Crepe myrtles are among the most ornamental trees available, emblematic of southern gardens. Their popularity stems from their generous crop of showy flowers. Although crepe myrtles are usually vigorous and hardy, it makes life easier if you have ready access to tips on caring for these gorgeous plants. We all have questions now and then, and Gardening Know How has answers. Here are the 10 questions readers ask most about crepe myrtle trees. 1)How and when do I prune a crepe myrtle? Sometimes you prune a tree to fortify or form it, sometimes you prune to please yourself. With crepe myrtles, the tree doesn't require pruning for health, vigor or branch structure. If you prune, it is to create a specific look, natural or formal. You can prune to open up the inside of the tree for a natural look. For natural pruning, clip out potential problems like broken or overlapping branches, then remove smaller inner shoots. Alternatively, prune formal-style, removing outer branches to shape the tree to particular height or width. In either event, prune in late winter or early spring.2)Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming? Most gardeners plant crepe myrtle for the gorgeous flowers, so
Crape myrtle flowers
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia species) is a handsome, summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub. It is a favorite among Southern gardeners because of its beauty and low maintenance. It has been called the lilac of the south. The most common species in the United States is Lagerstroemia indica. It is native to China and Korea but is naturalized in the Southeast. L. fauriei, native to Japan, is another species found in the United States. Hybrids of the two species generally result in excellent selections. Both species and their hybrids are adapted to all areas of South Carolina.
Mature Height/Spread
Heights range from dwarf to semi-dwarf, medium and tall, depending on the cultivar. The height range is from 10 to 30 feet, and width range is 15 to 25 feet. Old specimens can reach 40 feet at maturity.
Growth Rate
Crape myrtle grows at a moderate to fast rate, and has a moderate to long life span.
Ornamental Features
&#;Fantasy&#; crape myrtle bark
Karen Russ, ©HGIC, Clemson Extension
The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. These showy flowers may be shade
Lagerstroemia indica
Common crape myrtle is a deciduous, erect, multi-trunked, tree or shrub in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae). It is native to the Philippines, Japan and central Himalayas to southern China and Indochina. The genus name honors Magnus von Lagerstroem, who was a Swedish botanist and director of the Swedish East Indies Company. The species epithet references its native origin in India. The common name is derived from the crepe paper-like petals and the bark and foliage features that are similar to the myrtle plant.
It requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil, though it will tolerate occasionally wet or dry soil once established. Place it in a sheltered location protected from winter winds and mulch the soil to protect the roots. It resists deer, drought and pollution. Propagate it by seed or stem cutting. A rapid grower, common crape myrtle can reach 6 to 30 feet high and wide, depending upon the variety selected. Severe pruning or topping of the crape myrtle should not be needed to control the plant size. If pruning is required to thin the tree or shrub, it is best done in late winter or spring before the new growth on which
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