Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees & bushes provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer flowers, colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter
Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees & bushes provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer flowers, colorful fall foliage and attractive exfoliating bark in winter
They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single or multi-trunk specimens. With all of these options, you’ll be able to find the perfect crape myrtle for your garden
They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single or multi-trunk specimens. With all of these options, you’ll be able to find the perfect crape myrtle for your garden
Zones:
Varieties for zones 6-10. Some may only be root hardy in zone 6, meaning the roots will survive the winter temperatures, but it's possible that the above-ground branches will die back completely to the ground. If this occurs, new spring growth will emerge from below ground.
Zones:Varieties for zones 6-10. Some may only be root hardy in zone 6, meaning the roots will survive the winter temperatures, but it's possible that the above-ground branches will die back completely to the ground. If this occurs, new spring growth will emerge from below ground.
Height/Spread:
Standard single and multi-trunk trees can grow to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, quickly growing up to 3 feet per year. There are also smaller varieties at 6 to 12 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, and dwarf shrubs 2 to 5 feet tall. Make sure you're choosing the appropriate crape myrtle bush or tree for your location and design.
Height/Spread:Standard single and multi-trunk trees can grow to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, quickly growing up to 3 feet per year. There are also smaller varieties at 6 to 12 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, and dwarf shrubs 2 to 5 feet tall. Make sure you're choosing the appropriate crape myrtle bush or tree for your location and design.
Exposure:
Full sun, minimum 6 hours per day.
Bloom Time:
July to September, with some varieties blooming until first frost.
Flower Color:
Varieties available in white, and multiple shades of red, purple, and pink.
Exposure:Full sun, minimum 6 hours per day.Bloom Time:July to September, with some varieties blooming until first frost.Flower Color:Varieties available in white, and multiple shades of red, purple, and pink.
When to plant:
As a general rule, most deciduous trees and shrubs are planted in fall or early spring, allowing them time to establish their roots before going dormant in winter or before the heat of summer hits. Crape myrtles are very resilient and can be planted most any time of year, even in summer — just be sure to water them well.
When to plant:As a general rule, most deciduous trees and shrubs are planted in fall or early spring, allowing them time to establish their roots before going dormant in winter or before the heat of summer hits. Crape myrtles are very resilient and can be planted most any time of year, even in summer — just be sure to water them well.
Where to plant:
Crapes love the sun and are extremely heat tolerant. They should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Some partial shade during the day is fine, but may result in fewer blooms. More sun = more blooms. They aren’t picky about their soil, but do need good drainage.
Where to plant:Crapes love the sun and are extremely heat tolerant. They should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Some partial shade during the day is fine, but may result in fewer blooms. More sun = more blooms. They aren’t picky about their soil, but do need good drainage.
How to plant:
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container. Center the tree within the hole and backfill in stages, watering as you go. The top of the rootball should be slightly above ground level to allow it to breathe and take in oxygen. Stake if needed and water thoroughly after planting.
How to plant:Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container. Center the tree within the hole and backfill in stages, watering as you go. The top of the rootball should be slightly above ground level to allow it to breathe and take in oxygen. Stake if needed and water thoroughly after planting.