Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle has ruffled coral flowers and burgundy-black foliage. The flowers are there from late spring to first frost with no deadheading required. Developed by Megan Mathey at the University of Florida, Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle blooms earlier, is more resistant to mildew and has a more intense flower color than other crape myrtles.
This crape myrtle is deciduous so will lose its leaves each winter. However, it has nice ornamental looking bark. It is native to China and Korea but has largely become naturalized in the southern part of the United States. Deer do not like this shrub unless they are starving, when they will eat everything. Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle can be used as specimen plants, borders, in containers, in landscapes, and in massed plantings. Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle is hardy in zones 7-9.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Care
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle wants full sun and an average amount of water. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to almost any soil. Do not let the soil stay wet all the time or the roots will rot. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer for shrubs and trees when new growth starts.
These crape myrtles generally do not need pruning except to remove dead wood. If you do prune, do so right when new growth starts. There is no need to cut the branches off and just leave a stump with a few knots on it. We refer to that as crape murder—don't let it happen to your trees.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Spacing
This is a large shrub or small tree, with a height of 6-12 feet and a width of 8 feet. Be sure and plan for the adult size by spacing it 8 feet apart from other plants or buildings.
Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 7 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-12 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 8 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Pink, Red
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- Foliage Description
- Black
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Center Stage® Coral Crape Myrtle
- Botanical Name
- Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLIJ' USPPAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!