Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Play pronunciation

Common crape myrtle is a deciduous, erect, multi-trunked, tree or shrub in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae). It is native to the Philippines, Japan and central Himalayas to southern China and Indochina. The genus name honors Magnus von Lagerstroem, who was a Swedish botanist and director of the Swedish East Indies Company. The species epithet references its native origin in India. The common name is derived from the crepe paper-like petals and the bark and foliage features that are similar to the myrtle plant.  

It requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil, though it will tolerate occasionally wet or dry soil once established. Place it in a sheltered location protected from winter winds and mulch the soil to protect the roots. It resists deer, drought and pollution. Propagate it by seed or stem cutting. A rapid grower, common crape myrtle can reach 6 to 30 feet high and wide, depending upon the variety selected. Severe pruning or topping of the crape myrtle should not be needed to control the plant size. If pruning is required to thin the tree or shrub, it is best done in late winter or spring before the new growth on which blossoms appear begins. 

Common crape myrtle blooms from July to September with numerous and showy flowers. The flower color of the wild-type species is rose to red, but there are cultivars offering a variety of colors. The leaves are light green with tinges of red initially that become dark green by summer and colorful in the fall. Another highlight is its exfoliating bark.  

The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. Dwarf varieties may be grown in a container. Groups of crape myrtle are commonly used as a hedge, privacy screen or street tree landscape. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Twigs have decurrent ridges.

• Has short petioles.

• Leaves are opposite, alternate, or in whorls of three.

• Flowers are 6-parted, ruffled, and have clawed petals.

• Flowers with style-like staminodes.

• Inflorescence is a terminal panicle.

• Fruit is a dehiscent capsule, six-valved and brown.

• Bark exfoliates, exposing hues of brown to gray.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scales and flea beetles are problems for the crape myrtle. The crape myrtle bark scale is particularly an issue in western Tennessee and is best treated by the use of pesticides. Scrub brushes may also be used to remove scales. 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.

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

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.

More information on Lagerstroemia.