Colorama™ Scarlet Crape Myrtle Tree

Colorama™ Scarlet is a vigorous, self-branching crape myrtle with scarlet-red flower clusters from summer into fall. The deep green leaves provide a contrasting backdrop before autumn color, and the plant’s branching form makes it suitable as a landscape specimen. ## Form and season The cultivar is identified as *Lagerstroemia* × ‘JM1’ and is listed under U.S. Plant Patent PP31585. The cultivar can reach 15–20 feet tall by 8–12 feet wide, so allow ample room for a medium-sized tree. The flowers are most conspicuous in sunny sites. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly while establishing and during prolonged dry spells. Crape myrtles flower on new growth, so a bright, open position supports the summer display and good air circulation. ## Maintenance In late winter or early spring, remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and retain the plant’s natural branching structure. Avoid severe topping, which can distort the tree and reduce flowering. Check new growth periodically for aphids or spider mites. The exact cultivar page at [Garden Debut](https://www.gardendebut.com/plant/Colorama-Scarlet-Crapemyrtle) provides the selection name, patent number, bloom color, size, and exposure; [NC Cooperative Extension](https://sampson.ces.ncsu.edu/news/crape-myrtles/) covers general crape-myrtle siting and care.