Crape-myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Also listed as Murtughas indica, Lagerstroemia chinensis
Also known as Crepe Myrtle, Common Crape Myrtle, Indian Crape-myrtle
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its showy, crinkled flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white that bloom throughout summer and early fall. Its exfoliating bark adds winter interest and it thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal maintenance.
Why grow it
Crape-myrtle offers reliable summer and fall color in hot, dry climates where many flowering shrubs struggle, making it a lower-maintenance alternative to repeat-blooming species that require more water or fertilizer. The persistent exfoliating bark provides winter structure in deciduous landscapes, and the plant's pest and disease tolerance in most regions reduces the need for chemical interventions compared to some ornamental shrubs.
Watch out for
In cooler climates or poorly drained soils, the plant may fail to establish well or bloom sparsely, so site selection matters significantly. Powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation, though this is more of a cosmetic than health issue. Severe late-season pruning can remove next year's flower buds, so timing matters if pruning is needed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lythraceae
Native Range
China and Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its showy, crinkled flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white that bloom throughout summer and early fall. Its exfoliating bark adds winter interest and it thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal maintenance.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Crape-myrtle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Crape-myrtle offers reliable summer and fall color in hot, dry climates where many flowering shrubs struggle, making it a lower-maintenance alternative to repeat-blooming species that require more water or fertilizer. The persistent exfoliating bark provides winter structure in deciduous landscapes, and the plant's pest and disease tolerance in most regions reduces the need for chemical interventions compared to some ornamental shrubs.
Watch out for
In cooler climates or poorly drained soils, the plant may fail to establish well or bloom sparsely, so site selection matters significantly. Powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation, though this is more of a cosmetic than health issue. Severe late-season pruning can remove next year's flower buds, so timing matters if pruning is needed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lythraceae
Native Range
China and Southeast Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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