Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

43 other cultivars

shrub

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Colorama Scarlet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree native to Asia, growing 15 to 20 feet tall with distinctive smooth, exfoliating bark. It produces dense terminal panicles of crinkled foliage and long-lasting flowers throughout the warm season before shedding foliage in fall.

'Colorama Scarlet' is a vigorous, self-branching selection featuring deep glossy green foliage and large clusters of scarlet-red flowers. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit forms a full canopy naturally without requiring severe heading cuts to promote lateral growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces massive scarlet-red flower panicles from summer into fall alongside smooth, multi-toned exfoliating bark.

Demonstrates high heat and drought tolerance once established in deep soils.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the flowering season while seed capsules feed songbirds into winter.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

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 location in full sun that receives at least six hours of direct light daily.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, keeping the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly at installation and apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping clear of the stem base.

Pro Tip

Avoid topping major branches in late winter; severe heading cuts destroy the natural exfoliating bark architecture and generate weak, arching sucker growth that collapses under the weight of summer blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to ensure maximum flower production and strong canopy structure.
Water regularly during the first growing season until the root system establishes.
Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead, diseased, or crossing stems.

Don't

Do not sever or pollard main branches back to stubs annually.
Do not plant in shaded locations prone to low air circulation.
Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages foliage growth over blooms.

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 plantingPrivacy screen or hedgeCourtyard focal pointMixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Salvia leucantha Liriope muscari Agapanthus africanus 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 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

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 (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.