Lagerstroemia indica 'Autaugaville Purple'

Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

tree

Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Autaugaville Purple'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant, long-lasting summer flower panicles, handsome exfoliating bark, and attractive fall foliage.

'Autaugaville Purple' is a tree-form crape myrtle known for its large, dense panicles of true, deep purple flowers. It has a vigorous, upright growth habit and attractive mottled bark.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular, long-lasting display of deep purple flowers in summer. In winter, the exfoliating, mottled bark offers significant visual interest, complemented by good fall color.

Its upright form makes it an excellent choice as a street tree, a specimen for framing a house, or for creating a flowering screen or allee along a driveway.

The flowers are a rich source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators during the summer when many other plants have finished blooming.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

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

High humidity tolerant

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and ample space to grow.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch to the dripline, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

To develop a beautiful tree form, select 3-5 strong trunks and remove lower branches and suckers annually in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for best flowering.
Water deeply during droughts, especially when young.
Remove basal suckers as they appear to maintain a clean tree form.

Don't

Do not commit 'crape murder' by topping the tree; it ruins the form.
Do not plant in wet, boggy soil or in shady locations.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which encourage leaf growth over flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning single specimen treeDramatic driveway or street liningFlowering privacy screen

Companion Plants

Hemerocallis Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'Pennisetum alopecuroides Loropetalum chinenseBuddleia davidii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle grow in?

Autaugaville Purple 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 Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle bloom?

Autaugaville Purple 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 Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Autaugaville Purple Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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