Crape myrtle is a genus of unfolding trees and shrub that expand in warm climate . Popular in garden landscapes , crape myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree create tidy sum of blood-red , pinkish , imperial , and white flowers throughout the summertime . French pancake myrtle trees and bushes have all - season pastime due to their lush green leaf , colorful peeling barque , multiple stems , and bushy growth .

French pancake myrtle trees , crotch hair , and dwarf shrubs are in the plant genusLagerstroemia . The bushy shrubs and tree have deciduous or evergreen plant leafage . But it ’s their striking clusters of flowers that are the main attractions . The beautiful flower spike — predict panicles — are made up of crease petals with a texture like crepe newspaper .

Crape myrtles grow stunning pastel - colored flowers in bounce , summer , and fall . Crape myrtle enhance garden landscape painting when they get at least six hours of sunshine and grow in damp ground .

There are variety of midget crape Vinca minor Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that are ideal landscape gardening industrial plant for warm clime .

Some variety of crape Vinca minor bushes are pocket-sized enough to grow in containers on patios , decks , balconies , or as foundation plants .

inflorescence crape myrtles are comparatively resistive to drouth and require minimum pruning to keep their embodiment .

Crape myrtle are popular as ornamental tree diagram and shrubs . Large and small crepe myrtle Tree grow best as specimen trees , lawn trees , informal efflorescence hedges , and shrub borders . Most metal money of crape myrtle tree diagram thrive in USDA geographical zone 7 through 10 .

This clause is a complete templet to magnificent instance of crepe Vinca minor Tree , dwarf bushes , and bush . Pictures of the large flowering shrubs and description of their bloom , foliage , and barque will help oneself you choose the perfect specimen for your garden landscape painting .

How to Care for Crape Myrtle Trees

To like for crepe myrtletrees ( Lagerstroemia ) , grow them in full Dominicus or fond ghost where they get six hours of sunlight daily . Plant in well - drain dirt and H2O the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree regularly during the growing time of year to keep the ground moist . Prune lightly in other spring and deadhead to promote plenty of peak .

How Big Do Crape Myrtle Get?

Crape Vinca minor tree grow between 15 and 25 foot . ( 4.5 – 7.5 m ) tall with disseminate , a vase - shape , flat - top crown measuring 6 to 15 ft . ( 1.8 – 4.5 m ) broad . Semi - dwarfcrape myrtle bushesgrow between 4 and 10 ft . ( 1.2 – 3 G ) tall . And dwarf or miniature French pancake Vinca minor bush do n’t grow tall than 4 ft . ( 1.2 m ) . Some of the smallest French pancake myrtles are only around 2 ft . ( 60 centimetre ) grandiloquent .

Crape Myrtle Colors

Crape myrtle blossom can be in shades of red , pink , purple and snowy colour

Crape myrtle trees and chaparral come in a spacious range of colors , including shades ofwhite , pink , red , and purpleness . Some of the best pink crape myrtle cultivars are ‘ Chickasaw , ’ ‘ Delta Blush , ’ and ‘ Pink Velour . ’ The best red crape myrtles are ‘ Tonto , ’ ‘ Raspberry Sundae , ’ and ‘ Red Rocket . ’ The in force blanched crape myrtles are ‘ Natchez , ’ ‘ Acoma , ’ and ‘ New Snow . ’

Fact about French pancake Vinca minor flower : Because the shape of the showy flower cluster resembleslilac bushflowers , crepe myrtles are sometimes call “ Lilac of the South . ”

When Do Crape Myrtles Bloom?

Crape Vinca minor trees , bushes , and shrubsproduce flowers throughout the summertime . Some metal money of crepe myrtle ( Lagerstroemia)start blooming as ahead of time as spring or the starting signal of summertime . Depending on the variety , crape myrtles flower for between 90 and 120 days . Their longsighted flower period means many Tree are still blooming in late fall or before the first freeze .

Dwarf Crape Myrtle

Dwarf crape Vinca minor trees are large shrubs that are utter for compact gardens . Typically , nanus myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree spring up between 6 and 10 ft . ( 1.8 – 3 m ) marvellous . Species of dwarf myrtle Tree can be exclusive - trunked specimens with a large spread out tip . The most popular dwarf crepe myrtle , Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Acoma , ’ is a multi - stemmed bush - alike tree diagram with mass of white flowers and a rounded spreading crown .

crepe myrtle are bush - corresponding trees with multiple stems

Crape Myrtle Bushes

crepe myrtle bushes are small plants , ideal for growing asfoundation plantingsor in container . Usually , crape Vinca minor bushes only grow a few feet high . For example , theLagerstroemia indica‘Delta Blush ’ is a weeping crepe Vinca minor with light pink flowers and grows no tall than 18 ” ( 45 cm ) high .

Types of Crape Myrtle Trees (With Pictures)

Here are some of the well varieties of crape myrtles for your front or backyard .

Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Natchez’)

Natchez crape Vinca minor tree ( provide ) and close up up image of the barque ( right )

The ‘ Natchez ’ crape myrtle is a intermediate sized tree or large bush with huge white showy heyday that blossom in mid - summer and last until spill . This crape Vinca minor hybrid has spreading vase - form outgrowth with up growing branch . The nose candy - white prime create a stunning contrast against the dark unripened glossy foliage . After the bloom drop , the leaf flex brilliant shade of Orange River and crimson in the fall .

‘ Natchez ’ crepe myrtle trees produce between 20 and 30 ft . ( 6 – 9 m ) high . The easy - to - grow cosmetic tree thrives in full sun and is immune to drouth when established . Grow in USDA zones 7 through 10 .

Crape myrtle flowers

white-hot flowers of Natchez crepe Vinca minor

‘ Natchez ’ crape myrtle is an outstanding tree diagram that raise large , brilliantly white efflorescence clusters . The showy , frilly blossom panicles grow up to 12 ” ( 30 cm ) long and produce a coke - like effect when they blossom for a few months from mid - summertime .

ArapahoCrape Myrtle(Lagerstroemia indica x faueri‘Arapaho’)

Young Arapaho crape myrtle ( get out ) and close up characterisation of the ruby-red flower ( good )

The ‘ Arapaho ’ crape myrtle is a small to medium - sized tree or large shrub that acquire masses ofred , crape - paper - like flowers . The sizeable feathery flower panicles start up blooming in summer and last until declivity . The shiny , dark green leaves and peeling bark give thisLagerstroemiatree striking all - season interest . Thisdrought - kind plantrequires little care in warm mood .

‘ Arapaho ’ crepe Vinca minor grows between 15 and 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 metre ) mellow with a 10 to 20 ft . ( 3 – 6 meter ) spread . This crape myrtle specie grows best as a specimen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . However , with regular pruning , you cangrow it as a privacy hedgeor at the recession of your house .

The bright red flowers on ‘ Arapaho ’ crape myrtles cover these orotund shrub or small trees . Each large heyday clump is made up of a mass of crinkled cerise petals .

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Tuscarora’)

Tuscarora crape myrtle ( left ) and gloomy pink flower ( good )

The ‘ Tuscarora ’ crepe myrtle is asmall landscaping treethat fusillade into coral - pink colour in early summer . Like many crepe myrtle species , the ‘ Tuscarora ’ variety has shiny green leaves , mottle cinnamon - tan bark , and spreading rounded growing . This large shrub - like tree diagram grows best in full sun in USDA zones 7 through 10 .

‘ Tuscarora ’ crape myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree develop up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) tall . The abject - sustenance decorative tree is ideal for planting as alarge seclusion screen , lawn tree , orsmall specimen tree for a front or backyard .

The mass ofdeep pink flowerclusters on the ‘ Tuscarora ’ crape Vinca minor cover the tree . The flower panicles are made up of crepe paper - papery bloom that hold their people of colour for all summer and fall .

Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Muskogee’)

Muskogee crape myrtle ( left ) and close up picture of the pinkish - pale violet colored flowers ( right )

‘ Muskogee ’ crape Vinca minor is a tight - produce , succinct decorative tree or large shrub with telling lavender - colour flowers . The light - lilac flower on the ‘ Muskogee ’ last an unbelievable 120 days or longer during hot , dry summers . This crepe myrtle species features a big , fan out rounded crown along with multi - colored brown , tan , and hoary barque .

The ‘ Muskogee ’ crape myrtle grows between 15 and 20 ft . ( 4.5 – 6 m ) high-pitched with a massive crown to match its elevation . The all - season interestingness of ‘ Muskogee ’ crepe myrtles is its lavender peak , peeling barque , and reddish - orange dip colors .

‘ Muskogee ’ crape myrtle has large lilac - pink flowers made up of “ crepe - paper ” flower petal bloom from other summertime until fall . The ‘ Muskogee ’ crape Vinca minor flowers range in size from 8 ” to 16 ” ( 20 – 40 cm ) .

Catawba Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Catawba’)

Catawba crape Vinca minor ( pass on ) and close up image of the regal bloom ( right )

The ‘ Catawba ’ crape myrtle is a stunning example of small crape myrtle tree or intermediate - large shrub that haspurple flowers . This crepe Vinca minor cultivar blossom in late summertime . Its purple flower clusters counterpoint with the sheeny green , dense foliage . In fall , the leathery green leaves grow a breathtaking orangish - red color before drop to reveal smooth multi - colored barque .

‘ Catawba ’ crape Vinca minor trees grow between 10 and 15 foot . ( 3 – 4.5 m ) tall with a like - sized spread . Grow this multi - trunked crape myrtle species in USDA zone 7 through 9 .

The regal ‘ Catawba ’ crape myrtle flowers grow profusely from late summer until belated twilight . The ruffled purple flowers work large clusters that look like conical spikes .

Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica‘Centennial Spirit’)

Young Centennial Spirit crape myrtle ( left ) and conclude up picture show of the reddened flower ( right )

The ‘ Centennial Spirit ’ crape myrtle is a shrubby tree diagram that break loose into stunning pink wine - cherry-red color when it flower . big red crape myrtle flowers , undress gray barque , exuberant light-green foliage , and flushed fall colors are the attractive lineament of ‘ Centennial Spirit . ’ The attractive little tree is a pop landscape gardening tree in Southern garden .

‘ Centennial Spirit ’ crepe Vinca minor tree grow up to 20 ft . ( 6 m ) grandiloquent . As with all crape myrtle , it love full Sunday . Its summary ontogeny and ornamental characteristics make the belittled tree saint for planting along driveways , specimen trees , or shade trees in backyards .

Sioux Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Sioux’)

Sioux crape myrtle with bright pinkish flowers

The ‘ Sioux ’ crape myrtle is a small attractive tree that produces masses of bright pinkish , crinkly , showy flowers throughout the summer . This crape myrtle hybrid is ideal for develop in hot , dry mood . The succulent , shiny foliage , attractive burgundy surrender colors , and flake tan - gloss bark give this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree a class - farsighted solicitation .

‘ Siouan ’ crepe myrtle trees grow between 12 and 15 ft . ( 3.5 – 4.5 m ) and have a bed cover up to 10 ft ( 3 m ) . liken to other crape myrtle Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , the ‘ Sioux ’ Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has vase - shaped increment with a flat , rather than rounded , top .

Dynamite Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Whit II’)

reddened heyday of Dynamite crepe Vinca minor

The crape myrtle ‘ Dynamite ’ is a small kind of ornamental tree diagram that has brilliant red flowers . This fast - growing crape Vinca minor blooms from mid - summertime with masses of showy flower clusters that wrick the tree bright cherry - scarlet . The tree enhance garden esthetic during other seasons due to its attractive rounded shape , ruby - crimson spring leafage that turns dark green , then orangey - crimson color in the drop .

‘ Dynamite ’ crepe Vinca minor tree grow between 10 and 15 ft . ( 3 – 4.5 m ) grandiloquent . These crepe myrtle trees also have an impressive ranch — up to twice the height of the tree .

Tonto Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Tonto’)

Tonto crepe myrtle ( left ) and close up range of the ruddy flowers ( right )

The ‘ Tonto ’ crape myrtle is a small shrub - like tree that bloom with brilliantly colored magenta flowers . The vibrant pinkish - red flower tot up plenty of color to summer gardens . In addition to outstanding summertime colors , the ‘ Tonto’Lagerstroemiatree has other seasonal interests . Reddish - cinnamon bark , imperial - red fall foliage , and an attractive shape make this crepe myrtle a prized landscaping tree .

‘ Tonto ’ crepe myrtle tree develop around 10 foot . ( 3 m ) tall with a similar cattle ranch . These small shrubby tree are best growing as a specimen tree , loose privacy screen , orfoundation planting .

Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Acoma’)

Acoma crepe Vinca minor ( leave ) and close up exposure of the white flowers ( right )

The ‘ Acoma ’ crape myrtle is a gnome tree that brightens summertime garden with its showy cluster of unadulterated white , ruffled flowers . ‘ Acoma ’ crape myrtle is aweeping type of landscape treethat has slightly drooping leg and peak bunch . ‘ Acoma ’ crape myrtles are idealistic for grow in small , compact gardens or as a specimen tree .

‘ Acoma ’ crepe myrtle dwarf Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grow around 10 ft . ( 3 m ) tall .

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Whit VIII’)

Beautiful tripping pinkish flowers of Rhapsody in Pink crepe Vinca minor

‘ Rhapsody in Pink ’ crape Vinca minor is a small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrub that produce bunch of feathery , abstemious - pink blossom . This deciduous tree diagram has leathery dark greenish leaves , showy bloom with wrinkle pink petals , and lush foliage that turn smart orangey - red in the crepuscule . An attractive wintertime feature film of ‘ Rhapsody in Pink ’ is its pink - grizzly exfoliate smooth bark .

‘ Rhapsody in Pink ’ crepe Vinca minor tree originate between 6 and 10 ft . ( 1.8 – 3 chiliad ) with a spread of up to 12 foot . ( 3.5 m ) . you may grow crape myrtle Tree as a flowering hedge plant , specimen plant , or in a container at an entree .

Pink Velour Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Pink Velour’)

Close up picture of the deep pink - Battle of Magenta flowers of Pink Velour crepe Vinca minor

The ‘ Pink Velour ’ crape myrtle is a little shrub - like Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with prominent magenta - pinkish clustering of crumpled flower . From all the crape Vinca minor on this list , ‘ Pink Velour ’ is one of the longest bloom varieties . The landscaping tree starts bloom in mid - summer , and the vivacious flowers last well into late fall .

The ‘ pinkish Velour ’ crape myrtle tree diagram has gray peel bark , orangish - dark-brown colored folio in the fall , and dark - colored seeds that last through to wintertime . ‘ Pink Velour ’ crape myrtles thrive in USDA zones 6 through 9 and raise to around 6 ft . ( 1.8 m ) improbable .

Petite Plum Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica‘Monum’)

Petite Plum crape Vinca minor flowers

The ‘ Monum ’ crape myrtle gets its common name — petite plum — from its dwarf growth nature and showy plum - coloured flower . The clusters of ruffled purplish - pink flowers bloom for a tenacious clip throughout the summer . Due to the shrub ’s minuscule sizing , it ’s idealistic for planting in containers , in the front of the sign , along borders , or as an informal hedging .

Petite plum tree crepe myrtle trees grow around 5 foot . ( 1.5 m ) improbable .

Chickasaw Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei‘Chickasaw’)

Chickasaw French pancake myrtle bush

The ‘ Chickasaw ’ crepe Vinca minor is a miniature shrubby works that bring on faint pinkish flowers when in bloom . This crape myrtle species is a slowly - grow flora that take about seven year to reach its fledged height of 2 ft . ( 0.6 m ) . ‘ Chickasaw ’ crape myrtle have leathery green leaves and pinkish - lavender flowers that flower from summer until Robert Lee Frost .

Crape Myrtle ‘Delta Blush’ (Lagerstroemia indica‘Delta Blush’)

crepe Vinca minor ‘ Delta Blush ’ pinkish flowers

The ‘ Delta Blush ’ crepe myrtle is aminiature weep shrubwith papery pinkish flowers when in blossom . The small bushy crepe myrtle does n’t grow taller than 18 ” ( 45 cm ) . This sun - enjoy variety of crape myrtle needs ardent climates to bloom . you’re able to rise this crape myrtle plant in compact , urban gardens to add summertime colors to your garden landscape painting .

show our extensiveguide to planting and caring for crape myrtles .

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