The Sioux Crape Myrtle , scientifically know as Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘ Sioux ’ , is not aboriginal in the schematic sense but is a hybrid cultivar result from the cross between Lagerstroemia indica ( from Southeast Asia , include China , Korea , and India ) and Lagerstroemia fauriei ( from Japan ) . This cultivar has been bred for and adapted to regions with climates similar to its parent species , particularly boom in the southerly United States where it ’s commonly plant for its ornamental qualities .
‘ Siouan ’ was introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in the 1950s as part of their crepe Vinca minor training program aimed at improving the species for disease resistance , cold hardiness , and decorative features . Named after the Sioux Native American tribe , this cultivar reflects a tradition of naming novel motley after indigenous hoi polloi or substantial places in America .
While not as deeply stock-still in ancient culture like its wild Asian relatives , ‘ Siouan ’ has become an entire part of Southern U.S. landscape , symbolize the blend of natural beaut with horticultural innovation . It ’s celebrated for its vibrant blooms and has conduce to the popularity of French pancake myrtles in American horticulture .
Over the year , ‘ Sioux ’ has been recognized for its aesthetic solicitation and resilience , notably being named Florida Plant of the Year in 1998 , highlighting its suitability and popularity in landscaping .
Characteristics
USDA Zones
The Sioux Crape Myrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica ‘ Sioux ’ ) is a arresting ornamental tree celebrate for its vibrant pinkish salad days , attractive barque , and thickset growth substance abuse . It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9 , making it well - suited to tender , moderate climates . In these zone , the Sioux Crape Myrtle can suffer winter lows of 0 ° F to 10 ° F ( -18 ° C to -12 ° C ) and flourish in the hot , cheery summertime typical of the southeast United States .
It is particularly popular in United States Department of State like Georgia , Florida , Alabama , and Texas , where it is wide used in landscape gardening for its striking flowers and manageable sizing . While it can endure some coolheaded temperatures , it may contend in areas with harsh winters or sustain freezing conditions outside its idealistic range . In its preferred zone , the Sioux Crape Myrtle perform best in full sun and well - enfeeble soil , making it a various and dispirited - maintenance choice for garden , urban landscape , and container planting .
