Many gardeners love crepe myrtles for their showy flowers and attractive exfoliating bark, and the Cherry Dazzle is no exception. But this popular variety stands out with its dramatic shift in flower color from a vibrant crimson to a dazzling cherry red as the blooms age. Its long, arching branches create a graceful canopy of color, making it a stunning focal point in any landscape.
Why Choose Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle?
If you’re looking for a tree that will add a touch of drama to your yard, Cherry Dazzle is a great choice. Its vibrant blooms and striking foliage will make a statement in any setting. Here are just a few of the reasons to consider planting this beautiful tree:
- Long blooming period: Cherry Dazzle blooms from midsummer to fall, providing months of color.
- Adaptable: It can grow in various soil types and climates, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Cherry Dazzle is relatively low maintenance and drought-tolerant.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
What is Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle?
Cherry Dazzle is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet. It has a spreading habit, with branches that arch outward to form a graceful canopy. The leaves are ovate and a glossy dark green color. In the fall, they turn a vibrant yellow or orange before dropping from the tree.
The most striking feature of Cherry Dazzle is its flowers. The blooms are a deep crimson when they first open, then gradually fade to a cherry red as they age. They are arranged in large, showy clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers are followed by small, black berries that are a food source for birds.
History and Myths of Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles have a long and storied history. They were first cultivated in China over 500 years ago and were introduced to the United States in the early 1800s. Cherry Dazzle is a relatively new variety, developed by the United States National Arboretum in the 1990s.
In some cultures, crepe myrtles are believed to have mystical powers. In China, they are said to bring good luck and prosperity. In Japan, they are planted near temples and shrines to ward off evil spirits.
Hidden Secrets of Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Beyond its beauty and versatility, Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle holds a few hidden secrets. The bark of the tree is a rich cinnamon color and exfoliates in thin layers, revealing a smooth, mottled surface. This exfoliating bark gives the tree a unique and attractive appearance, especially in the winter when the leaves have fallen.
Another hidden secret of Cherry Dazzle is its ability to attract wildlife. The flowers are a favorite food source for butterflies and hummingbirds, and the berries are a food source for birds. By planting a Cherry Dazzle in your yard, you can create a small ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife.
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle Recommendations
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a beautiful and versatile tree that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. Here are a few tips for planting and caring for Cherry Dazzle:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Plant the tree in well-drained soil.
- Water the tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle: A Closer Look
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of drama to their landscape. The flowers are a beautiful crimson color with a long blooming period. The leaves are a glossy dark green color that turns a vibrant yellow or orange in the fall. The bark is a rich cinnamon color and exfoliates in thin layers.
Cherry Dazzle is a relatively low-maintenance tree that is adaptable to a variety of climates and soil types. It is a good choice for gardeners who want a beautiful and easy-to-care-for tree.
Tips for Growing Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Here are a few tips for growing Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Plant the tree in well-drained soil.
- Water the tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle: A Versatile Choice
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. It can be planted as a specimen tree, in groups, or as a hedge. It is also a good choice for small gardens.
Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for tree that can add a touch of drama to any landscape.
Fun Facts about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Here are a few fun facts about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- The flowers of Cherry Dazzle are a favorite food source for butterflies and hummingbirds.
- The bark of Cherry Dazzle exfoliates in thin layers, revealing a smooth, mottled surface.
- Cherry Dazzle is a relatively new variety of crepe myrtle, developed by the United States National Arboretum in the 1990s.
How to Plant Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Here are the steps on how to plant Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep.
- Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
What if Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle…?
Here are some answers to common questions about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- What if Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle doesn’t bloom? Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle typically blooms from midsummer to fall. If your tree is not blooming, it may be due to a lack of sunlight, improper pruning, or nutrient deficiency.
- What if Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle has pests or diseases? Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases on your tree, treat them promptly with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Listicle of Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Here is a listicle of interesting facts about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of drama to their landscape.
- The flowers are a beautiful crimson color with a long blooming period.
- The leaves are a glossy dark green color that turns a vibrant yellow or orange in the fall.
- The bark is a rich cinnamon color and exfoliates in thin layers.
- Cherry Dazzle is a relatively low-maintenance tree that is adaptable to a variety of climates and soil types.
Questions and Answers about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle:
- What is Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle? Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet. It has a spreading habit, with branches that arch outward to form a graceful canopy. The leaves are ovate and a glossy dark green color. In the fall, they turn a vibrant yellow or orange before dropping from the tree.
- How do I plant Cherry Dazzle Crepe Myrtle? Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the
