Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia 'Muskogee'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Tolerates high humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Hybrid of Asian species
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A hybrid crape myrtle developed by the U.S. National Arboretum, known for its vigorous growth, disease resistance, and exceptionally long bloom period. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained into a small, multi-stemmed tree. 'Muskogee' is celebrated for its large panicles of light lavender-pink flowers that bloom for over 100 days. It also features beautiful exfoliating bark that reveals a smooth, cinnamon-colored trunk, and excellent mildew resistance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Plant in well-drained soil; amend heavy clay to improve drainage.
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container.
- Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle roots.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
Pro Tip
Avoid severe pruning ('crape murder'); it creates weak growth and ruins the beautiful natural form and bark.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering and disease resistance.
- Water deeply during prolonged drought to extend blooming.
- Remove suckers from the base to maintain a clean tree form.
Don't
- Do not plant in shade; it will result in poor flowering and disease.
- Avoid excessive fertilizing, which promotes leaves over flowers.
- Do not top the tree. Only make selective thinning cuts.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Muskogee Crape Myrtle questions
What zones can Muskogee Crape Myrtle grow in?
Muskogee Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Muskogee Crape Myrtle deer resistant?
Yes — Muskogee Crape Myrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Muskogee Crape Myrtle bloom?
Muskogee 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 Muskogee Crape Myrtle need full sun?
Muskogee Crape Myrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Muskogee Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Muskogee 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
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Grow Muskogee 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.
