Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica (and hybrids))

Sun Needs:

• Full sun
• Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Best flowering and form in full sun

Bloom Time:

• Midsummer to early fall
• Large, crinkled flower clusters in a variety of colors
• Blooms on new wood—prune in late winter or early spring

Size:

Height: 3 to 30 feet (depending on cultivar)
Width: 3 to 15 feet

Attributes:

• Showy, long-lasting summer flowers
• Smooth, exfoliating bark
• Brilliant fall foliage in red, orange, or yellow
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Attracts pollinators and birds
• Available in dwarf, shrub, and tree forms

Care Tips:

• Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types
• Water regularly during establishment
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Prune in late winter to shape and encourage blooms
• Avoid “topping” (severe pruning), which can damage structure and health

Pest Watch:

• Watch for powdery mildew, aphids, and sooty mold
• Choose resistant cultivars to minimize disease issues