Sioux Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles never cease to amaze with their variety of colors and forms. Modern breeders have produced plants of all sizes and shapes, with a wide range of colors. The Sioux Crape Myrtle is a great choice for a medium-sized tree that will fit well into a smaller garden as a lawn specimen, or in a larger garden as a screening plant – imagine a row along a fence – or as a background tree behind flowering shrubs. With pruning it can be made bushier, but its natural growth produces an upright tree reaching 15 or 20 feet. It is less bushy and more upright than many other Crape Myrtles, meaning again that it fits well into a smaller garden.

The great thing about Crape Myrtles is their ability to survive adverse conditions. Full sun at the height of a southern summer, hard soil, drought and general urban conditions are all overcome by these amazing plants. With modern breeding programs the problem seen on older varieties of white growth on the leaves in summer has been overcome. This disease, called powdery mildew, does not kill the plants but it makes them unsightly. If you have been discouraged from growing Crape Myrtles by seeing such plants, then don’t worry, your Sioux Crape Myrtle will shrug off disease and stay shiny and clean all summer long.

Growing Sioux Crape Myrtle Trees

The Sioux Crape Myrtle grows between 15 and 20 feet tall and has a narrow, upright form, making it ideal for smaller gardens. The crown is rounded and oval in shape, on an upright trunk. The blossoms are an attractive mid-pink – a softer color than many other Crape Myrtles, The summer foliage is glossy and a rich, dark green color, free of the disfiguring white growth of powdery mildew.

In fall the leaves put on a spectacular display in rich shades of deep red and purple. The bark is light brown while your tree is young and it becomes dark olive green on mature trees. An attractive feature of Crape Myrtles is that the bark falls in patches as it ages, revealing fresh smooth, pinkish-beige young bark beneath. This is an especially attractive feature during the winter months.

Hardiness

This plant is hardy from zone 7 to zone 9, so it will grow right across the country in all the warmer regions. It thrives in sunny spots, so choose an open, sunny location to plant it into. It will grow in all kinds of soil, from sand to heavy clay, but do not plant it in soil that is constantly wet. Because of its vigor and special breeding, the Sioux Crape Myrtle will not be affected in summer by the white discoloration of powdery mildew and it is resistant to pests as well.

Planting as a Screen

The Sioux Crape Myrtle is more upright than many Crape Myrtles, so when planting a screen they should be planted 4 feet apart. It is important when planting Crepe Myrtles not to plant any deeper than the containers they are in and not to cover the roots with a lot of soil. Begin your planting by digging a hole or a trench two or three times wider than the pot, but no deeper. Place your plant in the hole, replace most of the soil and firm it well down.

Then water thoroughly and replace the rest of the soil, being careful not to cover the roots with any extra soil. While your plant is young water regularly, but soon, as it establishes, it will show great drought-resistance and never need any special care.

Trimming and Maintenance

As the flowers fade, remove them so that you encourage new blooms. Even without this your plant will still continue to flower continuously from early-summer up to the first frost, so stand by for a floral explosion in your garden. In late winter while your tree is bare, trim back the branches if you wish to keep your tree compact and bushy, but this pruning is not essential.

History and Origins of the Sioux Crape Myrtle

The Sioux Crape Myrtle was released in 1982 by the National Arboretum (Washington D.C.) breeding program, which develops high-quality, mildew-resistant Crape Myrtle varieties. These come in a variety of sizes and flower colors and ‘Sioux’ is a medium-sized tree-form variety. It has exceptional mildew resistance as well as clear medium-pink flowers. These Crape Myrtle varieties are hybrids of the common Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), with a rare species from Japan called Lagerstroemia fauriei. This species gives resistance to mildew and also contributes darker brown shades to the striking patterns on the trunk.

This plant has won several medals, including Florida Plant of the Year in 1998. As would be expected from its background, it has shown good mildew resistance in real trials done in natural conditions, so this is a top performer.

Buying Sioux Crape Myrtles at The Tree Center

Because of all these features and its unique form and flower color, it is important to use plants that are properly identified, when producing new plants. With the wide variety of kinds available, a plant labeled ‘pink’ could grow between 3 and 30 feet, so avoid plants with generic color names and be sure you have the properly named variety. Our plants are produced from original parent plants, by taking stem pieces (not from seed) so you can be sure they will grow exactly as described. Avoid cheaper seedling and generic plants that will be a complete unknown quantity in your garden.

Crape Myrtles are among our biggest sellers, so although we constantly receive new shipments from our suppliers, stock can run low and even sell out for periods. To enjoy this superb small tree in your own garden, order now to avoid disappointment.

What are the best companion plants for the Sioux Crape Myrtle?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle’s soft pink blossoms make it a versatile companion plant. It pairs beautifully with plants that have richer reds, purples, and vibrant pinks. Consider pairing it with plants like the Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflowers, or Daylilies. These plants also love the sun and have similar water needs, making them compatible in terms of care requirements.

How can I encourage more blooms on my Sioux Crape Myrtle?

To encourage more blooms on your Sioux Crape Myrtle, make sure to remove the faded flowers. This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more blooms instead of using its energy to produce seeds. Additionally, ensure your tree is getting plenty of sun, as Crape Myrtles thrive in sunny locations.

What are some common pests or diseases that can affect the Sioux Crape Myrtle?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle is a hardy plant that is resistant to many common pests and diseases. It has been bred to be resistant to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that can affect many plants. However, like any plant, it can still be susceptible to issues like aphids or scale insects. Regularly check your plant for signs of these pests and treat as necessary.

What kind of maintenance does the Sioux Crape Myrtle require in winter?

During the winter months, the Sioux Crape Myrtle requires minimal maintenance. One of its attractive features is that the bark falls in patches as it ages, revealing fresh, smooth, pinkish-beige young bark beneath. This natural process doesn’t require any intervention. However, if you wish to keep your tree compact and bushy, you can prune it in late winter while the tree is bare.

Can the Sioux Crape Myrtle be grown in a pot?

While the Sioux Crape Myrtle can technically be grown in a pot, it’s important to remember that this is a medium-sized tree that can reach between 15 and 20 feet in height. If you do decide to grow it in a pot, make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the tree’s growth and that it has adequate drainage. Regular pruning will also be necessary to maintain a manageable size.

What is the growth rate of the Sioux Crape Myrtle?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle has a moderate growth rate. Under ideal conditions, you can expect it to grow between 1 to 2 feet per year. However, growth rate can be influenced by factors such as sunlight, water, and soil conditions. With its narrow, upright form, it can reach its mature height of 15 to 20 feet in about 10 to 20 years.

What is the history of the Sioux Crape Myrtle?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle has an interesting history. It was released in 1982 by the National Arboretum in Washington D.C., as part of their breeding program to develop high-quality, mildew-resistant Crape Myrtle varieties. The Sioux Crape Myrtle is a hybrid of the common Crape Myrtle and a rare species from Japan, which contributes to its resistance to mildew and its striking bark patterns. It was recognized as the Florida Plant of the Year in 1998.

What kind of soil does the Sioux Crape Myrtle prefer?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. It can grow in everything from sandy to heavy clay soils. However, it does not do well in soil that is constantly wet. For best results, plant your Sioux Crape Myrtle in well-draining soil and ensure it gets plenty of sun.

How much water does the Sioux Crape Myrtle need?

The Sioux Crape Myrtle is a drought-resistant plant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. While it’s young, it should be watered regularly to help it establish. Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought. However, during prolonged dry spells, it’s a good idea to give it some supplemental watering.

Can the Sioux Crape Myrtle tolerate air pollution?

Yes, the Sioux Crape Myrtle is known for its ability to tolerate a variety of adverse conditions, including air pollution. This makes it an excellent choice for urban gardens or landscapes near roads or highways. Despite this, like any plant, it will still appreciate cleaner air conditions if available.