Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Sarah'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or crape myrtle, is a genus of deciduous shrubs and small trees prized for their long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good drought tolerance.

'Sarah's Favorite' is a vigorous hybrid noted for its pure white, large flower trusses, exceptional resistance to powdery mildew, and beautiful cinnamon-colored bark.

Uses & Benefits:

'Sarah's Favorite' provides multi-season interest with its profuse white summer blooms, attractive fall color, and striking exfoliating cinnamon bark that is a highlight of the winter garden. Its elegant, vase-like shape makes it a superb specimen plant.

It can be grown as a large shrub for a deciduous screen or pruned into a small tree to provide filtered shade near patios and decks. Its size is well-suited for residential landscapes and street-side plantings.

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

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Asia (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Amend heavy clay or poor soil with compost for better drainage.
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and weekly during the first year.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for best flowering and disease resistance; six hours is the minimum.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for maximum blooms.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Prune to enhance natural form, removing crossing branches and suckers.
Allow for good air circulation to prevent disease.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, which can promote leaves over flowers.
Avoid severe topping, known as 'crape murder', which ruins the plant's structure.
Don't plant in shady or wet locations.
Avoid overhead watering late in the day.

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

Stunning summer-flowering specimenEffective deciduous privacy screenArchitectural winter interest

Companion Plants

Pennisetum 'Hameln'Perovskia atriplicifolia Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Buddleja davidii Echinacea purpurea

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 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 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 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 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.