Early Bird White Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia Early Bird™ White 'JD900' Play pronunciation

Early Bird™ white crape myrtle is an upright, multi-stemmed, deciduous, early-blooming shrub with attractive pure white blooms that last from mid-May until fall. This cultivar, also known as 'JD 900,' was discovered in 1998 by John McNair Davy in Florida and was introduced in the Southern Living Plant Collection. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide and may be single- or multi-stemmed with a dense, spreading, weeping, and broad habit. Truly an "early bird," it starts flowering much earlier than other crape myrtles and reblooms for 100 to 120 days. Light pink flowers appear initially, then quickly turn white. The bark is grayish-brown and exfoliating, revealing a beige interior bark. The foliage is green and has beautiful golden yellow fall color.

Plant this shrub in full sun in well-drained, evenly moist, slightly acidic, loamy or clay soils.  A layer of organic mulch will help keep the plant retaining moisture. Too much fertilizer can lead to lush growth and fewer flowers. In cooler climates, it may die back to the ground, but in southern areas it can be planted as informal hedges, as its branches remain erect through the winter. Pruning should be completed in winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood. This cultivar is drought- and urban conditions-tolerant once established.

Use it as a specimen, foundation planting, screen, hedge, or plant in small groups; it makes an excellent specimen with its showy flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Typically insect- and disease-resistant. Monitor for aphids, Japanese beetles, and scale. May be susceptible to leaf spot, sooty mold, and powdery mildew. Chlorosis may develop when planted in alkaline soils. Needs protection from winter injury.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common crape myrtle pests and diseases.

More information on Lagerstroemia.