Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

shrub

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Rhapsody In Pink'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or Crape Myrtle, are deciduous shrubs or small trees celebrated for their large, showy panicles of flowers in summer, attractive exfoliating bark, and good drought tolerance.

'Rhapsody in Pink' is distinguished by its unique foliage, which emerges a wine-red color in spring and matures to a deep green. It produces large panicles of soft, clear pink flowers all summer long.

Uses & Benefits:

This cultivar offers multi-season interest with its colorful new foliage in spring, abundant soft pink flowers in summer, and good fall color. It has a graceful, arching habit that adds elegance to the garden.

Its dense, rounded form makes it an effective and beautiful choice for an informal hedge or privacy screen. It is also a good size for a standalone specimen in a medium-sized garden.

The large flower clusters are a rich source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem during the summer.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High humidity tolerant

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Work compost into the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

The new reddish foliage is a key feature; avoid heavy early-season pruning to enjoy the colorful spring growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and foliage color.
Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first few years.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage a second, lighter bloom.
Selectively prune to enhance its natural vase shape.

Don't

Don't plant in a shady location.
Avoid topping the plant or 'crape murder'.
Don't let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that inhibit blooming.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Softly colored flowering specimenAnchor plant for a mixed borderLong-blooming informal hedge

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'Buddleja davidii Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'Caryopteris x clandonensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle grow in?

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle bloom?

Rhapsody in Pink 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 Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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