Crape Myrtle Bush

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 6-10 feet
Spread: 6-10 feet
Flower Color: pink, red, purple, or white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Crape Myrtle Bushes (Lagerstroemia) - Stunning, Versatile Shrubs for Year-Round Interest

Crape Myrtle Bushes, native to Asia and especially cherished in the southern United States, bring a show-stopping splash of color and texture to landscapes. Part of the Lythraceae family, these bushes are known for their long-lasting summer blooms and are available in both bush and tree forms, making them adaptable to a range of garden designs.

Key Features of Crape Myrtle Bushes

• Vibrant, Long-Lasting Blooms: Crape Myrtles are renowned for their crinkled, paper-like flowers that resemble crepe paper, blooming in large clusters. These bright flowers, available in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, add bold color from mid-summer through early fall, extending the seasonal interest in any garden. The variety of bloom colors allows for personalized color schemes to complement any landscape.

• Attractive Bark: Beyond their flowers, Crape Myrtles have distinctive, exfoliating bark that peels to reveal smooth, multi-toned underbark in shades of cinnamon, gray, or tan. This feature adds texture and visual interest to the landscape even in winter, making Crape Myrtles a year-round focal point.

• Adaptability and Resilience: These bushes are remarkably adaptable, thriving in various soil types as long as they are well-draining. Crape Myrtles are drought-tolerant once established and grow relatively quickly. They are also resistant to many diseases, though some varieties may occasionally face powdery mildew, which can be managed with proper spacing and sunlight.

Growing Requirements and Care

Crape Myrtle Bushes thrive with minimal care, making them a low-maintenance choice for colorful, resilient landscapes:

• Sunlight: These sun-loving plants perform best in full sun, which encourages more prolific flowering and minimizes disease issues.

• Soil: Crape Myrtles are adaptable to a range of soil types but prefer well-draining soil. Adding organic matter to the soil can further support robust growth and flowering.

• Watering: While drought-tolerant, young plants benefit from regular watering until they are established. Mature plants require minimal supplemental watering, thriving well in hot, sunny climates.

• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter can help maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage more blooms. Avoid over-pruning, which can lead to excessive sprouting and diminish the plant’s natural form.

Landscape Uses

Crape Myrtle Bushes are versatile and adaptable, suitable for various garden styles and purposes:

• Standalone Specimens: Their vibrant blooms and beautiful bark make Crape Myrtles excellent standalone plants in gardens or lawns, where they can be fully appreciated.

• Group Plantings and Borders: Planting Crape Myrtles in groups or as a hedge creates a bold display of color and structure, perfect for defining garden spaces.

• Mixed Borders: Their summer blooms and winter bark provide season-long interest, complementing other shrubs and perennials in mixed borders.

Summary

Crape Myrtle Bushes are highly valued for their beautiful summer flowers, attractive bark, and adaptability, making them a popular choice for adding dynamic color and texture to gardens. Their resilience, ease of care, and year-round interest make them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes with beauty and versatility.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Crape Myrtle Bush

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and blooming
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Crape Myrtle Bush does not require staking and will naturally form a bushy, compact shape

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Crape Myrtle Bush is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering frequency in the summer to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks