CRAPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indicia
Plant Description
Crape Myrtle is a deciduous, multi-trunk ornamental tree known for it's bright summer colors ranging from white to a variety of reds, purple and pinks. Most commonly found in a tree form, it grows at a moderate rate and can reach a height of up to 40 feet in maturity. The tree blooms in early May and all the way into early fall with flowers that have delicate, ruffled petals that develop from clusters of buds on its new growth tips.
Crape myrtles are a staple of summer time and a fantastic tree to add color to any garden and even provide some golden yellow fall color. Often looking best when planted in groups of different colors for visual interest and to stagger bloom periods slightly. Thriving in the heat of summer, they need full sun to fully flower. They look best when their multi-trunks are kept pruned in a tree form which helps understory growth and encourages canopy growth and better blooms. Sucker stems will develop at the base and should be kept pruned regularly.
Also available in a dwarf shrub form that looks great in mass plantings. A single trunk, or standard form, is also available in the tree form and can add a more refined look to a structured garden. Great accent and ornamental tree.
Plant Details
- Pros: Great summer color, good residential scale, interesting bark & trunk form
- Cons: Can be messy around pools, staining
- Deciduous
- Size: 12-40' ht., 10-20' spread
- Light: Full sun
- Bloom Color: White, red, pink, purple, lavender, coral, bi-color
- Fall Color: Gold to yellow
- Water Needs: Low-Normal
- Similar Plants: Redbud, Desert Willow