Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

shrub

Hopi Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Hopi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Crape myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees celebrated for their profuse, long-lasting summer flower panicles, attractive bark, and tolerance for heat and drought.

'Hopi' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction noted for its clear pink flowers, excellent powdery mildew resistance, and notable cold hardiness. Its fall color is a striking orange-red, and it maintains a compact, shrubby form.

Uses & Benefits:

'Hopi' offers months of clear pink flowers in summer, attractive exfoliating bark for winter interest, and vibrant orange-red fall color. Its compact, semi-dwarf size makes it incredibly versatile in the landscape.

Being highly resistant to powdery mildew and more cold-hardy than many crape myrtles, it is a reliable, low-maintenance choice. It works well as a foundation plant, in mass plantings, or as a small specimen.

The long bloom period provides a sustained source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies during the hottest part of the year when other plants may be struggling.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid (Asian parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Find a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Plant in any well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole and water deeply.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Deadheading spent flower clusters can encourage a second, smaller flush of blooms later in the season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for maximum blooms and best health.
Water deeply during extended dry periods to establish.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a natural shrubby form.

Don't

Do not plant in shade, as it will result in few or no flowers.
Avoid heavy pruning or 'crape murder' which ruins the plant's form.
Do not overwater; crape myrtles are drought tolerant once established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact specimen for small gardensColorful informal hedge or screenMass planting for summer impact

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hopi Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Hopi Crape Myrtle grow in?

Hopi Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hopi Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Hopi Crape Myrtle bloom?

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

Does Hopi Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Hopi Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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