Crape myrtle

Crape myrtles are one of the brightest blooming and most heat-tolerant trees available. Their array of summer blossoms is complemented by sculptured trunks and gold or red fall foliage. The contrast of reddish peeling bark and smooth trunk provides winter interest, too. Flower colors range from white to deep rose and magenta. Pick powdery mildew-resistant hybrids such as 'Natchez', 'Cherokee', and 'Wichita' for the best performance in humid summer regions. By planting crape myrtles against a warm, sunny wall, colder climate gardeners can also enjoy this traditional Southeastern favorite.

Light:

Sun

Zones:

6-9

Plant Type:

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height:

15-25 feet tall

Plant Width:

7-12 feet wide

Landscape Uses:

Containers, Beds & Borders

Special Features:

Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Fall Color, Winter Interest, Attracts Birds, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Top Varieties

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Natchez crape myrtle

(Lagerstroemia 'Natchez') is a vigorous small tree that produces many white flowers throughout the summer. It grows 20 feet tall and wide. Zones 7-9
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Wichita crape myrtle

(Lagerstroemia 'Wichita') grows into a vase-shaped shrub or small tree bearing lavender flowers all summer. It grows 12 feet tall and wide. Zones 7-9
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Red Filli crape myrtle

(Lagerstroemia 'Red Filli') is a dwarf shrubby type bred for cold winters; reaches 12-18 inches high, with red to orange fall leaf color and reddish pink blooms throughout the summer. Zones 4-9
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