French Vanilla Crape Myrtle Shrub

Name: French Vanilla Crape Myrtle Shrub
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
Price: 99.78 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Lagerstroemia x 'G18147'

GreatMyrtle™

$99⁷⁸

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub requires full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will notice fewer of those creamy white flowers and a higher risk of powdery mildew on the leaves.
Soil: It thrives in well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or aged bark to improve drainage, as "wet feet" will quickly lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your French Vanilla Crape Myrtle deeply two to three times a week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once established, this shrub is remarkably drought tolerant, though a lack of consistent moisture during extreme heat can lead to smaller flower clusters and premature leaf drop. Think of deep watering as an insurance policy for a more spectacular summer show.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears. Focus on removing dead wood and thinning out the center to improve air circulation, which acts like a natural vent to prevent fungal issues. Avoid "topping" the plant; instead, prune back to a side branch to maintain its natural, graceful shape without sacrificing flower production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring just as new leaves begin to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost of winter. A single application in the spring is usually all this vigorous grower needs to stay healthy.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

GreatMyrtle™ French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Prefer a sophisticated, pristine look that achieves high-end status? Go with one of the most cold-hardy, smallest and earliest-flowering Crape Myrtles on the market!

Compact GreatMyrtle™ French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle shrub (Lagerstroemia x 'G18147') brings effortless designer style for a high-fashion summer look. Use them throughout your sunny spots to tie the entire look of your landscape design together!

Starting in June, crisp white flower inflorescence blooms high above the foliage. The frilly flower power keeps coming until the first frost of fall! Whether you call them Crepe Myrtles or not, everyone can agree to love them for their long-lasting blooms!

This means months of incredible, creamy blooms with yellow centers! The floral display is all the more impressive due to its well-mounded growth habit and densely-held, umbrella-style canopy.

French Vanilla is a showy treat in the garden. It delivers a rich, lavish presentation...even though it stays small, mounded, and compact.

Buy GreatMyrtle™ French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle at NatureHills.com today! Our small shrub experts will ship your plants when the time is right for planting in your area.

How to Use GreatMyrtle™ French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle Shrub in the Landscape

Put French Vanilla's polished charm to work on your patio or balcony. You'll love how crisp everything looks against their backdrop. They look astonishing with blue-flowering perennials. Enjoy creating hardy containers that look great all season long!

Pair them with other white-flowering shrubs, Roses and perennials for an exceptionally restful setting. Enjoy your home any time of day or night with your beautiful Moon Garden.

GreatMyrtles™ are spectacular Thriller shrubs for containers. With a reliably hardy root system, French Vanilla can grace gardens far to the north in Zone 5b.

But they also grow into courteous low hedges in warm winter areas. Create a solid hedge by measuring 18 inches between the centers of two plants.

Line your front walk, or jazz up your foundation plantings. Perk up the front of a mixed border with their flower power!

Earliest Crape Myrtle to Start Blooming
Elaborate Flowers from June to Frost
Compact Shrub Needs Little Pruning
Thrives in Humid, Hot Weather
Root-Hardy to Zone 5
Stem-Hardy to Zone 6

#ProPlantTips for Care

French Vanilla Crape Myrtle shrubs need full sun and well-drained soils. Plan for at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Support your new Crape Myrtle forever with Nature Hills Root Booster. This symbiotic planting formula gives life-long support for tiny feeder roots and never wears out.

Raise up the shrub in a raised bed, If you have heavy, soggy soil. Don't fight clay soil, simply keep them in a series of outdoor garden containers!

Keep French Vanilla plants watered on a regular schedule for best results. Mulch over the root zone, but don't let it touch the stems directly.

This versatile GreatMyrtle™ cultivar can be grown further north than other cultivars. French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle behaves as a perennial in Zones 5 and 6, with new growth from the roots each spring.

Zone 5b and 6

These are root-hardy in cold winter areas of 5b and 6. In early spring, cut all of the stems down to the ground.

New flowering will occur starting in June and run all the way through frost. It will grow to a mature size during that season.

Zones 7 - 9

In early spring, prune out several of the oldest, thickest stems every few years. This will reduce the size, remove dead branches and leave the younger stems for the best bloom.

Read more about pruning your Crape Myrtle here in our handy #ProPlantTips Blog! And you can read more about all the GreatMyrtle™ Dwarf Crape Myrtles available here at NatureHills.com.

Don't delay to lock in your French Vanilla GreatMyrtle™! We will sell out of our limited inventory this year...so please act quickly to avoid disappointment.

Place your order for GreatMyrtle™ French Vanilla Dwarf Crape Myrtle shrubs today at NatureHills.com. You'll love our commercial landscape-grade quality!

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle at full growth?

French Vanilla Crape Myrtle stays compact at 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. This dwarf variety maintains a well-mounded, dense growth habit that's perfect for small spaces. Space plants 18 inches apart for hedging or use as specimen shrubs in containers.

Does the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle grow well in zone 5 or colder areas, or does it die back like a perennial?

The French Vanilla Crape Myrtle is reliably hardy to Zone 5b with its hardy root system. Unlike perennials that die back, this dwarf variety maintains its shrub structure through winter. Shop at Nature Hills for guaranteed cold-hardy stock.

How much sun does the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle need for best blooming?

French Vanilla Crape Myrtle needs full sun for optimal blooming performance. Like all crape myrtles, it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce its abundant white flower clusters from June through first frost. Plant in your sunniest garden spots for the longest bloom period.

What type of soil and drainage does the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle require?

French Vanilla Crape Myrtle thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates various soil types from sandy to clay. These adaptable shrubs perform best with consistent moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Plant in locations with good drainage to prevent root rot and ensure optimal blooming from June through frost.

Should I mulch around the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle, and how close to the stems?

Yes, mulch around French Vanilla Crape Myrtle to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch 3-4 inches away from the stems to prevent moisture buildup and potential disease issues. Apply a 2-3 inch layer extending to the drip line for best results.

When and how do I prune the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle to encourage blooming?

Prune French Vanilla Crape Myrtle in late winter before new growth begins, typically February-March. Remove dead wood, suckers, and crossing branches. Light pruning maintains the natural mounded shape and doesn't reduce blooming since flowers form on new wood.

Will the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle produce white flowers reliably every year?

Yes, French Vanilla Crape Myrtle produces reliable white blooms from June until first frost each year. This hardy cultivar performs consistently in zones 5b through warmer regions. Ensure full sun placement for best flowering performance.

Is the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle resistant to common diseases like powdery mildew?

The French Vanilla Crape Myrtle's disease resistance isn't specified in available details. However, GreatMyrtle varieties are typically bred for improved garden performance compared to older cultivars. Plant in full sun with good air circulation to minimize potential fungal issues like powdery mildew.

What are the shipping options and costs for French Vanilla Crape Myrtle plants?

Nature Hills ships French Vanilla Crape Myrtle when timing is optimal for your planting zone. Their expert team determines the best shipping window based on your local climate conditions. Contact them directly for specific shipping costs and delivery schedules to your area.

Can I return or exchange the French Vanilla Crape Myrtle if it arrives damaged?

Yes, you can return or exchange plants that arrive damaged or in poor condition. Most nurseries honor their guarantees when plants don't arrive healthy. Contact customer service immediately with photos of the damaged plant for fastest resolution.