Crape Myrtle is a deciduous flowering tree which is broad crowned and it varies in size and averages about 20-25ft. It is multi-stemmed and has a sculptured gray bark which is smooth and when the bark gradually peels of multi-shaded under-bark can be seen. The scientific name for Crape myrtle is Lagerstroemia Indica. The species of Crape myrtle are many in number and most of them are found in and around Asia. They are preferred mostly because of the flowers which are showy and which come in different colors like pink, lavender, red and purple. The flowers of the Crape myrtle tree are like crepe paper and are wrinkled. Crape myrtle can also be small which about 3ft tall is and this type of crape myrtle is known as dwarf crape myrtle.

In order to grow a Crape myrtle tree the soil needs to be well drained and the area needs to have full sunlight. Though crape myrtle can grow in soil conditions that are adverse but if the soil is well prepared they grow and flower the best. It is not necessary to add organic mater into the soil but for best results the pH of the soil should be from 5 to 6.5. The crape myrtle has one of the longest blooming seasons and it can also be said to be an ornamental tree and it is also seen that some of its varieties grow very fast.

In order to select a variety of Crape myrtle, the best thing would be to think about the color of the flower and its size.  After that the color of the leaves when autumn dawns as well as the color of the bark when it peels of. Disease can be prevented in a crape myrtle by planting crape myrtle cultivars that are disease resistant.

In order to plant the Crape myrtle  a hole needs to be dug which is twice the rot balls width and it should not be deeper than the container in which it grew. The clumps of soil and rocks need to be removed. After it is planted it needs to be deeply watered so that the soil settles around the roots. The surrounding area as well as the planting hole needs to be covered with mulch which is 3 to 5 inches. It also needs to be watered thoroughly once a week for about 2 months after it’s planted. 

Crape myrtle flowers can be pruned during late winter or early spring before its growth begins. The flowering season of crape myrtle is during the fall. Pruning of the  Crape myrtle in early fall prior to the first frost should not be done  as pruning keeps the plant from going dormant and promotes new growth Crape myrtle can be used as shrubs or trees and they can be planted on the corner of the house

The Crape myrtle also suffers from pest and problems. One of the biggest problems afflicting crape myrtle is Powdery mildew. In order to prevent the diseases in crape myrtle the plant needs to be planted in sun with plenty of room for air to circulate and the varieties that are chosen should be resistant. Another common problem is the Sooty mold fungus.

lant sucking insects like the aphids excretes something which is sticky which in turn attracts this mold. The mold becomes so thick that the plants start deteriorating because it is unable to perform photosynthesis.

In order to control the growth of aphids, use of predators like lace wings and lady bugs can be done as well as spraying of water on the plant.  Plants that are selected to grow should be of the variety that is aphid resistant. Scooty mould can also be washed away by throwing soapy water on the plant and then rinsing it with clean water.

Crape Myrtle Trees with Varieties & Photos

1) Dwarf Crape Myrtle

2) Pink Crape Myrtle

3) Dynamite Crape Myrtle

4) Acoma Crape Myrtle

5) Red Crape Myrtle or red rocket crape myrtle

6) Crape Myrtle Pruning

7) Crape Myrtle Tuscarora

Crape Myrtle Bush or Mini Crape Myrtle

9) Crape Myrtle Shrub or White crape myrtle

10) Purple Crape Myrtle