Miss Francis Crape Myrtle

The Miss Frances Crape Myrtle was developed by Cecil Pounders at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory in Poplarville, MS by cross-pollinating Arapaho and Cherry Dazzle. While conducting their field studies the Miss Frances displayed a high level of resistance to powedery mildew and bacterial leaf spot which are common issues in North Texas.

  • Soil Condition: Well-drained
  • Water Needs: Average
  • Blooming Period: Summer
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Fragrance: No
  • Foliage Color: Green
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

When compared to the Dynamite Crape Myrtle it has a very similar size at maturity and broad growth habit. The Miss Frances stands out with very dense branching and attractive glossy green foliage which has a bright red color when new growth appears. Starting in June the Miss Frances will produce dark red clusters of flowers which average 6” in length and at this same time it exfoliates its gray-brown colored bark in thin strips to expose a smooth and light brown colored bark. Like all Crape Myrtles the Miss Frances is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and very drought tolerant.

Miss Frances is a new deep red flowered crape myrtle. It produces lustrous green leaves with dark red flowers for an extended flowering season from late June into August. Miss Frances displays a round, spreading growth habit.

Color: Foliage is an attractive glossy green with the new growth appearing red. They develop deep red flower clusters over an extended bloom season.

Planting Instructions: Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Does well in loamy, clay soils with good drainage. Benefits from a slow-release fertilizer. Overly fertile soils tend to produce lush foliage growth at the expense of flowering with somewhat increased susceptibility to winter injury. Water roots deeply, particularly in dry spells, but avoid wetting the foliage.

  • Water before planting
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
  • Dig hole 2X the width of pot
  • Plant 1-2″ above ground soil level, backfill hole with soil
  • Water deeply to settle, then add more soil if needed
  • Mulch 1-2″ deep around plant, avoiding area closest to stem