Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

43 other cultivars

shrub

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Blush'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small tree native to Asia, characterized by an upright, branching habit and smooth, exfoliating bark. The species produces terminal clusters of crinkled, crepe-paper-like flowers from midsummer through fall, followed by woody seed capsules.

'Blush' distinguishes itself with soft, pale pink flowers that contrast against foliage that emerges bronze-red before maturing to dark green, though some branded selections within this cultivar line feature deep black-purple leaves. The plant maintains a dense, rounded form reaching up to ten feet tall and eight feet wide depending on the specific selection.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces soft pink flowers over a long summer season, complemented by attractive exfoliating bark and colorful foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes.

Flowers attract native bees and other beneficial insect pollinators during the summer months.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down lightly to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid severe annual topping, often called 'crape murder,' which ruins the natural branching architecture and produces weak, water-sprout growth; instead, prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and open the canopy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in early spring.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen formulas, which stimulates excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Do not plant in poorly drained, continuously wet soils where root rot can develop.
Do not chop back major structural branches to stubs, as this triggers weak, vertical watersprouts.

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

Specimen plantingMixed bordersPrivacy screensFoundation plantings

Companion Plants

Clethra alnifolia Nepeta Salvia Coreopsis

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?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Crape Myrtle, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Crape Myrtle bloom?

Crape Myrtle typically blooms in summer through 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.