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Arapaho Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica faueri 'Arapaho'

The Story

Plant Bio

Crape myrtles are deciduous trees or shrubs prized for their long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good drought tolerance. Hybrids with L. fauriei offer improved disease resistance.

'Arapaho' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction noted for its true red flowers, excellent resistance to powdery mildew, and attractive exfoliating bark that reveals a polished tan color. It has an upright, vase-shaped habit.

Uses & Benefits:

'Arapaho' provides a long season of interest with its true-red summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark for winter appeal, and good reddish fall foliage. Its upright form makes it an excellent specimen tree.

Its tolerance for heat, drought, and a range of soils makes it a low-maintenance choice for difficult sites. It can be used as a small street tree, for privacy screening, or as a single focal point.

The large, vibrant flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, providing a food source during the heat of mid-summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid (Asian parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Plant in well-drained soil; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot.
Backfill, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch to conserve water, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune only to remove dead wood or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid 'crape murder' (severe topping) which ruins the natural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering and plant health.
Water deeply during prolonged droughts, especially in the first few years.
Allow its natural, graceful vase shape to develop.

Don't

Do not plant in shady locations, which reduces flowering and promotes disease.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Do not top the tree; this practice is harmful and unnecessary.

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

Vibrant summer-flowering street treeTall screen or informal hedgeSpecimen plant for season-long interest

Companion Plants

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Salvia 'May Night'Echinacea purpurea Pennisetum alopecuroides Rudbeckia fulgida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Arapaho Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Arapaho Crape Myrtle grow in?

Arapaho 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 Arapaho Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Arapaho Crape Myrtle bloom?

Arapaho 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 Arapaho Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Arapaho Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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