Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Centennial Spirit')

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Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia 'Centennial Spirit'

A disease-resistant crape myrtle with vibrant, deep pinkish-red blooms from summer to fall, brilliant fall color, and exfoliating bark.

$169.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Lagerstroemia 'Centennial Spirit' is a spectacular, disease-resistant crape myrtle prized for its vibrant, deep pinkish-red blooms and its outstanding heat and mildew tolerance. Bred to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, this vigorous, upright deciduous tree or large shrub produces an abundance of crinkled, crepe-paper-like flower clusters in a rich, saturated shade of dark pinkish-red from mid-summer through autumn, creating a long-lasting, colorful display that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its glossy, dark green, oval leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in autumn, and its smooth, exfoliating bark provides excellent winter interest. An outstanding choice for sunny borders, specimen plantings, street trees, and pollinator gardens, it is a reliable and beautiful performer in hot, humid climates.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Glossy, dark green, oval to rounded leaves turning orange-red in fall; large, ruffled, crepe-paper-like clusters of deep pinkish-red flowers, blooming from summer through autumn.
Mature Height: 10-20 ft.
Mature Spread: 10-20 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-9; Sunset 7-10, 12-14, 18-21, H1, H2.
Light Requirement: Full sun (essential for best flowering).
Core Benefits: Long bloom season (summer to fall), vibrant deep pinkish-red flowers, excellent mildew resistance, attractive fall color, exfoliating bark, attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Specimen tree, borders, street tree, pollinator gardens, foundation plantings, large containers.

Q: How large does Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle get?
A: It is a medium-sized tree or large shrub, typically reaching 10-20 feet in both height and spreadat maturity, with an upright, open habit.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: It has a very long bloom season, typically from mid-summer through autumn, providing months of vibrant pinkish-red color.

Q: Is it resistant to powdery mildew?
A: Yes, it is noted for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem for many crape myrtles, making it a low-maintenance and reliable choice.

Q: What is the fall color like?
A: The glossy, dark green leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in autumn before falling.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the most abundant flowering, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate light shade but will flower less.