Plant Profile: Lagerstroemia indica

The crepe myrtle is a beloved choice among southern gardeners, where it is commonly referred to by this name. One of its main attractions is its ability to bloom when most trees are not in flower. A healthy crepe myrtle can be adorned with vibrant blooms that persist for several months during the peak of summer.

These deciduous plants are known for their rapid growth and are frequently seen in a multi-stemmed form. They thrive in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay, although they prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Crepe myrtles are easy to transplant and are tolerant of drought and alkaline conditions, though they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. They can even be cultivated in containers, provided they receive adequate watering and fertilization. While they can tolerate partial shade, optimal flowering occurs when they receive over six hours of direct sunlight daily. Blooming typically takes place from June through fall, and to encourage more flowers, it is advisable to remove seed pods. The fall foliage is not particularly striking, as these tropical trees tend to shed their leaves early.

Crepe myrtles can be utilized in various landscaping roles, such as street trees with ground cover beneath, espaliers, or as standalone specimens.

Breeding efforts have resulted in a wide array of flower colors, spanning from white to purple and every shade of red. They are available in sizes suitable for small spaces, with some varieties maturing at heights of 3 to 5 feet, while others can grow into large shade trees reaching up to 40 feet tall, and everything in between.

Significant advancements in breeding have combined the original crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, with the Japanese crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia faurei, which is noted for its striking red, flaky bark and resistance to powdery mildew. Most of the new varieties available today stem from this breeding initiative.

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