Crape myrtle Cherry Dazzle

* Common name: Crape myrtle Cherry Dazzle

* Botanical name: Lagerstroemia ‘Gamad I’

* What it is: A compact, rounded, shrub form of crape myrtle that’s nearly covered with deep red flowers from August into September. Glossy leaves start out bronzy-green then turn dark green all summer before turning reddish-purple in fall.

* Size: Grows slowly into 4- to 5-foot ball.

* Where to use: Makes a good foundation shrub along south- or west-facing house walls. Can also be mixed with perennials in a sunny border or island garden or used to line a driveway or sidewalk. Best in full sun.

* Care: Virtually none, other than an annual spring pruning to remove any dead wood or to limit size. Unusually cold winters may kill top growth, but watch for new growth from the base by May or June and then prune off all dead wood, including the whole way to the ground if necessary. Japanese beetles sometimes attack leaves in July. Water regularly the first year to establish roots, then water only needed in extended drought. Scatter a balanced, organic, granular fertilizer over the root zone early each spring.

* Great partner: Liriope is a good perennial underplanting, and golden sweet potato vine is a good annual one. Upright holly Red Beauty or Dragon Lady are good evergreen backdrops.