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Crape Myrtle, Red
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a staple of Southern landscapes, known for its long-lasting summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Though it lacks the powdery mildew resistance found in newer cultivars, it remains popular due to its adaptability and striking floral display. It thrives in Texas landscapes, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soils once established. This deciduous tree or large shrub is an excellent choice for ornamental planting, street trees, or privacy screens.
Crape Myrtles prefer full sun and well-draining soil, though they tolerate a range of soil types, including both acidic and alkaline conditions. They are relatively deer-resistant and do not have toxic properties, making them a safe choice for residential gardens. Regular pruning encourages a strong structure and prolific blooming, but avoid over-pruning, which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers. These trees bloom on new wood, so late winter pruning is ideal.
One distinguishing feature of Crape Myrtles is their range of growth habits. The standard non-cultivar versions can reach anywhere from 10 to 25 feet tall with a spread of 8 to 20 feet. There are other cultivars available that can exceed these sizes, or others to be much smaller. When planting in a row or grouping, space the standard non-cultivars 8 to 12 feet apart.
During winter, Crape Myrtles are fully deciduous, dropping their leaves to reveal striking exfoliating bark in shades of cinnamon, gray, or brown. In Texas, they generally do not require winter protection, as most varieties are hardy to USDA zones 7-10. However, young trees may benefit from a layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots in colder northern regions of the state.
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Heat Tolerant |
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Long Blooming |
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Urban Friendly |
Flower Color:Red
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Height:25 Feet
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Spread:15 Feet
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Spacing:8-10 ft
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USDA Hardiness Zone 7a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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