tree RHS Award

Sioux Crape Myrtle

$89.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Lagerstroemia, or crape myrtles, are deciduous trees prized for their long-lasting, showy summer flowers, attractive exfoliating bark, and good fall color. They are heat and drought tolerant mainstays of southern landscapes.

'Sioux' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction known for its vigorous, upright growth, excellent resistance to powdery mildew, and vibrant, dark pink flowers. It also features attractive exfoliating bark and good orange-red fall color.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides four seasons of interest with spectacular summer flowers, attractive fall color, and beautiful exfoliating bark in winter. Its upright form makes it an excellent specimen.

Highly tolerant of urban conditions, including heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a reliable choice for street trees and commercial landscapes.

The profuse summer flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate once established

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container.
Plant high, ensuring the top of the root ball is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with the original soil, creating a small berm for water.
Water deeply and consistently for the first year to establish roots.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid 'crape murder' by only pruning dead wood, crossing branches, and suckers. This preserves the beautiful natural form and bark.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, all-day sun for the best flowering.
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first few years.
Prune lightly in late winter to improve structure and air circulation.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, which promotes leafy growth instead of flowers.
Do not plant in shady locations, as it will not bloom well.
Do not commit 'crape murder' by severely topping the tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning summer-blooming specimen treeColorful street or parking lot treeAnchor for mixed perennial borders

Companion Plants

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Pennisetum 'Hameln'Salvia 'May Night'Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sioux Crape Myrtle questions

What zones can Sioux Crape Myrtle grow in?

Sioux Crape Myrtle is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sioux Crape Myrtle deer resistant?

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

When does Sioux Crape Myrtle bloom?

Sioux 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 Sioux Crape Myrtle need full sun?

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

Is Sioux Crape Myrtle drought tolerant?

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