Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle - Long Blooming Summer Flowering Tree | 15-25 Feet Tall, Individual Plants

Add vibrant summer color and year-round interest to your landscape with the Crape Myrtle. This popular ornamental tree is prized for its long-lasting blooms, smooth peeling bark, and attractive growth habit. Known for its heat tolerance and extended flowering season, Crape Myrtle is a staple in southern landscapes and beyond.

From early summer through fall, the tree produces abundant clusters of crinkled, crepe-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. These blooms stand out against lush green foliage and provide months of color during the hottest part of the year. In fall, the leaves turn shades of orange and red, while winter reveals beautiful exfoliating bark that adds additional visual interest. With its versatility and seasonal appeal, Crape Myrtle delivers beauty in every season.

Why You'll Love the Crape Myrtle

Long Blooming Season: Produces vibrant flowers from summer through fall for extended color.

Heat And Drought Tolerant: Thrives in hot climates with minimal maintenance once established.

Multi-Season Interest: Offers summer blooms, fall color, and attractive peeling bark in winter.

Versatile Landscape Tree: Perfect for use as a specimen tree, hedge, or accent plant.

Crape Myrtle Details

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica (and hybrids)
Type: Deciduous flowering tree
Mature Size: 15-25' tall × 10-20' wide (upright spreading habit)
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast growth rate
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil adaptable to many soil types
Water: Water regularly until established, drought tolerant once mature
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil but adapts easily to sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Avoid consistently wet planting areas.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering performance.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7-10, making it ideal for warm climates with excellent heat tolerance.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this tree becomes highly drought tolerant.

Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage strong flowering in the upcoming season.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Crape Myrtle’s vibrant blooms and adaptable size make it suitable for: specimen plantings, street trees, hedges, foundation plantings, and landscape focal points.

Summer Color Excellence: Its long blooming season makes it one of the best choices for adding color during the hottest months of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Crape Myrtle trees? Space trees 10 to 20 feet apart on center depending on the mature size of the variety.

When does Crape Myrtle bloom? It typically blooms from early summer through fall with continuous flowers.

Is Crape Myrtle easy to grow? Yes, it is a hardy and low-maintenance tree that thrives in full sun and warm climates.