Tree Colorama™ Scarlet SL® Crape Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Colorama Scarlet’

Common Name: Colorama Scarlet Crape Myrtle

Mature Height and Width:
18–25' tall × 12–18' wide

Growth Habit:
Medium to large upright ornamental tree with strong vertical framework and rounded-vase canopy. Typically grown as a multi-trunk clump, though can be trained to single trunk. Moderate to fast growth rate.

Foliage Description:
Medium green elliptic leaves forming a dense summer canopy. Clean foliage with good heat tolerance. Fall color may range from orange to reddish tones before leaf drop.

Flower Description:
Large upright terminal panicles of vivid scarlet-red crinkled flowers. Bloom clusters are bold and saturated, with heavy coverage across canopy during peak bloom. True red tone rather than coral or pink-red.

Bloom Time:
Mid to late summer.

Fall Color:
Orange to red.

Light Requirements:
Full sun required for best flowering and canopy density.

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 6–9 (best performance in Zone 7 and warmer; protected Zone 6 sites).

Notable Landscape Uses:
Lawn specimen; focal tree; summer color anchor; streetscape tree in warmer zones; foundation offset planting for larger homes.

Deer Resistance:
Moderate
Young growth may experience browsing; mature trees typically not preferred.

Additional Ornamental Feature:
Smooth exfoliating bark on mature trunks revealing tan and cinnamon tones.