Crape Myrtle

(Lagerstroemia indica)

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as Crape Myrtle, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the warm temperate and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters) with a spread of 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 meters). The plant is characterized by its multiple stems and a wide-spreading, flat-topped, rounded, or occasionally spike-shaped open habit. Crape Myrtle is renowned for its long-lasting summer blooms, which come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, and purple. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators. The bark is distinctive, often peeling in thin layers to reveal a smooth, mottled underbark. In the fall, the foliage turns to attractive shades of yellow, orange, or red.

Crape Myrtle is valued for its beautiful flowers, long blooming season, and attractive peeling bark. It is commonly used in urban settings, residential gardens, and as a street tree due to its tolerance of pollution and confined soil spaces. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate drought once established, making it relatively low maintenance. It prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to various soil types. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and promote more abundant flowering. Lagerstroemia indica can be potentially invasive in some regions, so it is important to check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 15-25 feet
  • Width: 6-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Warm temperate and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Crepe Myrtle , Crepeflower , Crape-Myrtle , Chinesische Kräuselmyrte , Lagerströmia , 배롱나무 , Astromelia , Astromero , Cape Myrtle , Lilac Of The South

Scientific Names: Lagerstroemia indica , Lagerstroemia speciosa , Lagerstroemia indica f. alba , Lagerstroemia chinensis , Lagerstroemia elegans , Lagerstroemia indica var. alba , Lagerstroemia indica var. grafii , Lagerstroemia minor , Lagerstroemia pulchra , Murtughas indica , Velaga globosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Lagerstroemia indica L.