Crapemyrtle  'Center Stage Red'
shrub

Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle

Crapemyrtle 'Center Stage Red'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Hybrid (Asian parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Crapemyrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees prized for their long season of large, showy flower panicles in summer. They also offer attractive exfoliating bark and good fall color. 'Center Stage Red' is distinguished by its deep black-purple foliage that provides a dramatic contrast to its vibrant, true red flowers. It has an upright habit and excellent disease resistance.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA true showstopper, combining dramatic, season-long black foliage with masses of vibrant red flowers for months. The smooth, peeling bark adds winter interest.
Practical UsesIts upright, medium size makes it a versatile choice for a specimen, a dramatic hedge, or a stunning container plant. It is also very heat and drought tolerant.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers are a valuable source of pollen for bees and other pollinators during the long, hot summer months when many other plants have finished blooming.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a location with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
  4. Plant at the same depth it was in the container.
  5. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle roots.
  6. Mulch to conserve water, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in full, all-day sun to get the darkest foliage color and the most abundant, vibrant flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for best performance and color.
  • Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought tolerance.
  • Prune selectively to enhance the natural form.
  • Remove spent flower clusters to potentially encourage more blooms.

Don't

  • Don't commit 'crape murder' by topping the plant; it creates weak growth.
  • Don't plant in shade; it results in poor flowering and leggy growth.
  • Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases.
  • Don't over-fertilize, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic specimen with stunning dark foliageFlowering hedge or privacy screenLarge container 'thriller' plant for patios

Companion Plants

Salvia 'May Night' Pennisetum 'Hameln' Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle questions

What zones can Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle grow in?

Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle bloom?

Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle need full sun?

Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Center Stage Red Crapemyrtle with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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