The Biloxi Crape Myrtle, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Biloxi’, is not native in the traditional sense but is a hybrid cultivar developed from the cross between Lagerstroemia indica (which originates from Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, and India) and Lagerstroemia fauriei (from Japan). This cultivar has been introduced for ornamental use in regions with climates similar to those of its parent species, notably in the warmer parts of the United States, where it’s commonly found in landscapes.
‘Biloxi’ was introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in the 1970s as part of their effort to enhance crape myrtles for qualities like disease resistance, cold hardiness, and aesthetic appeal. Named after Biloxi, Mississippi, it follows the tradition of naming new varieties after Native American tribes or notable places in the U.S., celebrating both the cultural heritage and the geographical diversity of the country.
Biloxi Crape Myrtle has gained recognition in landscaping for its pale pink flowers, which offer a gentle, yet vibrant, addition to gardens. It’s part of a series of successful breeding efforts that have made crape myrtles a staple in Southern landscapes, contributing to the region’s identity in horticulture.
Since its introduction, ‘Biloxi’ has become popular for its elegant blooms, hardiness, and ability to thrive in urban environments, making it a favorite for both residential and public landscapes.
Characteristics
- Appearance: Biloxi Crape Myrtle is celebrated for its delicate, pale pink flowers that bloom in large clusters, providing a long-lasting color display from mid-summer through early fall. It has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit when young, becoming more broadly spreading with age, which adds a graceful form to the landscape.
- Size: This variety typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, making it suitable as a medium-sized tree in landscapes where its size can be accommodated.
- Foliage: The leaves are dark green during the summer, turning to shades of orange, red, and yellow in the autumn, offering multi-seasonal interest. It’s deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in winter.
- Bark: The bark of ‘Biloxi’ exfoliates to reveal layers of smooth, tan to cinnamon-colored bark underneath, adding textural interest and color in winter.
- Growth Rate: With a moderate growth rate, ‘Biloxi’ develops at a pace that allows for both quick establishment and manageable growth, fitting well into both new and established landscapes.
- Lifespan: Like many crape myrtles, ‘Biloxi’ can live for many decades, offering long-term beauty and utility in gardens with proper care.
- Reproduction: While it produces seeds, ‘Biloxi’ is typically propagated through cuttings or grafting to ensure the preservation of its desirable traits, especially its flower color and disease resistance.
- Disease Resistance: One of ‘Biloxi’s’ notable characteristics is its resistance to powdery mildew, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners concerned about plant health.
USDA Zones
Biloxi Crape Myrtle is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9. In Zone 6, where winters can be colder, young trees might require some protection or mulching to survive the frostiest periods. From Zones 7 to 9, ‘Biloxi’ thrives, enjoying the warmer temperatures which facilitate prolonged blooming and robust growth with less concern for cold damage.
Cultivation
- Site Selection: ‘Biloxi’ crape myrtle requires full sun to bloom at its best, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types if drainage is ensured. When selecting a site, consider its mature size to avoid future space constraints.
- Soil and Planting: This cultivar does well in slightly acidic to neutral soils. When planting, ensure the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to prevent water pooling around the trunk. Amending the soil with organic matter can improve soil quality, especially in less fertile or sandy soils.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial for young trees to establish a strong root system. Once mature, ‘Biloxi’ is relatively drought-tolerant but will still benefit from deep watering during extended dry spells to support blooming and overall health.
- Maintenance: Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps in shaping the tree, removing dead or damaged branches, and promoting a better bloom. Avoid severe pruning, which can lead to fewer flowers and an unnatural form.
- Growth Rate: With a moderate growth rate, ‘Biloxi’ allows for manageable growth, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Pest and Disease: ‘Biloxi’ is noted for its resistance to powdery mildew, but like any plant, it can face issues with aphids, scale, or occasionally leaf spot. Good air circulation and not overwatering can mitigate these problems.
Landscape Uses
- Specimen Plant: With its elegant pale pink flowers, attractive fall foliage, and unique bark, ‘Biloxi’ makes an excellent focal point in any garden or park, where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
- Street and Urban Trees: Its size and form make it ideal for streetscapes or urban landscapes where space allows, providing both aesthetic appeal and shade without overly invasive root systems.
- Hedges or Screens: When planted in groups, ‘Biloxi’ can create a soft, colorful screen or hedge, offering privacy while adding visual interest, especially during its bloom period.
- Patio or Small Garden Trees: If pruned for size, it can fit into smaller spaces or near patios where its blooms can be enjoyed up close, though one should be mindful of its eventual size.
- Seasonal Interest: This tree provides year-round interest with summer blooms, autumn foliage color, and the exfoliating bark in winter, making it a multi-seasonal asset in landscape design.
- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Cultural or Historical Landscapes: Named after Biloxi, Mississippi, it can contribute to landscapes that aim to reflect Southern U.S. culture or regional history, celebrating the area’s botanical and cultural richness.