Crepe Myrtle Varieties - Growth and Care

Crepe Myrtle was first introduced into the United States in 1747. It has been a favorite landscape plant in the South ever since. Available in shrub and tree forms, crepe myrtle produces year-round interest. These landscape stalwarts never disappoint, providing long-lasting blooms, great fall foliage color, exfoliating bark and an attractive branching form in winter.

Many hybrid varieties exist that combine the beauty of the common crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) with the cold hardiness and disease resistance of the Japanese crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia faurei). Crepe myrtles are available in colors ranging from white through pink to red, as well as shades of lavender. The bark of mature crepe myrtles peels off like birch, in shades of silver, rust and gray.

Growing Crepe Myrtle

Variety: Lagerstroemia
Zones: 7 to 9
Soil Type: light, well drained soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Water well to establish and during periods of drought

Caring for Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles should be planted in the spring. Place your plant were it will get plenty of sun and air circulation. Proper placement will keep your crepe myrtle safe from powdery mildew, its biggest enemy. Avoid planting next to walls or fences, or in the shadow of larger trees.

Pruning, which should take place in late winter, should only be done to remove dead limbs and maintain the form of your crepe myrtle. Avoid the dreaded "Crepe Murder," where these lovely plants are topped or heavily pruned. Such over-zealous pruning will cause new growth to form too tightly for proper air flow. This lack of circulation will lead to the formation of mildew, which can harm your crepe myrtle.

Crepe Myrtle Varieties

• Chickasaw: Sporting pink flowers and a high resistance to mildew, this shrub variety reaches a height of three feet.
• Zuni: Lavender flowers grace this nine-foot-tall, dwarf crepe myrtle tree from summer to fall. When leaves fall away, Zuni reveals an exfoliating trunk of mottled light brown and gray.
• Acoma: This spreading, 15-foot-tall tree sports white flowers in the summer and purple-red foliage in the fall. It has a high resistance to mildew and excellent bark color and texture.
• Catawba: The silvery-gray trunk of this 20-foot-tall variety supports dark-purple flowers and orange-red fall leaves.
• Tuscarora: At 20 to 25 feet, this variety creates an impressive specimen with deep, coral-pink blooms held in a broad-vase form. Mildew resistant with great exfoliating bark.
• Natchez: The classic white crepe myrtle, Natchez grows up to 35 feet and produces bunches of white blooms throughout the summer.