Also known as Crape Myrtle · 720 saves
Lagerstroemia
Lagerstroemia, the genus most gardeners know as crape myrtle. We track 43 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lagerstroemia varieties
See all 43 Lagerstroemia varieties →Search this genus →
Species of Lagerstroemia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lagerstroemia in Sow
Save the Lagerstroemia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lagerstroemia
Whats common across all Lagerstroemia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Lagerstroemia year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Lightly shape and remove dead or crossing branches in late winter/early spring.
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer as new growth begins.
- Check for PestsMay–July80% of varieties
Monitor for aphids on new growth; this cultivar is resistant to mildew.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October55% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in a location that receives all-day sun.
- MulchMarch and April30% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought tolerance.
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune selectively in late winter to enhance natural form.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
- Don't over-fertilize, especially with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
What goes wrong with Lagerstroemia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Crape Myrtle Aphids | Yellow stippling on leaves and a sticky black substance (sooty mold) covering leaves and stems. | Encourage ladybugs. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Systemic insecticides applied as a soil drench in spring offer season-long control. |
| Crape Myrtle Bark Scale | White or gray felt-like insects on bark, especially in branch crotches, leading to black sooty mold on trunks. | Scrub bark with a soft brush and soapy water. Apply dormant oil in winter. Use systemic insecticides as a soil drench for effective control. |
| Crape Myrtle Aphid | Yellow stippling on leaves, sticky honeydew, and black sooty mold. | Use a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Systemic insecticides can be used for persistent problems. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Cercospora Leaf Spot | Brown spots on leaves, especially lower ones, leading to yellowing and leaf drop. | Rake and destroy fallen leaves. Apply preventative fungicides in humid weather. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Lagerstroemia
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings from new growth in early summer.
- Remove the lower leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-draining potting mix.
- Keep moist and humid; roots form in 4-6 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch hardwood cuttings in late winter
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until roots develop
Lagerstroemia questions
How many types of Lagerstroemia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 43 distinct Lagerstroemia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 720 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lagerstroemia grow in?
Across its varieties, Lagerstroemia covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lagerstroemia bloom?
Most Lagerstroemia varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lagerstroemia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.