Louisiana State tests Razzle Dazzle crape myrtles

Breeder Michael Dirr developed the Razzle Dazzle series of crape myrtles for their compact habit, brilliant color and mildew resistance. The Louisiana State University AgCenter is testing the series for landscape performance.

Varieties in the series include: Ruby Dazzle (pink flowers with bronze-red foliage), Cherry Dazzle (cherry-red flowers), Snow Dazzle (white flowers), Dazzle Me Pink (pink flowers) and Raspberry Dazzle (raspberry-red flowers).

Three-gallon containers of the Razzle Dazzle series were planted in late summer 2006 in full sun at Burden Center in Baton Rouge, La., in USDA Hardiness Zone 8B. Plants were placed in raised rows of Oliver silt loam soil (normal pH 6.2) approximately 5 feet apart in a randomized complete block design with each cultivar replicated three times.

Supplemental irrigation was provided as needed with a drip system. Plants were fertilized in March 2007 with Sta-Green Nursery Special 12-6-6. Pine straw mulch is maintained on the planting at a depth of 2 inches and refreshed two times annually. Hand weeding, glyphosate and Amaze pre-emergent granular herbicide were used for weed control.

Plants were not pruned, pinched or deadheaded from the initial planting time through 2007. Fungicides and insecticides were not been applied.

The 2007 data revealed Raspberry Dazzle, Ruby Dazzle and Cherry Dazzle had the highest ratings for visual quality and had the least amount of Cercospora leaf spot. Dazzle Me Pink had the lowest visual quality rating and the most occurrences of leaf spot.

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For more: Allen Owings, Louisiana State University, (985) 543-4125; aowings@agcenter.lsu.edu.

June 2008