Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica

The crape myrtle is a favorite of many southern gardeners in the United States, but the traditional spelling in the south is "crepe myrtle."  It is a favorite because it blooms from July to September during a time when most trees are not blooming. If the plant is healthy, it will be covered with blooms that will last for months during the hottest part of the summer. It is an erect, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, medium-sized, deciduous, flowering shrub or small tree that grows rapidly. It typically grows 6 to 30 feet tall and equally as wide. The crape myrtle has exfoliating bark, a long blooming period of showy flowers during the summer, and beautiful fall foliage.

The blooms are terminal, crepe paper-like flowers that bloom in a cluster or panicle measuring 6 to 18 inches long. In the wild, the flower color is rose to red, but there are many cultivated varieties in colors of white, pink, mauve, lavender, and purple. The leaves are light green with tinges of red initially, and then become dark green by summer. They are leathery, elliptic, and measure up to the 3 inches long. The fall color ranges from yellow, to orange, and red. Round seed capsules follow the flowers and will persist through the winter months. The bark is smooth, exfoliating, and pale pinkish-gray. 

The crape myrtle is native to China, Indochina, the Himalayas, and Japan. They are found in fields in the semi-shade and may be wild or cultivated. This plant has become naturalized in the United States and ranges from Virginia to Texas and Florida. 

The genus name, Lagestroemia, honors Magnus von Lagerstroem who was a Swedish botanist and Director of the Swedish East Indies Company The specific epithet, indica, references its native origin in India. The common name, crape myrtle, is derived from the crepe paper-like inflorescences as well as the bark and foliage features that are similar to the myrtle plant. 

They will grow in almost any kind of soil including sand, loam, or clay, and it prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. This plant is easily transplanted and is drought-tolerant once established. It is best to plant this tree or shrub in a sheltered location to protect it from winter winds and provide adequate mulch to protect the roots. They will grow in partial shade; however, the best flowering will occur on plants that receive more than 6 hours of direct sun.  It is even possible to grow them in containers if they are watered and fertilized properly. This plant blooms from June until fall, and it is best to trim off seed pods to promote continued flowering. This plant is propagated by cuttings and seeds.

Severe pruning or topping of the crape myrtle should not be needed to control the plant size. It is always wise to select the right plant for the right place. Many varieties are available in different sizes. Select the proper size for your landscape so that topping or heavy pruning is not necessary. If pruning is required to thin the tree or shrub, it is best done in the later winter or spring before growth begins. 

The species is not usually found in commerce, but many cultivars are available ranging from dwarf to tree size. Crape myrtle breeding and cultivation have produced several different colors of flowers, ranging from white to purple to every shade of red. They can be purchased for small spaces with plants that reach a mature height of 3 to 5 feet, large shade trees reaching heights of 40 feet, and almost any size in between. Work has been done in breeding this original crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica with a Japanese crape myrtle Lagerstroemia fauriei, which features red, flaky bark and resistance to powdery mildew. Most new varieties that are on the market today are a result of this breeding program.

Crape myrtle is a lovely flowering tree or shrub. It may be planted as a specimen, in groups, as a hedge, screen, espalier, or street tree. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Summer, Fall, and Winter   Bloom:  Summer     Foliage:  Summer and Fall    

Quick ID Hints:

• Twigs have decurrent ridges
• Has short petioles
• Leaves are opposite, alternate, or in whorls of 3s
• Flowers are 6-parted, anthocyanin, and have clawed petals
• Flowers with style-like staminodes
• Inflorescence is a terminal panicle
• Fruit is a dehiscent capsule, 6-valved, and brown
• Bark exfoliates, exposing hues of brown to gray

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The aphids and scales have been found on the crape myrtle. The crape myrtle bark scale is particularly an issue in western Tennessee and is best treated by the use of herbicides. Scrub brushes may also be used; however, that would be a difficult task. Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew. In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.