The Arapaho Crape Myrtle, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Arapaho’, isn’t native in the traditional sense but is a hybrid cultivar resulting from the cross between Lagerstroemia indica (from Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, and India) and Lagerstroemia fauriei (from Japan). This cultivar has been cultivated for use in regions with similar climates to those of its parent species, particularly thriving in the United States where it’s well-adapted to the southern states’ conditions.
‘Arapaho’ was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum as part of their ongoing crape myrtle breeding program, introduced in the early 2000s. The aim was to produce cultivars with improved traits like disease resistance, cold hardiness, and flower color. Named after the Arapaho Native American tribe, this follows the convention of naming new varieties after indigenous peoples or significant places in America.
Since its introduction, ‘Arapaho’ has become renowned for its true red flowers, offering a vibrant contrast in landscapes. It’s part of a series of cultivars that have significantly expanded the color range and utility of crape myrtles in ornamental horticulture, contributing to the beautification of urban and rural landscapes alike. ‘Arapaho’ has been celebrated for its vivid blooms and hardiness, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscape designers looking for a reliable, colorful tree.
Characteristics
- Appearance: Arapaho Crape Myrtle is distinguished by its bright red flowers that bloom in large, showy clusters, providing a striking display during the summer months. The tree has an upright, somewhat vase-shaped growth habit that becomes more rounded with maturity, offering a graceful form to landscapes.
- Size: This cultivar can grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of about 15 to 20 feet, making it suitable as a small to medium-sized tree in landscapes where its size can be accommodated.
- Foliage: The leaves are dark green during the growing season, turning to vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall, enhancing its multi-seasonal appeal. It’s deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in winter.
- Bark: The bark of ‘Arapaho’ exfoliates to reveal a smooth, tan or cinnamon-colored inner bark, which adds textural interest and color, especially in the winter when the tree is bare.
- Growth Rate: ‘Arapaho’ has a moderate growth rate, allowing for both quick establishment and manageable growth, fitting well into both new and established landscapes.
- Lifespan: With proper care, ‘Arapaho’ can live for many decades, providing long-term beauty and interest in gardens.
- Reproduction: While it does produce seeds, ‘Arapaho’ is typically propagated through cuttings or grafting to preserve its desirable traits, particularly its flower color and disease resistance.
- Disease Resistance: One of ‘Arapaho’s’ notable features is its resistance to powdery mildew, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
USDA Zones
The Arapaho Crape Myrtle is suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9. In Zone 6, where winters can be colder, young trees might require some protection like mulching or burlap wrapping to help through the coldest periods. From Zones 7 to 9, ‘Arapaho’ thrives, enjoying the warmer temperatures which support extended blooming and robust growth with minimal concern for cold damage.
Cultivation
- Site Selection: ‘Arapaho’ crape myrtle needs full sun to produce its most vibrant flower display, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It favors well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types if drainage is ensured. When choosing a planting site, consider its mature size to prevent future space issues.
- 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 avoid water accumulation at the base. Incorporating organic matter can benefit the tree, especially in sandy or clay-heavy soils.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial for young trees to establish a strong root system. Once mature, ‘Arapaho’ is relatively drought-resistant but will benefit from deep watering during extended dry spells to maintain bloom quality 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 encouraging blooming. Avoid the severe pruning known as “crape murder,” which can lead to weak, unsightly growth. Instead, opt for selective pruning.
- Growth Rate: With a moderate growth rate, ‘Arapaho’ can be managed for size or allowed to grow into its natural form, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Pest and Disease: ‘Arapaho’ has good resistance to powdery mildew, but like all plants, it can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, or occasionally leaf spot. Good cultural practices, including proper spacing and avoiding overwatering, can prevent most issues.
Landscape Uses
- Specimen Plant: With its vivid red flowers, attractive fall foliage, and unique bark, ‘Arapaho’ makes an excellent focal point in gardens or parks, where its color and form can be celebrated.
- Street Trees: Its size and shape are ideal for lining streets or in urban landscapes where space allows, providing both beauty and shade without the root issues some trees have.
- Hedges or Screens: Planted in groups, ‘Arapaho’ can form a colorful, dense screen or hedge, offering privacy while enhancing the landscape’s aesthetic.
- Patio or Garden Accents: Smaller specimens or those pruned for size can be used near patios or in garden beds where their blooms can be enjoyed up close, adding a splash of color in smaller spaces.
- Seasonal Interest: This tree provides multi-seasonal appeal with its summer blooms, autumn foliage, and the bark’s winter interest, making it a versatile choice for dynamic landscape design.
- Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cultural or Historical Landscapes: Given its naming after the Arapaho tribe, it can be part of landscapes aiming to reflect or honor Native American heritage or the cultural history of the regions where it’s planted.