Twilight Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Twilight'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Tolerates high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Lagerstroemia indica, or crape myrtle, is a deciduous tree or large shrub celebrated for its long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good fall color. It is a staple of southern landscapes. 'Twilight' is a vigorous, upright cultivar distinguished by its deep, dark purple, crinkly flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. It has good resistance to powdery mildew.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Plant in well-drained soil; amend heavy clay if necessary.
- Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
- Water deeply after planting and regularly during the first growing season.
- Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Prune in late winter to shape and remove any dead or weak branches.
Pro Tip
Avoid 'crape murder' (severe topping). Prune only to remove dead wood, crossing branches, or suckers to maintain its beautiful natural form.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering and mildew resistance.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established to encourage drought tolerance.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second, smaller bloom.
Don't
- Don't plant in shade; it will result in poor flowering and disease.
- Don't over-fertilize, especially with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
- Don't commit 'crape murder' by topping the tree.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Twilight Crape Myrtle questions
What zones can Twilight Crape Myrtle grow in?
Twilight 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 Twilight Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Twilight Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Twilight Crape Myrtle bloom?
Twilight 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 Twilight Crape Myrtle need full sun?
Twilight Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Twilight Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Twilight Crape Myrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lagerstroemia to compare
Indian Crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto'
Northern Belle Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Northern Belle'
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Tonto Hardy'
Acoma Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'Acoma'
Crape Myrtle Delta Eclipse
Lagerstroemia indica 'Delta Eclipse'
Crape Myrtle Dark Roast
Lagerstroemia indica 'Dark Roast'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Twilight Crape Myrtle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
