How to Grow and Care for Scarlett Kisses

The ‘Scarlett Kisses’ crape myrtle, known botanically as Lagerstroemia indica, is a dwarf shrub prized for its vibrant, true-red flowers. Its compact size makes it a versatile choice for many garden designs, fitting well into smaller spaces where traditional crape myrtles would be too large. This plant offers a dramatic splash of color throughout the warmer months. The combination of intense color and manageable form has made it a popular selection for borders, container gardens, and mass plantings.

Appearance and Growth Habit

The most notable feature of ‘Scarlett Kisses’ is its profusion of crimson-red flowers that emerge from mid-summer through early fall. These blossoms have a delicate, ruffled texture, clustered together in large panicles that cover the plant. The blooms stand out against the backdrop of the plant’s deep green foliage, which provides a rich contrast. In autumn, the leaves transition to shades of orange and red, adding another layer of seasonal interest.

This crape myrtle cultivar is distinguished by its dwarf, mounding growth habit. It maintains a compact and rounded shape without requiring constant pruning. ‘Scarlett Kisses’ reaches a mature size of approximately 2 to 3 feet in both height and width, making it an excellent choice for foreground plantings or small garden beds.

Planting Guidelines

For optimal growth and abundant flowering, selecting the right planting location is important. ‘Scarlett Kisses’ requires a spot that receives full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Less sunlight can result in fewer and less vibrant blooms. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.

The soil must be well-draining to prevent root rot. While it can tolerate various soil types, including loam and sand, ensuring the area does not collect water is important. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Gently place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground, and backfill with soil before watering thoroughly to settle the plant.

General Care and Maintenance

Proper watering is important for establishing a healthy root system, especially during the first growing season. Provide deep, consistent watering weekly for the first year. Once mature, ‘Scarlett Kisses’ is quite drought-tolerant, only needing supplemental water during extended periods of heat or drought.

A single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring is sufficient to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can stimulate excessive leaf growth at the expense of the blossoms. Pruning needs are minimal for this dwarf variety. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.