Petite Plum Crape Myrtle - 5 Gallon
- Dwarf, upright crape myrtle with glossy green foliage and rich plum-colored summer blooms.
- Perfect compact size for small landscapes—about 5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide.
- Multi-season appeal with attractive bark and yellow fall color.
- Easy-care, waterwise once established, and a great choice for borders or containers.
Petite Plum Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’) packs vibrant late-season color into a perfectly sized, dwarf shrub for today’s smaller gardens. In the heat of summer, upright branches are topped with a profusion of plum-toned, crepe-like blooms that pop against glossy green foliage—then finish the season with cheerful yellow fall color and handsome bark interest. Growing to about 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it’s an excellent option for sunny borders, patio containers, and compact privacy accents. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, water consistently while establishing, and enjoy reliable, showy flowers with minimal fuss in Zones 7–9.
At-a-Glance
- Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’
- Common name: Petite Plum Crape Myrtle
- Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- USDA Zones: 7–9
- Light: Full sun
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: About 5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Growth habit: Upright
Petite Plum is a dwarf crape myrtle designed to fit beautifully into smaller spaces without sacrificing bloom power.
Blooms
- Bloom time: Summer
- Flower color: Purplish-pink (plum-toned)
- Flower style: Crepe-like blooms in profuse clusters
- Flower traits: Showy flowers
These richly colored blooms shine during the late-summer lull, making Petite Plum a true seasonal hero.
Foliage, Bark & Fall Color
- Foliage: Glossy green (deciduous)
- Fall color: Yellow
- Bark: Attractive bark adds off-season interest
Even when flowers fade, the combination of bark texture and fall color keeps your landscape looking polished.
Light Requirements
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and the heaviest bloom. More sun typically means more flowers.
Watering
- Routine: Water deeply when soil is dry
- First season: Water regularly to establish an extensive root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; more drought tolerant once rooted in
Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger roots and better performance during summer heat.
Soil & Planting Tips
Petite Plum thrives in average, well-drained soil. Avoid consistently soggy areas for best results.
- Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the root ball and plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting and add 2–3 inches of mulch (keep mulch off the trunk).
- Space for mature width to promote airflow and a full, even shape.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Feeding: Feed in early spring
- Maintenance: Easy care with simple seasonal upkeep
- Urban-friendly: Tolerates urban pollution
This is a low-fuss shrub that delivers high impact—perfect for busy gardeners.
Pruning & Training
Petite Plum can be maintained as a compact shrub or selectively trained for structure.
- Timing: Late winter to early spring is ideal for thinning and shaping.
- Training option: Thin young plants, leaving 3–7 main trunks or canopy branches.
- Maintenance tip: Remove suckers from the base of older plants.
Landscape Uses
- Landscape use: Border, container, privacy screen
- Great for: Small-space foundation beds, sunny borders, patios, and raised planters
- Design tip: Mass plant for a bold color block or use singly as an accent shrub
Special Features
- Attractive bark
- Easy care
- Fall color
- Waterwise (once established)
- Compact form
- Attracts pollinators
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Petite Plum with complementary plants to enhance color and texture:
- Butterfly bush (Buddleja)
- False heather (Cuphea)
- Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis)
- Chaste tree (Vitex)
- Dwarf, upright crape myrtle with glossy green foliage and rich plum-colored summer blooms.
- Perfect compact size for small landscapes—about 5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide.
- Multi-season appeal with attractive bark and yellow fall color.
- Easy-care, waterwise once established, and a great choice for borders or containers.
Petite Plum Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’) packs vibrant late-season color into a perfectly sized, dwarf shrub for today’s smaller gardens. In the heat of summer, upright branches are topped with a profusion of plum-toned, crepe-like blooms that pop against glossy green foliage—then finish the season with cheerful yellow fall color and handsome bark interest. Growing to about 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it’s an excellent option for sunny borders, patio containers, and compact privacy accents. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, water consistently while establishing, and enjoy reliable, showy flowers with minimal fuss in Zones 7–9.
At-a-Glance
- Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’
- Common name: Petite Plum Crape Myrtle
- Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- USDA Zones: 7–9
- Light: Full sun
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: About 5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Growth habit: Upright
Petite Plum is a dwarf crape myrtle designed to fit beautifully into smaller spaces without sacrificing bloom power.
Blooms
- Bloom time: Summer
- Flower color: Purplish-pink (plum-toned)
- Flower style: Crepe-like blooms in profuse clusters
- Flower traits: Showy flowers
These richly colored blooms shine during the late-summer lull, making Petite Plum a true seasonal hero.
Foliage, Bark & Fall Color
- Foliage: Glossy green (deciduous)
- Fall color: Yellow
- Bark: Attractive bark adds off-season interest
Even when flowers fade, the combination of bark texture and fall color keeps your landscape looking polished.
Light Requirements
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and the heaviest bloom. More sun typically means more flowers.
Watering
- Routine: Water deeply when soil is dry
- First season: Water regularly to establish an extensive root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; more drought tolerant once rooted in
Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger roots and better performance during summer heat.
Soil & Planting Tips
Petite Plum thrives in average, well-drained soil. Avoid consistently soggy areas for best results.
- Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the root ball and plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting and add 2–3 inches of mulch (keep mulch off the trunk).
- Space for mature width to promote airflow and a full, even shape.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Feeding: Feed in early spring
- Maintenance: Easy care with simple seasonal upkeep
- Urban-friendly: Tolerates urban pollution
This is a low-fuss shrub that delivers high impact—perfect for busy gardeners.
Pruning & Training
Petite Plum can be maintained as a compact shrub or selectively trained for structure.
- Timing: Late winter to early spring is ideal for thinning and shaping.
- Training option: Thin young plants, leaving 3–7 main trunks or canopy branches.
- Maintenance tip: Remove suckers from the base of older plants.
Landscape Uses
- Landscape use: Border, container, privacy screen
- Great for: Small-space foundation beds, sunny borders, patios, and raised planters
- Design tip: Mass plant for a bold color block or use singly as an accent shrub
Special Features
- Attractive bark
- Easy care
- Fall color
- Waterwise (once established)
- Compact form
- Attracts pollinators
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Petite Plum with complementary plants to enhance color and texture:
- Butterfly bush (Buddleja)
- False heather (Cuphea)
- Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis)
- Chaste tree (Vitex)