Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle

How to Plant Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle

• Choose a spot with full sun (6+ hours daily). More sun = more blooms.
• Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the container height.
• Loosen roots gently if they are circling inside the pot.
• Place the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above soil level.
• Backfill with native soil and press lightly to remove air pockets.
• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Add 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Watering Instructions

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every 2–3 days.
• Weeks 3–12: Water 1–2 times weekly depending on heat and rainfall.
• After establishment: Water during extended dry periods only.
• Always water slowly at the base until the soil is moist 8–10 inches deep.
• Avoid daily shallow watering. Deep soaking builds stronger roots.

Ongoing Care

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming through summer.
• Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape. Avoid severe topping cuts.
• This variety has strong mildew resistance and good drought tolerance once established.

Container Planting

• Use a container at least 18–24 inches wide with drainage holes.
• Use high-quality potting mix, not garden soil.
• Container plants dry out faster, so check moisture often in summer.
• Feed monthly during the growing season with a liquid bloom fertilizer.

Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle FAQs

• How big does Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle get?
  Bellini® Strawberry is a dwarf crape myrtle with a compact, mounded habit, making it a great fit for smaller landscapes, borders, foundation plantings, and containers.
• When does Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle bloom?
  It produces rich rose-pink blooms with red tones from late spring into late summer. Removing faded flower clusters can help encourage more blooms later in the season.
• Can Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle grow in a container?
  Yes. Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for large patio containers, porch planters, and sunny entryways where full-size crape myrtles would take up too much room.
• Does Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle need full sun?
  Yes. Plant it in full sun for the best flowering and strongest color. More sun means more blooms, so give this little shrub the spotlight.
• Is Bellini® Strawberry Crape Myrtle deer resistant and pollinator friendly?
  Yes. It is deer resistant, so it is less likely to be browsed, and its bright summer flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.