Species

Lagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

25 other cultivars

shrub

Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle

Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit Iii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or Crapemyrtle, are quintessential summer-flowering shrubs and trees of the South, known for their long-lasting, showy flower panicles, attractive exfoliating bark, and high heat tolerance.

Pink Velour ('Whit III') is a standout cultivar featuring vibrant, hot pink flowers and unique wine-red new foliage that matures to a dark purplish-green. It is also noted for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew.

Uses & Benefits:

Pink Velour provides a stunning, season-long display of vibrant pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its dark foliage. In winter, the smooth, exfoliating bark adds significant structural interest to the landscape.

This is an extremely heat and drought-tolerant plant, making it a low-maintenance choice for challenging, sunny locations. It can be maintained as a large shrub or trained into a small, multi-stemmed tree.

The dense flower clusters are a rich source of pollen for bees and other pollinators throughout the summer months when many other plants have finished blooming.

SpeciesLagerstroemia indicaCrape Myrtle

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun per day.
Plant in well-drained soil; they are adaptable to soil type.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
Water regularly for the first season; they are drought tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

To promote the beautiful exfoliating bark, selectively remove lower limbs as the plant matures to expose the main trunks.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, all-day sun for maximum flowering.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Prune selectively in late winter to improve structure and air circulation.
Remove spent flower clusters to potentially encourage a second, lighter bloom.

Don't

Do not plant in the shade; it will result in poor flowering and disease.
Avoid severe topping or 'crape murder,' which creates weak growth and ruins the natural form.
Don't over-fertilize, especially with high nitrogen, which can inhibit flowering.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage leaf spot diseases.

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

Stunning summer-long flowering specimenColorful informal hedge or screenExcellent choice for hot, sunny borders

Companion Plants

Pennisetum 'Rubrum'Lantana camara Salvia leucantha Agapanthus africanus Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle questions

What zones can Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle grow in?

Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle 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 Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle deer resistant?

Yes — Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle bloom?

Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle 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 Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle need full sun?

Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Whit Iii Pink Velour Crapemyrtle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.