Crape myrtle.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous shrub or tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15 to 25 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 6 to 9

Bloom time

Mid summer to early autumn

Care

Plant your crape myrtle in a spot that gets plenty of sun to ensure the best flower production. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew on the leaves, which can happen if air circulation is poor. Regular pruning helps maintain a nice shape and encourages more blooms for next year.

Watering

Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Repotting

Repot only if the plant is container grown and has become root bound.

Soil

Well-draining, fertile soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-15 to 40°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

High

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

It is generally considered non toxic to humans.

Pets

This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The small, hard seed capsules could be a choking hazard if ingested by small children.

Contact allergens

The bark or leaves may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

It is not a significant source of airborne allergens.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

• Crinkled, crepe paper like flower petals
• Smooth, exfoliating bark on mature trunks
• Opposite, simple, oval shaped leaves
• Panicles of colorful summer blooms

Height

3 to 6m

Spread

2 to 5m

Leaves

green, bronze, deciduous

Flowers

pink, red, white, purple, 2 to 4cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Powdery mildew · A white fungal growth appears on leaves and buds during humid weather.
• Aphids · Small insects that suck sap and leave behind sticky honeydew.

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from deep freezes. If grown in a container, move it to a sheltered, unheated area during the coldest months.

In containers

Dwarf varieties grow well in large containers with excellent drainage.

Plant drought tolerant perennials around the base to avoid overwatering the tree.

Grows well with

• Lavender · They share similar requirements for full sun and well drained soil.
• Coneflower · These perennials provide a nice color contrast beneath the tree.

Similar species

• Japanese Crepe Myrtle · It is more resistant to powdery mildew than the common crepe myrtle.

Science

Family

Lythraceae

Genus

Lagerstroemia

Order

Myrtales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

East Asia

Conservation

This species is not of conservation concern.

It survives by being highly heat tolerant and drought resistant once established in well drained soils.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental tree, street tree, shrub border

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why isn't my crepe myrtle blooming?

It likely needs more direct sunlight or was pruned too late in the season.

Should I prune my crepe myrtle?

Light pruning to shape the tree is fine, but avoid heavy topping which ruins the natural form.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Magnus von Lagerström, a Swedish merchant who collected plants for Linnaeus, while the species name indica refers to its broad Asian origin.

Good to know

• It is often called the lilac of the South.
• The wood is very hard and was historically used for tool handles.
• It thrives in the heat and humidity of the southern United States.

Also in

• Drought-tolerant plants