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CREPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica
(la-ger-STROO-mee-a IN-dih-kuh)
Crape Myrtle, Crapemyrtle, Crepemyrtle
| Family |
Lythraceae |
| Description |
This is by far our region’s most popular ornamental tree |
| Plant habit |
Medium shrub to large tree
Typically multi-trunked, this deciduous shrub or tree grows into an upright vase form with irregular, ascending branches. |
| Landscape use |
Plant as a specimen or in a group
A four seasonal, ornamental plant |
| Average mature size |
25’ tall x 15’ wide (check variety for specific mature size) |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate; however, faster growing hybrids are available
Easy to transplant and grow |
| Sun exposure |
Sun |
| Soil requirements |
Tolerates heavy, alkaline soils |
| Water requirements |
Tolerates any well-drained soil
Tolerates high humidity and drought, once established |
| Heat tolerance |
High |
| Foliage |
Deciduous
Dark green, leathery leaves
Yellow, russet, and red fall coloration |
| Flowers |
Large panicles; color is specific to variety (white, red, magenta, coral, purple, pink) |
| Blooming period |
Throughout the summer |
| Fruit characteristics |
Small brown seed pods; provide fall and winter interest |
| Bark |
Cinnamon colored, exfoliating; provides winter interest |
| Pests and disease |
Many varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew, sooty mold and aphids; select a resistant variety
Resistant to cotton root rot
Providing good air circulation helps to prevent disease |
| Other |
Resist the urge to prune, as those left unpruned bloom sooner and heavier than those that are heavily pruned, an effect known as “crepe murder” or “crepicide.” |
“[The crepe myrtle is] unrivaled among small fl owering trees in ease of culture, length of bloom
period, interesting trunks and many other features.”
- Neil Odenwald, Identifi cation, Selection, and Use of Southern Plants for Landscape Design.
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