Pink Crape Myrtle

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree/Shrub
Plant Height: 10-25 feet (depending on variety)
Spread: 8-15 feet
Flower Color: Pink (summer blooms)
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Pink Crape Myrtle: Summer Blooms with Year-Round Beauty

The Pink Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most popular flowering trees in warm-climate landscapes, celebrated for its brilliant summer blooms, attractive bark, and multi-season interest. This versatile tree or large shrub produces clusters of vibrant pink flowers from late spring through fall, often lasting for months. In addition to its floral display, it offers smooth, exfoliating bark and colorful fall foliage, making it a standout ornamental for Arizona gardens.

Key Features of Pink Crape Myrtle

• Spectacular Flowers: Produces long-lasting clusters of vivid pink blooms from late spring through summer.
• Multi-Season Interest: Attractive exfoliating bark and orange-red fall color add year-round appeal.
• Compact Size Options: Available in dwarf shrubs, mid-size varieties, and small trees up to 25 feet.
• Heat Loving: Thrives in full Arizona sun and handles hot summers well.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates clay when amended with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate during establishment; low to moderate once mature.
• Pruning: Prune in winter to shape; avoid “crape murder” (severe topping).
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 0°F, making it suitable across Arizona landscapes.

Landscaping Uses

• Flowering Accent Tree: Ideal for small to mid-sized yards, patios, and gardens.
• Street & Driveway Tree: Compact canopy makes it suitable for tighter spaces.
• Mass Plantings: Creates dramatic impact when planted in groups or allees.
• Containers: Smaller varieties thrive in large patio containers.

Summary

The Pink Crape Myrtle is a garden favorite, delivering months of brilliant pink blooms, attractive bark, and colorful fall foliage. With its versatility and ability to thrive in heat, it’s an excellent choice for adding vibrant, long-lasting color to Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Pink Crape Myrtle Planting Guide

Location: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering.
Soil: Well-drained, amended with compost if heavy clay is present.
Spacing: Plant 8-15 feet apart, depending on mature variety size.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil; firm lightly.
Support: Typically does not require staking; multi-stem forms are naturally strong.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
• Frequency: Every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then weekly for 2-3 months.
• Amount: 5-7 gallons per watering for young shrubs; 10-12 gallons for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 6-9 months in Arizona’s climate.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7-10 days during bloom season.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks if rainfall is absent.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 12-18 inches from trunk, expanding outward with growth.
• Flow Rate: 1-2 gallons per hour for small shrubs; 2-4 gallons per hour for trees.
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 for shrubs; 3-4 for trees, adjusting as canopy expands.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase during high heat to maintain blooms.

General Watering Tips for Pink Crape Myrtle

• Soil Check: Water when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
• Encourage Heavy Blooming: Deep, consistent watering and full sun increase flower production.
• Avoid Overwatering: Standing water may cause root stress.
• Mulch: Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

🌸 Note for Customers: Crape Myrtles bloom on new growth each year, so light annual pruning in late winter helps encourage more flowers.