Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

43 other cultivars

tree

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Carolina Beauty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree native to temperate and tropical Asia. It produces terminal panicles of crinkled, paper-like flowers throughout summer alongside smooth, exfoliating bark that peels to reveal pale under-tints.

'Carolina Beauty' develops vibrant deep red to dark pink flower panicles measuring up to 18 inches long. It grows into an upright, vase-shaped framework with dark green leaves that emerge bronze in spring and turn bright yellow-orange in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers intense red floral panicles in summer, bright fall leaf colors, and smooth mottled bark in winter.

Tolerates urban heat, atmospheric pollution, and compacted soils once established.

Flowers provide summer nectar for native bees, generalist pollinators, and hummingbirds.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High Tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Early autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, ensuring the root collar remains level with the surrounding grade.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle air pockets.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch clear of the main stems.
Water weekly during the first growing season until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly in late winter to shape the main branches, avoiding severe topping which destroys the natural exfoliating trunk structure and creates weak shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize flowering and reduce fungal disease risk.
Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot issues.
Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead, crossing, or weak branches.

Don't

Do not chop back main structural limbs to stubs, which ruins the tree's natural form.
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this reduces floral yield and promotes weak growth.
Do not allow soil to remain waterlogged around the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeUrban street treeCourtyard focal pointScreening border

Companion Plants

Buxus microphylla Liriope muscari Salvia nemorosa Heuchera americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Crape Myrtle grow in?

Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crape Myrtle bloom?

Crape Myrtle typically blooms in summer through early autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crape Myrtle need full sun?

Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.