Beautify Your Small Yard With A Flowering, Fast-Growing Tree That Won't Take Over

When you have a small yard, you might think trees are out of the question, but there are many smaller, fast-growing trees that will bring color, height, and texture to your outdoor space. One such option is the Zuni crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Zuni'). It could be an ideal fit if you're looking for trees that bloom with gorgeous purple flowers. Because it's typically more compact than other crepe myrtle varieties, the semi-dwarf Zuni works well when you have limited space but still want an impactful, showy plant.

Zuni crepe myrtles do well in USDA growing zones 6 to 10 and reach a mature height between 4 and 12 feet. If you're in a colder growing zone, you might see your trees max out at around 5 feet while warmer climates often allow the flowering trees to reach 12 feet tall. The width also varies, usually between 4 and 10 feet. It has a fast growth rate, so your landscape gets filled out quickly without being overtaken by the tree.

As it grows, the Zuni displays beautiful textures and colors throughout the seasons. In the spring and summer, the small oval leaves are a rich green color. The stunning lavender blooms appear in the summer and last several weeks, with flowering typically taking place between July and September. Each individual ruffled flower is small, but the flowers grow together in clumps that are between 3 and 5 inches long. Fall weather changes the foliage to a range of reddish-orange to deep red hues for continued beauty. The exfoliating bark adds texture to the tree during the winter when the leaves are gone.

Since the Zuni crepe myrtle is a semi-dwarf tree, it fits into smaller spaces. The tree needs full sun, so pick a sunny spot with enough space to accommodate at least 12 feet of height and 10 feet of width. It's a beautiful accent plant, and it can offer some privacy while blocking unpleasant views when used as a border plant. You can also plant semi-dwarf crepe myrtles like the Zuni in large pots. Ensure the container drains well and is filled with fertile potting soil to help the tree grow vigorously.

Maintaining a healthy and thriving crepe myrtle tree is relatively easy with the Zuni variety. It has increased resistance to pests and mildew to help it grow with fewer problems. Deep watering is important, especially while the tree establishes its roots during the first growing season. Watering requirements depend on rainfall amounts — the tree needs moderate amounts of water and may need to be watered when the soil is dry. Fertilize the tree in early spring to encourage growth.

Pruning requirements are relatively minimal — cut out any dead wood and remove suckers at the base of an established tree while the tree is still dormant in late winter or early spring. If you wait until later in the spring when new growth begins, your pruning will remove potential blooms. Fall pruning could encourage new growth just before the temperature drops, and those freezing temperatures could damage the crepe myrtle. The tree grows well with three to seven main trunks, but you can also prune it to control the size and shape of the plant.