Plant Profile: White Chocolate Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'White Chocolate'
Despite searing temperatures and little rainfall this summer, the vast majority of crape myrtles
have performed and continue to perform well. Often referred to as "lilacs of the south," crape
myrtles are widely planted both in commercial and residential settings, perhaps a bit too much.
However, plant breeders are working constantly to introduce new selections that can stave off the
boredom of yet another crape myrtle. Such is the case with the cultivar 'White Chocolate.'
White chocolate crape myrtle earns its name from the white flowers which are contrasted by the deep
burgundy-red to brown foliage that make this crape myrtle stand out in the crowd. White chocolate also
has the advantage of being fairly compact reaching a mature size of 8-10 feet tall and wide.
Plant crape myrtles in full sun with well-drained soil. Although crape myrtles are tolerant of a wide
range of conditions, they cannot take shade or wet feet. As evident this summer, they are
extremely drought tolerant once established and are also fairly deer resistant.
Combine white chocolate crape myrtle with other plants that have dark foliage such as Loropetalum.
It will also make a nice contrasting combination with plants that have chartreuse foliage such
as Marguerite sweet potato vine.
Why are Crape Myrtles so Popular?
*You can practically plant them in clay
*They grow quickly
*They bloom for a long period during the hellish heat of a Georgia summer
*They come in a variety of colors and sizes
*They are a good choice for the novice gardener or lazy "yardener"
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