Lagerstroemia indica 'Zuni' is a compact multi stemmed deciduous shrub prized for its long blooming season, vivid lavender purple flower clusters, and distinctive peeling bark that offers winter interest. As a dwarf crepe myrtle, it’s ideal for small gardens or foundation plantings, offering bold summer color and attractive fall foliage in orange and red hues. It resists mildew better than many older varieties and maintains a tidy vase like habit without extensive pruning.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 ft x 6 - 10 ft
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerant of clay and alkaline conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate once established; appreciates consistent moisture in extreme heat
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant, though young shoots may occasionally be browsed
Native Status
Lagerstroemia indica is native to Asia and has been widely cultivated in the southeastern United States. 'Zuni' is a hybrid cultivar developed for ornamental and landscape use, not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts honeybees and native bees like sweat bees with its profuse midsummer blooms.
Butterflies
- Draws in butterflies such as Tiger Swallowtails and Gulf Fritillaries with its nectar rich blossoms.
Birds
- Seed capsules attract finches in fall and the structure provides perching opportunities for small songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 6 - 10 ft spacing to accommodate mature width and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Effective as a small specimen tree, accent shrub, or foundation planting; also suitable for patios and courtyards.
Companion Plants
- Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Dwarf fountain grass with soft arching seed heads adds movement and textural interest at the base.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow blossoms offer a low mounding contrast beneath the upright form of 'Zuni'.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Bold yellow daisies contrast sharply with the purple crepe myrtle blooms and share the same sun loving preferences.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Deep violet flower spikes echo the crepe myrtle hues while blooming concurrently through summer.
- Lantana camara 'New Gold' - Heat tolerant groundcover with bright golden blooms that echo summer color themes and thrive in dry soils.