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Miss Frances Crape Myrtle

Name: Miss Frances Crape Myrtle
Brand: Lagerstroemia
Availability: InStock

Lagerstroemia indica 'Miss Frances'

$42.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

210 inches

Width

150 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Crape myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees cherished in warm climates for their long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good fall color. They are exceptionally heat and drought tolerant. 'Miss Frances' is highly sought after for its vibrant, true scarlet-red flowers, a color that holds well in the summer sun. It also exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue for the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Miss Frances' is a showstopper, providing intense scarlet-red color for a long period in the summer. In winter, its smooth, mottled, exfoliating bark and sculptural form offer significant visual interest.

It can be trained as a single-trunk small tree or a multi-stemmed large shrub, making it versatile for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as a deciduous screen. It is highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and urban conditions.

The abundant flowers are a rich source of pollen for bees and other pollinating insects during the summer months.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$42.99

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun.
Plant in well-drained soil; crape myrtles are adaptable to soil type.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the container.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Pro Tip

Avoid severe pruning or 'crape murder.' It creates weak growth and ruins the beautiful natural form and bark.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, all-day sun for maximum flowering.
Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought tolerance.
Prune selectively in winter to enhance the natural form.
Remove basal suckers as they appear.

Don't

Do not plant in the shade; it will not bloom well and will get powdery mildew.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Do not top the tree or commit 'crape murder'.
Do not over-fertilize, especially with high nitrogen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant summer specimen treeColorful deciduous privacy screenAnchor for a sunny perennial border

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Lantana camara Salvia leucantha Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Agapanthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Miss Frances Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Miss Frances Crape Myrtle grow in?

Miss Frances Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Miss Frances Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Miss Frances Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Miss Frances Crape Myrtle bloom?

Miss Frances Crape Myrtle typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Miss Frances Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Miss Frances Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Miss Frances Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Miss Frances Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.