Lagerstroemia, commonly known as crape myrtle, is a genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs prized for their vibrant and long-lasting summer blooms. The flowers, which resemble crepe paper, come in a variety of colors, from white and pink to lavender and deep red. In addition to their beautiful flowers, crape myrtles also boast attractive bark that exfoliates to reveal smooth, colorful layers, and their foliage provides stunning autumn color before falling off in winter. This makes Lagerstroemia a popular choice for gardeners looking to add multi-season interest to their landscapes.

What Makes Lagerstroemia So Special? With their vibrant summer blooms, attractive bark, and stunning fall foliage, crape myrtles offer a multitude of reasons to be a gardener's favorite. Here are some of the key features that make Lagerstroemia stand out:

• Showy and Long-lasting Flowers: Crape myrtles are renowned for their abundant and long-lasting flowers, which bloom in summer and often continue into fall. The flowers are borne in large clusters called panicles, with each flower having crinkled petals that resemble crepe paper.
• Variety of Colors and Sizes: Crape myrtles come in a wide array of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and lavender. They also vary in size, from dwarf shrubs to small trees, making them suitable for various garden settings.
• Attractive Exfoliating Bark: The bark of crape myrtles is another striking feature. It is thin and smooth, and as it sheds, it reveals colorful layers of brown, cinnamon, gray, or even reddish hues, adding visual interest, especially during the winter months.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, crape myrtles are relatively low-maintenance plants. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in various soil types.
• Adaptability: While adaptable to a wide range of climates and USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10, crape myrtles may require winter protection in Zone 6 and could experience dieback to the ground in harsh winters.
• Wildlife Value: Crape myrtles attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and provide habitat for birds.

Description and Details

Lagerstroemia Species The Lagerstroemia genus includes around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Here are some of the most notable species:

Size and Growth Habit Lagerstroemia species and cultivars vary greatly in size and growth habit. Some are small shrubs, reaching heights of only 3 to 5 feet, while others grow into larger shrubs or small trees, reaching up to 30 feet tall. The growth rate is generally moderate to fast, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year.

Crape myrtles can be multi-stemmed or single-trunked. They can grow as shrubs with multiple stems or be trained into small trees with a single trunk. The overall shape can be vase-shaped, rounded, or spreading, depending on the cultivar.

Bark The bark of Lagerstroemia is one of its most distinctive features. It is thin and smooth, and it exfoliates throughout the year, revealing a mottled appearance with colorful underbark ranging from brown and gray to cinnamon and reddish hues. This exfoliating bark adds significant winter interest to the landscape.

Leaves The leaves of Lagerstroemia are simple, opposite, or sometimes alternate or whorled. They are typically dark green and have an elliptic, obovate, or oblong shape with entire margins. The leaves emerge light green, often with a tinge of red, and mature to dark green by summer. In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red before falling off.

Flowers The flowers of Lagerstroemia are borne in terminal panicles, which are cone-shaped clusters at the branch tips. The flowers have crinkled petals that resemble crepe paper, and they come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and lavender. It is worth noting that flowers described as red are often a darker shade of pink, rather than a true red. The bloom time is typically from July to September, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.

Native Habitat Lagerstroemia is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and other parts of Oceania. It is also native to China, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia. The common crape myrtle (L. indica) is widely cultivated in warmer climates around the world.

Crape myrtles thrive in warm climates and prefer full sun. They are adapted to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and they have good drought tolerance once established.

Landscaping Design Tips Crape myrtles are versatile plants that can be incorporated into various landscape designs. Here are a few ideas:

• Specimen Planting: Plant a crape myrtle as a focal point in your garden, showcasing its beautiful blooms and attractive bark. For example, a mature 'Natchez' crape myrtle with its white flowers and cinnamon-brown bark can make a stunning centerpiece in a lawn or garden bed.
• Borders and Hedges: Use crape myrtles to create colorful borders or hedges, adding privacy and structure to your landscape. A row of different colored crape myrtles, such as 'Acoma' (white), 'Sioux' (pink), and 'Tonto' (red), can create a vibrant and long-blooming hedge.
• Containers: Grow dwarf crape myrtles in containers to add a touch of elegance to patios, balconies, or small gardens. The 'Petite' series offers a variety of colors in compact forms that are well-suited for container gardening.
• Foundation Plantings: Plant crape myrtles near your home's foundation to soften the architectural lines and add curb appeal. Smaller cultivars like 'Chickasaw' or 'Hopi' are good choices for foundation plantings.
• Street Trees: In urban settings, crape myrtles can be planted as street trees to provide shade and beauty. However, be mindful that the flowers of some cultivars may stain car paint.

When landscaping with crape myrtles, it is important to select your crape myrtle carefully to be sure it will be a good size for your space, as minimal pruning is advised. Combine them with complementary plants, such as evergreens, cherry trees, or perennials, to create a dynamic and multi-seasonal landscape.

Planting and Care

Planting The ideal time to plant crape myrtles is in the fall or spring. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Overly fertile soil can negatively affect flowering and increase the plant's susceptibility to winter injury, so avoid planting in excessively rich soil. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.

Before planting, remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care

• Watering: Water newly planted crape myrtles regularly to help them establish a strong root system. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during hot, dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize crape myrtles lightly in the spring before new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Crape myrtles require minimal pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Avoid excessive pruning, especially topping, which can ruin the natural form of the tree and reduce flowering. Here are the essential tools for pruning crape myrtle:
• Hand pruners to cut branches less than 1/2 inch thick.
• Loppers to cut branches 1- to 2-inches thick.
• Pole pruner or hand saw for larger branches.
• Heavy work gloves.
• Goggles for eye protection.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the crape myrtle to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the roots.
• Winter Protection: In colder climates (Zone 6 and below), crape myrtles may benefit from winter protection. Applying a winter mulch can help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Pests and Diseases: While generally low-maintenance, crape myrtles can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Powdery mildew and leaf spot are common fungal diseases. Aphids and scale insects can also infest crape myrtles. The crapemyrtle bark scale is an invasive pest that can cause significant damage. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help prevent and manage these issues.

Other Insights for Gardeners

Cultural Significance Crape myrtles have a rich cultural history. In the United States, they are considered an iconic plant of Southern gardens, symbolizing the region's beauty and resilience. In Japan, the crape myrtle is known as "saru suberi" (monkey slip), referring to its smooth, slippery bark. Interestingly, Lagerstroemia indica is a relic that has been preserved in cultivation around ancient Buddhist temples in China.

Potential Uses Beyond Landscaping In addition to their ornamental value, crape myrtles have some potential uses beyond landscaping. The leaves of L. speciosa, also known as banabá, are used in traditional medicine in some Asian countries as a tea preparation to help lower blood sugar levels. The timber of some Lagerstroemia species has been used to manufacture bridges, furniture, and railway sleepers.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The genus Lagerstroemia is named after Magnus von Lagerstroem, a Swedish botanist who directed the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century.
• The common name "crape myrtle" refers to the crepe-papery texture of the flowers and the myrtle-like features of the bark and foliage.
• In 1997, the Texas legislature designated the crape myrtle as the official Texas state shrub.
• Recent developments in crape myrtle breeding have led to the creation of black-leafed cultivars, adding a new dimension to the already diverse range of options.

Lagerstroemia, with its diverse species and cultivars, offers a wide range of options for gardeners. From the iconic Southern charm of Lagerstroemia indica to the unique features of Lagerstroemia speciosa and the disease resistance of Lagerstroemia fauriei, there is a crape myrtle to suit every garden and preference. The recent introduction of black-leafed cultivars further expands the possibilities for landscape design.

Beyond their ornamental value, crape myrtles hold cultural significance and have potential medicinal uses. Their attractive bark, long-lasting blooms, and vibrant fall foliage make them a valuable addition to any landscape. By carefully selecting the right cultivar for your space and following the planting and care tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your crape myrtles thrive and provide years of beauty and enjoyment in your garden.