Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLCIBF'
Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLCIBF' Center Stage® Red on Low water continuing to produce flowers in November 2022. Photo: JA Sisneroz.
Summary
South Coast Research & Extension Center (South Coast REC/SCREC) is located in Irvine California, this site has a sandy loam soil and plants are irrigated with reclaimed water. UC Davis is located in Davis, California, this site has a silty clay loam soil and plants are irrigated with potable water. More information about the field sites is located in the Nuts & Bolts section.
Center Stage® Red is considered a dwarf crape myrtle with a shrub form. New foliage emerges with bright, black-cherry/red coloration, turning to a deep burgundy color with purple or brown undertones and appears to darken with age to a purple-black like that of an aubergine. From claret-colored buds emerge red flowers with wrinkled, wavy red petals surrounding muted yellow stamens and carpels. While the flower hue does not change, the appearance changes throughout the day with the red appearing more watermelon colored during intense midday sun and transforming into bright coral beacons closer to twilight. The combination of dark burgundy colored foliage and bright watermelon red flowers really stood out in the trial. Center Stage Red was evaluated at UC Davis and South Coast REC (SCREC) with site specific performance details and recommendations below.
UC Davis Trial – Davis, CA
As is typical with crape myrtles, Center Stage Red was one of the last plants to leaf out, with foliage finally emerging in late May. For this reason, data collection for this species started in June. In late May, trials staff removed remaining flower panicles from the previous season using hand pruners. All 24 individuals flowered in June and continued thereafter until the end of the season. This species maintained high foliage scores, with its deep aubergine foliage unspoiled by sunburn, edge necrosis, or fading over the season.
We observed dust accumulating on the leaves as the season progressed, dulling the vibrant coloration to a more matte appearance. This could easily be remedied in a landscape situation by spraying the foliage to rinse off the accumulated dust. Nonetheless, foliage scores remained high. The juxtaposition of the red flowers on the deep burgundy-purple foliage is striking and was often mentioned by Open House participants as highly desirable. At both summer and fall Open House events, Center Stage Red was in the top-3 list of participants’ favorite plants. In response to high aesthetic appeal and consistent performance, trials staff awarded Center Stage Red a Blue Ribbon™ and recommended irrigation on WUCOLS’ Low category of water needs in Region 2.
South Coast REC Trial – Irvine, CA
Plants at South Coast REC grew uniformly, producing more vertical growth than lateral branching. Center Stage Red started blooming in early June and continued into October. No foliage issues were observed. Center Stage Red was rated highly by participants at the June Open House. Based on these results researchers recommend Center Stage Red be irrigated on Low water in WUCOLS Region 3.
Basic Info
| Submitted by: | Spring Meadow |
| Site(s): | UC Davis & SCREC |
| Trial Exposure: | Sun |
| Year evaluated: | 2022 |
| Height & Width after 2 years: | 1.7-1.9' x 2.3-2.6' - UC Davis 2.2-2.5’ x 3.1-3.6’ - SCREC |
| Reported Height & Width at maturity: | 6-12' x 8' |
| WUCOLS plant type: | S |
| Water Needs & WUCOLS Region: | Low - Region 2 Low - Region 3 |
Mean Overall Appearance rating: (1-5 Scale, 5 is highest) | 4.1 - UCD 3.5 - SCREC |
| Flowering Months: | June-Oct. - UCD April-Oct. - SCREC |
Growth and Quality Data
Click Here for Complete Data Set - UCD
Click Here for Complete Data Set -SCREC
Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLCIBF' Center Stage® Red in full bloom on Medium water in in August, and closeup of flowers in June 2022 at UC Davis. Photos SK Reid and JA Sisneroz.
Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLCIBF' Center Stage® Red on Low water at South Coast REC on June 2022