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Lagerstroemia indica 'Zuni'
Zuni Crape Myrtle
Species native to China, Korea, and the Indian subcontinent (open woodlands and scrublands); cultivar 'Zuni' released by the US National Arboretum
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Overview
Lagerstroemia indica 'Zuni' is a compact, multi-stemmed, deciduous large shrub or small tree reaching 6–9 feet (1.8–2.7 m) tall and 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) wide. The cultivar is a US National Arboretum release and sits at the lower end of the size range for L. indica cultivars, which span from dwarf selections near 3 feet (0.9 m) to standard selections at 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m). Medium lavender flowers with crinkled, crêpe-textured petals open in dense terminal panicles 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long from July through September on current-season wood. The smooth, gray-tan bark exfoliates on mature stems. Oval, glossy dark green leaves are 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6 cm) long and turn orange-red in autumn. Powdery mildew susceptibility is moderate — lower than some older L. indica cultivars but higher than the Fauriei hybrids. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. Cold tolerance is lower than Lagerstroemia faurei (zone 6), mildew pressure increases in humid, still air, and deep shade reduces flowering.
Native Range
The species Lagerstroemia indica is native to China, Korea, and the Indian subcontinent, in open woodlands and scrublands. 'Zuni' is a selection released by the US National Arboretum.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen shrub, foundation planting, low screen, or container tree of 15 gallons (57 L) or larger at 5–7 foot (1.5–2.1 m) spacing. The 6–9 foot (1.8–2.7 m) mature size fits positions where standard Lagerstroemia indica cultivars at 12–25 feet (3.5–7.5 m) would exceed the space. Combines with other heat-tolerant summer-flowering shrubs such as Hibiscus syriacus and Buddleja davidii in full-sun plantings. Powdery mildew pressure in humid summers, deep shade that reduces flowering, and cold below USDA zone 7 are the main limitations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 9'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Produces medium lavender flowers with crinkled crêpe-textured petals in dense terminal panicles 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long from July through September. Bloom duration is 8–10 weeks. Flowers open on current-season wood, so the bloom follows spring growth rather than depending on overwintered flower buds.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Medium lavender with crinkled crêpe-textured petals; dense terminal panicles 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) longFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, oval, 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6 cm) long; orange-red autumn colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Plant in full sun in average, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil at pH 5.5–7.5. Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. Full-sun exposure supports flower production and reduces powdery mildew pressure. Open planting positions with good air circulation further reduce mildew; crowded or humid low-lying sites increase disease risk. Heat tolerance is high and drought tolerance is moderate once established. The compact habit reaches its mature 6–9 foot (1.8–2.7 m) size in 3–5 seasons and requires less size-management pruning than standard Lagerstroemia indica cultivars.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring, removing crossing, dead, and inward-growing branches and thinning interior branches to improve air circulation. The natural multi-stemmed form is maintained by selective thinning; topping or hat-racking the trunks produces a congested knobby habit and is not used on the cultivar.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons