Crape Myrtle Tree

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 15-25 feet
Spread: 6-15 feet
Flower Color: pink, red, purple, or white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

The Crape Myrtle Tree, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia indica, is a highly admired deciduous tree celebrated for its spectacular blooms, attractive peeling bark, and vibrant fall foliage. Originating from East Asia, this tree has become a beloved feature in warm temperate and subtropical landscapes, offering year-round interest and beauty.

Crape Myrtle Trees typically reach heights of 15 to 25 feet, with some varieties growing taller, making them suitable for a variety of landscape settings as specimen trees, in borders, or as street trees. They boast dense clusters of crinkly, crepe paper-like flowers in a rainbow of colors, from soft whites to deep reds, blooming from late spring through the summer and sometimes into fall.

The foliage of the Crape Myrtle Tree is equally attractive, with leaves that are bright green in spring and summer, transitioning to stunning shades of yellow, orange, or red before dropping in autumn. The exfoliating bark adds winter interest, revealing smooth, mottled layers of gray, brown, and pink underneath.

Adapted to full sun, Crape Myrtles prefer well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant once established, though they benefit from regular watering during their first few years. Pruning in late winter to early spring can help maintain the tree's shape, encourage airflow, and promote prolific flowering.

In landscaping, the Crape Myrtle Tree is valued for its moderate size, which makes it an excellent choice for residential gardens, urban areas, and public spaces. It can be used as a standalone feature or incorporated into larger landscape designs for its seasonal interest and ornamental value.

Overall, the Crape Myrtle Tree is a low-maintenance, versatile tree that adds long-lasting color, texture, and beauty to landscapes. Its adaptability to a range of conditions, combined with its spectacular flowers, attractive fall foliage, and peeling bark, make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers alike.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 10-12 feet apart to accommodate their mature size
• 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 Tree typically does not require staking but may need some support while young

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 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Crape Myrtle Tree is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the tree begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering frequency in summer to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks