Are you in search of a tree that will bring a distinctive touch to your backyard? Perhaps you desire a smaller tree that will awe with its stunning pink blossoms?
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is the answer if you want a dwarf variety that offers a big impact.
Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to a small garden or create a stunning border in a larger landscape, the Pocomoke crape myrtle is a delightful choice.
How tall does a Pocomoke crape myrtle get? The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a dwarf variety. Even under ideal growing conditions, it typically only reaches a height of just 3-5 feet and a similar width. This compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, borders, yards with limited space, or even containers.
If you’re considering adding a Pocomoke crape myrtle to your yard or garden, read on. We’ll cover its growth habits, ideal growing conditions, maintenance needs, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a dwarf variety that reaches a height and width of 3-5 feet. It’s known for its deep-pink blooms that last from mid-summer to early fall.
- This tree thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9, prefers full sun to partial shade, and grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Regular deep watering and annual fertilization are keys to maintaining a healthy Pocomoke crape myrtle.
- Pocomoke crape myrtle looks great as a specimen tree, a border plant, or a container plant.
Interested in Crepe Myrtle? My article, Best Crepe Myrtle Varieties, provides an in-depth look at even more options.
Pocomoke Crape Myrtle
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a deciduous tree that is cherished for its summer-long display of showy, deep-pink flowers. Here’s a quick overview of its key characteristics:
| Botanical Name | Lagerstroemia ‘Pocomoke’ |
| Mature Height | 3-5 feet |
| Mature Width | 3-5 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Light Preferences | Full sun to partial shade |
| Ideal Soil | Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Bloom Color | Deep pink |
| Bloom Time | Mid-summer to early fall |
| Fall Foliage | Orange to red |
General Appearance
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a compact, dwarf variety that is as charming as it is versatile.
Its smooth, peeling bark reveals a mix of gray and brown underneath, adding interest even in the winter months.
The oval leaves are dark green, providing a beautiful contrast to the deep-pink blooms and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the tree.
Growth Rate & Mature Size
The Pocomoke crape myrtle grows at a moderate pace, reaching a mature height and width of only 3-5 feet. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, containers, or limited spaces.
Despite its compact size, the tree doesn’t compromise on beauty, offering a lush display of foliage and flowers.
Blooms
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is renowned for its spectacular display of deep-pink flowers. The blooms start appearing in mid-summer and continue until early fall.
Each flower is composed of delicate, crinkled petals that cluster together to form large, showy panicles. The vibrant pink color of the blooms adds a touch of exotic charm to any landscape.
Hardiness
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a hardy tree that can withstand a variety of conditions.
It is both drought and salt tolerant once established and can handle high temperatures well, making it an excellent choice for areas with hot summers and coastal regions.
It’s also resistant to many common pests and diseases that affect other trees.
Pocomoke Crape Myrtle Growing Conditions
The Pocomoke crape myrtle thrives in a variety of growing conditions. Let’s take a look at the ideal growing conditions:
Grow Zones
This tree is best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9. It can tolerate cold down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a resilient choice for many climates.
Sun Requirements
The Pocomoke crape myrtle prefers full sun to partial shade. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day will ensure the best bloom production and overall growth.
The tree’s love for the sun also contributes to its heat tolerance, making it a great choice for sunny, hot areas.
Soil Preferences
The tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils but they should drain freely and quickly.
Good soil conditions contribute to the tree’s overall health and bloom production, so consider amending with compost or other organic matter before planting.
Pocomoke Crape Myrtle Maintenance and Care
Caring for a Pocomoke crape myrtle involves minimal work and effort. As long as you water regularly, fertilize in the spring, and prune when needed, the tree will thrive.
Watering
Watering your Pocomoke crape myrtle correctly is crucial for its health and bloom production.
While the tree is tolerant of drought once established, it prefers a consistent watering schedule, especially during its first few years and during dry periods.
Aim to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, enhancing the tree’s drought tolerance. However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the tree.
During hot, dry summers, you may need to water your tree more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to water the tree when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your Pocomoke crape myrtle is an essential part of its care. A well-fed tree will have healthier growth and produce more abundant and vibrant blooms.
In early spring, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer around the base of the tree.
This should be a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as these nutrients are essential for the tree’s growth and flowering.
Additionally, the tree may benefit from a fertilizer that contains micronutrients, such as iron and magnesium, especially if it’s growing in poor or sandy soil. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer.
Figuring out which fertilizer is best can be tricky. Make it easy for yourself, and use a fertilizer specially created for feeding crepe myrtles. I recommend this one. The results will speak for themselves.
Pruning
Pruning your Pocomoke crape myrtle helps to maintain its shape, promote more vigorous growth, and enhance its bloom.
The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant and before new growth begins.
Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Then, prune to shape the tree and remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
For more abundant blooms, you can also remove some of the old wood as the tree blooms on new growth. However, avoid heavy pruning or “topping” the tree, as this can lead to weak, spindly growth and fewer flowers.
Remember to always use sharp, clean pruning tools to make clean cuts and prevent the spread of diseases.
Pests & Diseases
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is resistant to many common pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, and sooty mold.
A relative newcomer to the list of possible problems is crepe myrtle bark scale. Inspect your new tree carefully before planting, and continue monitoring for signs of problems as the tree grows.
Landscape Uses
The Pocomoke crape myrtle, with its compact size and vibrant blooms, is versatile and brightens up any area.
It’s perfect as a specimen tree in a small garden, as a border plant along walkways, or even in containers on a patio or balcony. Its stunning summer blooms can also make it a focal point in a mixed shrub border.
Companion Plants
Consider pairing the Pocomoke crape myrtle with plants that complement its deep-pink blooms and compact form.
Some good companions include low-growing perennials like lavender or catmint or ornamental grasses that provide a contrasting texture.
For a truly stunning display, pair it with plants that have silver or blue foliage, like Russian sage or blue fescue.
Where To Buy
You very well might run across a Pocomoke crepe myrtle at a local nursery or garden center. You can also purchase them from reputable online plant retailers. Some recommended nurseries include:
Wrapping It Up
The Pocomoke crape myrtle is a delightful tree that brings a touch of the exotic to any landscape.
With its vibrant deep-pink blooms, compact size, and hardy nature, it’s a wonderful addition to any garden or yard. This tree is relatively easy to care for and can provide you with a stunning display of flowers every summer.
Still unsure which Crepe Myrtle you like the best? Here are 2 other popular varieties to consider:
- Tonto Crepe Myrtle: A Smaller Variety With Huge Appeal
- Natchez Crape Myrtle: A Beauty With Pretty, White Blooms