Purple Crape Myrtle

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree
Plant Height: 20-25 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Flower Color: Lavender-Purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Purple Crape Myrtle: Long-Blooming Beauty for Arizona Landscapes

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia muskogee) is a standout flowering tree, prized for its extended bloom season and stunning lavender-purple flower clusters. As one of the most popular Crape Myrtle varieties, it offers vibrant summer color, attractive bark, and a graceful vase-shaped form, making it a versatile addition to Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Purple Crape Myrtle

Long Blooming Season: Muskogee Crape Myrtle blooms for up to 100 days, producing abundant clusters of lavender-purple flowers from summer into fall.

Attractive Bark & Foliage: Its smooth, cinnamon-colored bark provides year-round interest, while dark green foliage transitions to shades of orange and red in autumn.

Medium-Sized Shade Tree: Growing to 20–25 feet tall, Muskogee Crape Myrtle creates a rounded canopy ideal for adding shade and ornamental appeal to yards, patios, and entryways.

Heat & Drought Tolerant: Well-suited to Arizona’s hot, sunny climate, this tree thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions once established.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils common in Arizona.
• Water: Moderate watering during establishment; once mature, it is drought tolerant with occasional deep watering.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and blooming.
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter encourages strong branching and more prolific blooms.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Tree: Perfect as a focal point in front yards or garden beds.
• Shade Provider: Provides light, filtered shade in patios or near outdoor living spaces.
• Street or Driveway Planting: Its upright habit makes it excellent for lining driveways or property borders.
• Mixed Landscapes: Pairs beautifully with desert-adapted shrubs and groundcovers.

Summary

The Purple Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a must-have for Arizona landscapes, combining long-lasting lavender-purple blooms with year-round beauty. Hardy, low-maintenance, and highly ornamental, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners seeking both color and shade in their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Purple Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia muskogee) Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Soil: Well-drained soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred
Spacing: Plant 15–20 feet apart to allow for mature canopy spread
Planting Depth: Place root ball even with surrounding soil surface
Support: Stake young trees for the first year to encourage upright growth

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 establish roots.
• Amount: Provide 5–10 gallons per session for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 3–4 months after planting, when roots extend into the surrounding soil.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days during hot months. Increase to every 5–7 days if temperatures exceed 105°F.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place emitters 18–24 inches from the trunk to encourage outward root growth.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2–4 gallons per hour.
• Number of Emitters: 2–3 per young tree; increase as the tree matures.
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase to weekly deep watering; in winter, reduce to once every 3–4 weeks.

General Watering Tips for Crape Myrtles

• Soil Check: Always check soil moisture 4–6 inches below surface before watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
• Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.