Lagerstroemia indica 'Bellini Grape'
Bellini grape crape myrtle
China, Korea, Japan, India (species)
Overview
Lagerstroemia indica 'Bellini Grape' is a dwarf purple crape myrtle, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) wide. Grape-purple crinkled crepe-paper-textured flowers in panicles 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from mid-summer through fall — approximately 12 weeks of bloom. Bronze-tinted new foliage matures to dark green. Orange to red fall color before leaf drop. At 24–36 inches (60–90 cm), this cultivar fits spaces where full-sized crape myrtles at 120–240 inches (300–600 cm) are too large. Part of the Bellini series, which includes 'Bellini Raspberry' (raspberry-pink) at the same dwarf size. Blooms on new (current-season) wood — cut back by one-third in late winter before new growth. The crinkled petal texture — thin, tissue-paper-like, wrinkled — is the genus trait shared by all Lagerstroemia spp.. The exfoliating bark trait of larger crape myrtles is minimal at this dwarf scale due to the thin young stems. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 7–9. Full sun (6+ hours) for maximum flowering. Powdery mildew in humid stagnant conditions — improved air circulation reduces it. Japanese beetle feeds on flowers and foliage in affected regions. Well-draining soil. Growth rate is moderate. Suited to containers of 3–5 gallons (12–20 liters) and border fronts.
Native Range
The species L. indica is native to China, Korea, Japan, and the Indian subcontinent. Widely cultivated in the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 3–5 gallons (12–20 liters), borders, and mass plantings in full sun. Space 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) apart. Zones 7–9. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Grape-purple, crinkled crepe textureFoliage Description
Bronze-tinted new growth maturing to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Cut back by one-third in late winter — blooms on new wood. Well-draining soil. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Japanese beetle in affected regions. Zones 7–9.Pruning
Cut back by one-third in late winter before new growth. Blooms on new wood. Remove dead or crossing branches. The dwarf size does not require the structural pruning that full-sized crape myrtles need.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons