Crape Myrtle

Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia indica L.
Family: Lythraceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 7-14, 18-21, 25-31
USDA: 7-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Tolerates the low deserts if the irrigation schedule fits its needs

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: China, Korea

Growth Habits: Deciduous, upright shrub or tree, usually 3 to 30 feet tall (9 m) depending on the variety, although large specimens can be much larger; dark green leaves, 1 to 2 inches long (2.5-5 cm)

Flowers: Pink, red or blue flowers

Watering Needs: Moderate water

Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed

• by softwood stem tip cuttings. Use intermittent mist. Root in 8-15 weeks. Cuttings should be collected during the warm season. Use very tender wood, red or pink growth..
• by seeds.

There are a number of cultivars of crape myrtle available with different flower color and size, as well as cold resistance. Many are hybrid of Lagerstroemia indica x Lagerstroemia fauriei.

Blooming Habits:
The Crape Myrtle has showy red, white, pink, or purple flowers, 0.6 to 2 inches in diameter (1.5-5.0 cm), in long tapered clusters, 5 to 16 inches long or more (12-40 cm), with 25 to 500 flowers. The Crape Myrtle blooms all the summer.

Culture:
Feed with a general purpose fertilizer in February-March before the new growth starts. The Crape Myrtle are one of the favorite plants for aphids. They need to be checked regularly. Aphid infestations can be controlled with insecticide soap.