Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

43 other cultivars

tree

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Hardy Lavender'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia indica, native to temperate and tropical Asia, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree featuring smooth, exfoliating mottled bark. It produces crinkled, six-petaled flowers in terminal panicles during summer, followed by vibrant orange and red fall foliage.

'Hardy Lavender' is a cold-tolerant selection that bears abundant medium bluish-lavender panicles on an upright, vase-shaped framework. It survives winter temperatures down to USDA Zone 6 while displaying enhanced hardiness compared to seedling-grown strains.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides medium bluish-lavender flower clusters, vibrant fall color, and attractive smooth bark.

Functions as a drought-tolerant focal tree or high screen in sunny urban landscapes.

Floral panicles attract hummingbirds, native bees, and other beneficial pollinators.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Tolerant

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Early Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full direct sun in well-drained soil, positioning the root collar level with or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season to establish roots.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

Pro Tip

Avoid severe topping or heading back main branches; heavy stubbing creates ugly callus knobs and forces weak water-sprouts that flop under heavy flower heads.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in maximum direct sun to encourage heavy flowering and suppress foliage diseases.
Prune dead, crossing, or misplaced interior branches during late winter dormancy.
Rake up and dispose of fallen leaf litter in fall to reduce disease spore carryover.

Don't

Do not chop back main structural limbs ('crepe murder'), which destroys the natural framework.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen products, which causes excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms.
Do not plant in soggy, waterlogged sites where roots remain continuously wet.

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 PlantScreeningStreet TreeMixed Border Background

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Echinacea purpurea Abelia x grandiflora Buddleja davidii

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.

When does Crape Myrtle bloom?

Crape Myrtle typically blooms in 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.