CRAPE 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 “crape murder” or “crapicide.” |
“[The crape myrtle is] unrivaled among small flowering trees in ease of culture, length of bloom period, interesting trunks and many other features.”
- Neil Odenwald, Identification, Selection, and Use of Southern Plants for Landscape Design.
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