Lagerstroemia 'Cherry Mocha'
Lagerstroemia 'Cherry Mocha' is a bold flowering crape myrtle selection known for its rich dark foliage and vivid pink to cherry red summer blooms. Its upright multi stem form and long lasting flower display create strong seasonal impact while maintaining a refined ornamental structure through heat and drought.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 ft x 6 - 8 ft
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This is a cultivated hybrid crape myrtle selection derived from Lagerstroemia species native to parts of Asia and is widely used in ornamental landscapes for its heat tolerance and extended summer bloom period.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts a wide range of butterflies including Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and skippers which feed heavily on its abundant summer blooms.
Bees
- Strong nectar source for native bees and honeybees which are drawn to its continuous flowering through peak summer heat.
Hummingbirds
- Frequently visited by hummingbirds which are attracted to the bright clustered flowers and long blooming season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 6 - 10 ft apart to allow for mature canopy development and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal as a specimen shrub or small ornamental tree in sunny borders, foundation plantings, and heat tolerant landscapes where long summer color is desired.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Provides fine textured native grass contrast and seasonal color shift that complements the deep foliage.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Extends bright summer color with strong drought tolerant performance.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Adds vertical purple flower spikes that contrast with the shrub form.
- Lantana camara (Lantana) - Brings continuous heat loving blooms that intensify pollinator activity in hot conditions.
- Gaura lindheimeri (Whirling Butterflies) - Adds airy movement and long blooming white pink flowers that soften the structure.