Crape Myrtles, also commonly known as crepemyrtles, crapemyrtles, or the “lilac of the South,” are stunning flowering trees and shrubs beloved for their vibrant summer blooms and attractive bark. Scientifically classified as Lagerstroemia, these plants offer a range of colors, sizes, and forms, making them a versatile addition to almost any landscape.
This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Gardencenterpoint.com, will delve into everything you need to know about these beautiful plants. From selecting the right variety to providing optimal care, pruning techniques, and addressing common diseases, we’ll cover it all. Prepare to unlock the secrets to successfully growing and enjoying the spectacular beauty of Lagerstroemia. Keep reading to master how to care for crape myrtle and avoid common crape myrtle diseases.
What is Crape Myrtle?
Crape myrtles are a staple in landscapes across the southern United States, and for good reason. Their long bloom period, often lasting from late spring through early fall, provides a burst of color when many other plants are fading. The flower colors range from pure white and soft pink to vibrant red, lavender, and deep purple. Beyond the flowers, many crape myrtle varieties also feature exfoliating bark, revealing beautiful patterns and colors underneath, adding winter interest to the garden.
| Common names | Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle, Crapemyrtle, Lilac of the South |
| Botanical name | Lagerstroemia (Genus level; species varies) |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Genus | Lagerstroemia |
| Species | indica, faurei, speciosa, and many hybrids (e.g., L. indica x faurei) |
| Origin | Primarily Asia (China, Korea, Japan) and parts of Australia |
| Native | Not native to the USA, but widely naturalized and cultivated. |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Plant type | Deciduous Tree or Shrub (depending on cultivar) |
| Hardiness zone | Typically 7-10 (some cultivars vary slightly) |
| Sunlight | Full Sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) |
| Maintenance | Low to Moderate (depending on pruning choices) |
| Water | Moderate when young; Drought-tolerant once established |
| Drainage | Well-Drained (essential) |
| Spacing | Varies greatly by cultivar (3-25+ feet) |
| Flowering period | Late Spring to Fall (depending on cultivar and climate) |
| Height | Varies greatly by cultivar (3-30+ feet) |
| Growth rate | Moderate to Fast (depending on cultivar and conditions) |
| Flower color | White, Pink, Red, Lavender, Purple (and shades in between) |
| Stem color | Young stems often reddish; mature bark varies (gray, brown, cinnamon, exfoliating) |
| Flower benefit | Long Bloom Season, Attracts Pollinators |
| Garden style | Versatile; suitable for Cottage, Mediterranean, Southern, Urban gardens |
| Uses | Specimen Plant, Grouping, Hedge, Street Tree, Container Plant |
| Soil pH | Slightly Acidic to Neutral (6.0-7.0) |
| Leaf Type | Simple |
| Leaf Shape | Oval, Elliptical |
| Leaf Color | Varies, but usually are Green, Dark Green, or may turn color in the fall. |
| Fruit | Small, dry, brown seed capsule |
| Notable feature | Exfoliating Bark (on many cultivars), Summer Blooms |
| Disease considerations | Powdery Mildew and Cercospora Leaf Spot resistance varies by cultivar. |
The Lagerstroemia genus includes species native to parts of Asia and Australia. Over time, extensive hybridization has resulted in a wide array of cultivars, each with unique characteristics. The United States National Arboretum has played a significant role in crape myrtle breeding, developing many popular disease-resistant varieties. Their research continues to improve the resilience and beauty of these plants.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, crape myrtles are relatively low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and adaptable to a variety of soil types. They are also attractive to pollinators, providing a valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies. However, proper planting and care are crucial for maximizing their beauty and health.
Key Benefits of Growing Crape Myrtles:
- Long Blooming Season: Enjoy vibrant color for months, not just weeks.
- Variety of Colors: Choose from a wide spectrum of flower hues.
- Attractive Bark: Many varieties offer exfoliating bark for year-round interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they require minimal watering.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
- Relatively Low Maintenance: Compared to some flowering trees, they are easy to care for.
- Adaptable: Thrive in a range of soil conditions.
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle Variety
Selecting the right crape myrtle is the first step towards success. With so many cultivars available, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and growing conditions. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Mature Size: This is arguably the most crucial factor. Crape myrtles range from dwarf shrubs (under 3 feet tall) to large trees (over 25 feet tall). Planting a variety that’s too large for its space will lead to constant pruning and potential problems. Always check the mature size on the plant tag before purchasing.
- Flower Color: As mentioned earlier, crape myrtles come in a wide array of colors. Consider the overall color scheme of your landscape and choose a hue that complements your existing plants.
- Bloom Time: While most crape myrtles bloom in summer, some varieties start earlier or later. If you want a continuous display of color, consider planting several cultivars with different bloom times.
- Disease Resistance: Powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot are common diseases affecting crape myrtles. Choosing disease-resistant varieties is highly recommended, especially in humid climates. The National Arboretum introductions are particularly noted for their disease resistance.
- Bark Characteristics: If exfoliating bark is important to you, research varieties known for this trait. Some cultivars have particularly striking bark patterns and colors.
- Cold Hardiness: Crape myrtles are generally hardy in USDA zones 7-10, but some varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. If you live in a borderline zone, choose a cultivar known for its hardiness.
- Sunlight Requirements: All varieties will perform at their best with a full day of sun, but some may do well in as little as 4 hours of sunlight.
Popular Crape Myrtle Varieties (with Size and Disease Resistance):
| Variety | Mature Height (ft) | Flower Color | Disease Resistance | Bark |
| Natchez | 20-30 | White | Excellent | Exfoliating, cinnamon-brown |
| Tuscarora | 15-25 | Coral Pink | Excellent | Exfoliating, tan |
| Muskogee | 20-30 | Lavender | Good | Exfoliating, light gray |
| Tonto | 8-12 | Red | Excellent | Exfoliating, gray-brown |
| Acoma | 10-15 | White | Excellent | Exfoliating, tan |
| Hopi | 8-12 | Pink | Good | Exfoliating, light gray |
| Centennial Spirit | 15 -20 | Dark Red | Good | Exfoliating |
| Red Rocket | 20-30 | Red | Good | Moderate Exfoliating |
Planting Your Crape Myrtle
Proper planting is crucial for the long-term health and vigor of your crape myrtle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Timing: The best time to plant crape myrtles is in the fall or early spring. This allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat.
- Location: Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Crape myrtles thrive in full sun and will produce the most abundant blooms in sunny locations. Ensure the location has well-drained soil. Crape myrtles do not tolerate consistently wet feet.
- Soil Preparation: While crape myrtles are adaptable to various soil types, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This allows the roots to spread easily.
- Root Ball Preparation: Gently loosen any circling roots around the outside of the root ball. This encourages outward growth.
- Planting Depth: Position the crape myrtle in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Planting too deep can lead to root rot.
- Backfilling: Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the root ball. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly.
- Watering: Water the newly planted crape myrtle thoroughly, saturating the root zone.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, around the base of the plant. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Watering and Fertilizing Crape Myrtles
- Watering: During the first growing season, water your crape myrtle regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Once established, crape myrtles are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged periods of dryness. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent, shallow watering.
- Fertilizing: Crape myrtles are not heavy feeders. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. A soil test can help determine if your soil is deficient in any essential nutrients. Avoid fertilizing late in the season, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost. A good general fertilizer recommendation is an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formula. Apply at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Pruning Crape Myrtles
Pruning is often the most misunderstood aspect of crape myrtle care. The infamous practice of “crape murder,” which involves drastically cutting back the main branches each year, is not recommended. This severe pruning results in unsightly knots, weak growth, and reduced flowering.
Proper Pruning Techniques:
- Timing: The best time to prune crape myrtles is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
- Goals: The primary goals of pruning are to:
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.
- Remove suckers (shoots growing from the base of the plant).
- Shape the plant to maintain its desired size and form.
- Technique:
- Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Cut these branches back to healthy tissue.
- Thin out crowded branches, removing any that are rubbing against each other. This improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
- Remove suckers from the base of the plant.
- If necessary, selectively prune branches to maintain the desired shape and size. Make cuts just above a bud or branch junction. Avoid leaving stubs.
- Remove seed pods to help promote reblooming.
- What Not to Do:
- Do not top the tree (cut back the main branches to stubs).
- Do not remove more than one-third of the plant’s total growth in a single pruning session.
Common Crape Myrtle Diseases and Pests
While generally hardy, crape myrtles can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It is most common in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
- Prevention: Choose disease-resistant varieties. Provide good air circulation by pruning properly. Avoid overhead watering.
- Treatment: Apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew, such as neem oil or a sulfur-based product.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, dark spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop.
- Prevention: Choose disease-resistant varieties. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
- Treatment: Apply a fungicide labeled for Cercospora leaf spot.
- Crape Myrtle Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause distorted growth and sooty mold (a black fungus that grows on the honeydew excreted by aphids).
- Prevention: Encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Treatment: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. A strong blast of water can also dislodge aphids.
- Japanese Beetles: These beetles can skeletonize crape myrtle leaves.
- Prevention: Handpick beetles and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Treatment: Apply a pesticide labeled for Japanese beetles, but be mindful of beneficial insects.
- Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: Tiny white or gray bumps on the branches and trunk.
- Prevention: Keeping your tree healthy will help to naturally keep this pest at bay.
- Treatment: Wash the tree with a high pressure spray.
Propagating Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles can be propagated by several methods:
- Seeds: Crape myrtle seeds can be collected from ripe seed pods in the fall. However, seedlings may not be true to the parent plant, especially with hybrid varieties. Sow seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist.
- Cuttings: Softwood cuttings (taken from new growth in spring or summer) are the most common method of propagation. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place in a moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings humid and warm until roots develop.
- Layering: This method involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and burying a portion of it. Roots will form at the buried section, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Crape Myrtle Uses and Benefits
Crape myrtles offer a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond their undeniably beautiful blooms. These versatile plants provide aesthetic, environmental, and even practical advantages, making them a valuable addition to diverse landscapes. From enhancing curb appeal to supporting local ecosystems, crape myrtles contribute significantly to the overall quality of a garden and its surroundings.
Landscape Design:
The adaptability of crape myrtles is one of their greatest strengths. They can fulfill numerous roles in landscape design, fitting seamlessly into various styles and serving different purposes. As a specimen plant, a single, well-maintained crape myrtle can become a captivating focal point. The striking flowers and often intriguing bark draw the eye, creating a visual anchor in the garden. The size and form can be selected to perfectly complement the surrounding space, whether it’s a compact dwarf variety for a small courtyard or a majestic tree for a larger property.
Groupings of crape myrtles, either of the same cultivar or a mix of colors and bloom times, create a dynamic and impactful display. This approach is particularly effective for maximizing the visual impact of their long blooming season. Imagine a vibrant tapestry of pink, red, white, and lavender hues unfolding throughout the summer.
For those seeking a more structured look, smaller crape myrtle varieties can be used to create a beautiful flowering hedge. This provides a colorful and fragrant alternative to traditional evergreen hedges, offering privacy and visual appeal. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small birds and other wildlife.
Certain larger crape myrtle cultivars are well-suited as street trees, adding beauty and shade to urban environments. Their tolerance for urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil (when properly planted and cared for), makes them a valuable asset in city landscapes. They help to soften the hardscape, improve air quality, and provide a welcome respite from the concrete jungle.
Even in limited spaces, crape myrtles can thrive. Container planting with dwarf varieties allows you to enjoy their beauty on patios, balconies, or decks. This brings color and life to even the smallest outdoor areas, creating a miniature garden oasis.
Environmental Benefits:
Beyond their aesthetic contributions, crape myrtles offer several environmental benefits. Their flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and providing them with a reliable food source is increasingly important. By planting crape myrtles, you contribute to supporting these vital creatures.
Established crape myrtles are known for their drought tolerance. Once their root systems are well-developed, they require minimal supplemental watering, making them a water-wise choice for landscapes, particularly in regions prone to dry spells. This reduces the need for irrigation, conserving precious water resources.
Crape myrtles also contribute to improved air quality. Like all trees, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to mitigate the effects of air pollution. Their dense foliage can also help to filter dust and other particulate matter from the air.
Their root system also helps in erosion control.
Practical Benefits & Other Considerations:
While primarily valued for their ornamental qualities, crape myrtles do offer some additional benefits. The wood of crape myrtle trees, though not typically used for large-scale lumber, is known for being strong and durable. It can be used for small crafting projects or tool handles.
The seed pods, while not edible, can add visual interest to dried flower arrangements.
The simple act of planting and caring for a crape myrtle can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. Gardening provides a connection to nature, reduces stress, and offers a sense of accomplishment. The vibrant blooms of a crape myrtle are a constant source of joy and beauty throughout the summer months. The exfoliating bark of many cultivars provides year-round interest, ensuring that the plant remains visually appealing even when not in bloom. This continuous display of beauty adds value to the landscape and enhances the overall quality of life for those who enjoy it. The leaves in the fall may provide a wonderful color show.
Leave a Reply