In warm climates, crepe myrtle is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs. Crepe myrtle trees are popular in garden settings because they produce masses of red, pink, purple, and white blooms throughout the summer. Due to their heavy green foliage, bright peeling bark, multiple stems, and bushy development, Crepe Myrtle Trees and Plants have appeal all year.
The plant genus Lagerstroemia includes Crepe Myrtle Trees, Shrubs, and Dwarf Shrubs. Deciduous or evergreen foliage can be found on bushy shrubs and trees. The main attractions, however, are the beautiful clusters of flowers. Wrinkled petals with a texture similar to crepe paper make up the lovely flower spikes, or panicles. In the spring, summer, and fall, crepe myrtles bloom with beautiful pastel colors. When they receive at least six hours of sunlight and thrive in damp soil, crepe myrtles enhance garden settings.
Dwarf crape myrtle trees are excellent landscape plants for warm areas, and there are several types to choose from. Crape myrtle bushes may be grown in pots on patios, decks, balconies, or as foundation plants because some of them are small enough.
Drought tolerant, flowering crape myrtles may be maintained at their natural form with little trimming. As ornamental trees and shrubs, crepe myrtles are very popular. Specimen trees, lawn trees, informal flowering hedges, and shrub borders are all optimal growing conditions for large and small crape myrtle trees. USDA zones 7 through 10 are ideal for most types of crape myrtle trees.
Crape myrtle trees, dwarf bushes, and shrubs are shown here in all of their glory. Pictures of the huge blossoming plants, as well as descriptions of their flowers, foliage, and bark, can aid you choose which one to purchase for your garden setting.
How to Care for Crape Myrtle Trees
Grow crape myrtle trees (Lagerstroemia) in full sun or partial shade, where they receive six hours of sunlight per day to care for them. During the growing season, keep the ground moist by planting in well-drained soil and watering the trees regularly. To encourage plenty of blooms, prune lightly in early spring and deadhead.
How Big Do Crape Myrtle Get?
The vase-shaped, flat-topped crown of Crepe Myrtle trees stretches from 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) tall and spreads out from there. Between 4 and 10 feet (1.2 and 3 meters) tall, semi-dwarf crepewithg myrtle bushes Dwarf or miniature crape myrtle bushes can only reach a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters). Just 2 feet (60 cm) tall are some of the tiniest crape myrtles.
Crape Myrtle Colors
Red, pink, purple, and white are some of the hues available for corrape myrtle trees and bushes. ‘Chickasaw,’ ‘Delta Blush,’ and ‘Pink Velour’ are some of the top pink crape myrtle cultivars, while ‘Tonto,’ ‘Raspberry Sundae,’ and ‘Red Rocket’ are some of the best red crape myrtles.
Fact about crape myrtle flowers: Crpe myrtles are often referred to as “Lilac of the South” because of their shape, which resembles lilac bush blossoms.
When Do Crape Myrtles Bloom?
Throughout the summer, flowers are produced by crepe myrtle trees, shrubs, and bushes. The blooming of certain crape myrtle species (Lagerstroemia) begins as early as spring or in the beginning of summer. Crope myrtles bloom for 90 to 120 days depending on the variety. Several trees are still blooming in late fall or before the first frost because of their lengthy flowering period.
Dwarf Crape Myrtle
Large shrubs for small gardens, dwarf crape myrtle trees are ideal. Dwarf myrtle trees average 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) in height. A single-trunked, spreading-crowned dwarf myrtle tree species is possible. Multi-stemmed shrub-like tree with masses of white flowers and a rounded spreading crown, Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Acoma’ is the most popular dwarf crape myrtle. Crape myrtle is a shrublike tree with multiple stems.
Crape Myrtle Bushes
Small plants, ideal for growing as foundation plantings or in pots, are called crepe myrtle bushes. Myrtle bushes are usually just a few feet tall. A weeping crape myrtle with pale pink blooms that grows no taller than 18″ (45 cm) tall, for example, is the Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush.’
Types of Crape Myrtle Trees (With Pictures)
For your front or backyard, here are some great choices of crape myrtles.
Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’)
The crape myrtle tree (left) and close-up picture of the bark (right) are two examples of medium-sized trees or large shrubs with huge white showy flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The spreading vase-shaped growth of this crape myrtle hybrid has upward growing branches.
Against the dark green glossy foliage, snow-white flowers create a stunning contrast. In the autumn, when the blooms fall, the leaves turn brilliant orange and crimson hues. When established, the easy-to-grow decorative tree thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant. USDA zones 7 through 10 are suitable for growing.
Crape myrtle flowers
The Natchez crape myrtle tree is a magnificent specimen that creates towering, brilliantly white flower clusters. When it blooms for a few months from mid-summer, the showy, ruffled flower panicles grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and produce a snow-like effect.
Arapaho Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x faueri ‘Arapaho’)
The red blooms of the young Arapaho crape myrtle (left) are shown up close, and a close-up picture of the crimson blooms (right) is shown. In the summer, large feathery flower panicles bloom and are gone by the fall. This Lagerstroemia tree has spectacular all-season appeal due to its shiny, dark green leaves and peeling bark. In warm regions, this drought-tolerant plant requires little attention.
Myrtle of the ‘Arapaho’ variety grows between 15 and 20 feet (4.5 and 6 meters) tall with a 10 to 20 foot (3 to 6 meter) spread. As a specimen tree, this crape myrtle species thrives. You can, nonetheless, make it a privacy hedge or in the corner of your home by regular pruning.
Crape myrtle flowers
These huge shrubs or small trees are covered with brilliant red blooms on ‘Arapaho’ crape myrtles. A mass of crinkled red petals makes up each large flower cluster.
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’)
The ‘Tuscarora’ crape myrtle is a tiny landscaping tree with black pink blooms that bloom in early summer. The Tuscarora variety has lustrous green leaves, mottled cinnamon-tan bark, and spreading rounded growth, as do many crape myrtle species. In USDA zones 7 through 10, this massive shrub-like tree thrives in full sun. As a huge privacy screen, grass tree, or specimen tree for the front or backyard, the low-maintenance ornamental tree is ideal.
Crape myrtle flowers
The tree is covered with masses of deep pink flower clusters on the ‘Tuscarora’ crape myrtle. The crepe-papery flowers in the flower panicles stay bright throughout the summer and fall.
Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Muskogee’)
Muskogee crape myrtle is a spreading, small ornamental tree or huge shrub with lovely lavender-colored blooms that grows quickly. During hot, dry summers, the light-lilac blooms on the cultivar ‘Muskogee’ last up to 120 days. A huge, spreading crowned with multi-colored brown, tan, and gray bark distinguishes this crape myrtle species.
With a huge crown to match its height, the Muskogee crape myrtle stands between 15 and 20 feet (4.5 and 6 meters) tall. The lavender blooms, peeling bark, and reddish-orange autumn hues of ‘Muskogee’ crape myrtles make them a garden favorite all year.
Crape myrtle flowers
From early summer until autumn, large lavender-pink flowers composed of “crepe-paper” petals bloom on “Muskogee” crape myrtle. From 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) in diameter, the flower clusters of the Muskogee crape myrtle are big.
Catawba Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’)
The purple flowers of the “Catawba” crape myrtle are a lovely example of a little crape myrtle tree or medium-sized shrub. Late summer is when this crape myrtle cultivar flowers. The glossy green leaves and purple flower clusters contrast. ‘Catawba’ crape myrtle trees reach a height of 10 to 15 feet (3 – 4.5 meters) and have a spread similar to that of other crape myrtles. USDA zones 7 through 9 are ideal for growing this multi-trunked crape myrtle species.
Crape myrtle flowers
From late summer to late autumn, the purple-flowered ‘Catawba’ crape myrtle blossoms bloom. Large clusters of ruffled purple blooms resemble conical spikes.
Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica ‘Centennial Spirit’)
When it blooms, the red flowers of the young Centennial Spirit crape myrtle explode into a shrubby tree. The appealing features of ‘Centennial Spirit’ crape myrtle trees include big red crape myrtle blossoms, peeling gray bark, lush green leaves, and red autumn hues.
It thrives in full sun, as do all crape myrtles. The tiny tree is perfect for placing along driveways, specimen trees, and shade trees in yards because of its compact development and decorative qualities.
Sioux Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Sioux’)
The ‘Sioux’ crape myrtle is a little lovely tree with masses of bright pink, crinkly, showy blooms that bloom throughout the summer. In hot, dry regions, this crape myrtle hybrid thrives. This tree has a year-long appeal because of its lush, glossy leaves, gorgeous burgundy autumn hues, and peeling tan-colored bark.
The ‘Sioux’ tree has vase-shaped growth with a flat, rather than rounded, top when compared to other crape myrtle trees.
Dynamite Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit II’)
The crape myrtle ‘Dynamite’ is a little decorative tree with magnificent scarlet flowers that is popular in gardens throughout the South. From mid-summer through the autumn, this fast-growing crape myrtle tree produces vivid flower clusters that brighten the foliage.
The tree’s lovely rounded form, crimson-red spring foliage that changes to dark green and then orangey-red hues in the autumn, adds to the appeal of the garden during other times. These crape myrtle trees spread out to be almost twice as tall as the tree itself.
Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tonto’)
The red blooms of the Tonto crape myrtle (left) are shown up close, and the close-up picture of the Tonto crape myrtle (right) is shown. Summer gardens are brightened by the vivid pinkish-red blossoms. The Tonto Lagerstroemia tree has several seasonal attractions in addition to its spectacular summer colors.
This crape myrtle tree has reddish-cinnamon bark, purple-red autumn foliage, and a lovely form that makes it a prized landscaping tree. As a specimen tree, informal privacy screen, or foundation planting, these small shrubby trees are best.
Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Acoma’)
The white blooms of the ‘Acoma’ crape myrtle are a tiny tree that brightens up summer gardens with its exquisite display of pure white, ruffled blossoms.
‘Acoma’ crape myrtle dwarf trees are perfect for tiny, confined gardens or as a specimen tree.
Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit VIII’)
Rhapsody in Pink crape myrtle is a small tree or shrub with clusters of feathery, light-pink flowers. It is grown for its beautiful light pink blooms. The leathery dark green leaves, decorated with showy flowers and rich foliage that turns brilliant orange-red in the autumn, make this deciduous tree attractive.
The pinkish-gray exfoliating smooth bark of this lovely winter feature of ‘Rhapsody in Pink’ is an appealing feature. Crape myrtle trees can be grown as a specimen plant or in a container near an entryway, and may be used as a blooming hedge plant.
Pink Velour Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Pink Velour’)
Pink Velour crape myrtle is a tiny shrub-like tree with gorgeous magenta-pink clusters of crumpled flowers, as seen in this close-up shot. Pink Velour is one of the longest blooming types among the crape myrtles on this list. In the mid- to late-summer, the landscaping tree flowers, and its vibrant blooms last well into autumn.
In the fall, orange-brown foliage emerge on the ‘Pink Velour’ crape myrtle tree, which grows to approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall in USDA zones 6 through 9.
Petite Plum Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’)
The diminutive size of the petite plum crape myrtle, as well as its spectacular plum-colored blossoms, earned it the name “Monum.” During the summer, clusters of ruffled purple-pink blooms bloom for a long time. It’s perfect for growing in pots, in the front of the property, along borders, or as an informal hedge because to its small size. Myrtles grow to be about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and are small plum colored crape myrtles.
Chickasaw Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Chickasaw’)
A small shrubby plant with light pink blooms, the Chickasaw crape myrtle bush is native to the southern United States. Slow-growing crape myrtle plants with leathery green leaves and pinkish-lavender blooms bloom from summer until frost. They take around seven years to reach a mature height of 2 feet (0.6 m).
Crape Myrtle ‘Delta Blush’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’)
When in bloom, the ‘Delta Blush’ crape myrtle is a tiny weeping shrub with papery pink flowers. The little bushy crape myrtle is limited to 18 inches (45 cm) in height. This crape myrtle variety thrives in warm climates and blooms in the sun. To add summer colors to your garden landscape, you may cultivate this crape myrtle plant in compact, urban gardens.