michigan. In warmer zones without winter die back, mature height will be taller. Crapemyrtle bloom on new wood. In zone 6, they will die back to the ground in winter. Pruning is not necessary in zone 6. In warmer zones, only prune as necessary for visual pleasure. Grow in full sun and moist, well-drained soils.
Height: 1.5-2.0 Feet
Spread: 1.5-2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer to Early Fall
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Lagerstroemia 'Dark Roast' is a striking deciduous shrub that offers a captivating combination of dark foliage and vibrant flowers. Here is a summary of its key features and growing requirements:
Characteristics:
- Flowers: Produces abundant clusters of bright fuchsia-pink flowers in late summer to early fall. The vibrant blooms create a stunning contrast against the dark foliage.
- Foliage: New growth emerges glossy red and matures to a deep, dark green with mahogany-red undertones. This rich foliage color adds depth and drama to the landscape.
- Growth Habit: A compact, rounded shrub that typically reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers.
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, so it can be grown in a wide range of climates.
Cultivation:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) for optimal growth and flowering.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates a variety of soil types.
- Water: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season. Mature plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or crossing branches and shape as needed. Avoid heavy pruning to maintain the plant's natural form.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Landscape Uses:
- Specimen Plant: Its dark foliage and vibrant flowers make it a standout as a single specimen.
- Borders and Beds: Adds a touch of drama and color to mixed borders and shrub beds.
- Containers: Well-suited for growing in pots on patios and balconies.
- Foundation Plantings: Its compact size makes it ideal for planting near the foundation of a house.
Advantages:
- Dark Foliage: The deep, rich color of the foliage creates a unique and dramatic effect in the garden.
- Vibrant Flowers: The bright fuchsia-pink flowers add a cheerful pop of color.
- Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens or spaces where a larger crape myrtle would not fit.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
- Deer Resistant: Generally avoided by deer.
Overall, Lagerstroemia 'Dark Roast' is a captivating and versatile shrub that offers a stunning combination of dark foliage and vibrant flowers. Its compact size, hardiness, and low maintenance make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Border Plant, Container, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Focal Point
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants maybe trimmed for shipping,
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
