Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

LAGERSTROEMIA indica

Image of Lagerstroemia indica

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Lythraceae

Botanical Name

LAGERSTROEMIA indica

Plant Common Name

Crapemyrtle

General Description

Crapemyrtle is a heat-loving, summer flowering shrub to small tree that originates from China. It is best known for its large clusters of brightly colored blooms that appear at its branch tips. These dazzling flowers can be in shades of white, red, purple or pink, depending on the cultivar (of which there are many).

The glossy leaves of crapemyrtle emerge pale green to bronze in the spring, turn dark to medium green in the summer, then transition to bronze, yellow, orange or red in the fall. Mature plants may adopt a beautiful vase-shape and often have attractive smooth or exfoliating bark, so they add winter interest to the garden.

Crapemyrtle is tolerant of a wide range of well drained soils and grows best in hot sunny locations. Foliar powdery mildew can be a problem and resistant varieties are available. This great small tree works well for foundation plantings or as a specimen plant in mixed borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Width

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    China, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Purple, Pink, Hot Pink, Magenta, Fuchsia, Dark Red, Lavender, Violet, Ivory

  • Fruit Color

    Chocolate, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Red, Orange

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sandy Brown, Ivory, Gray, Slate Gray

  • Bark Color Modifier

    Multi-Color, Spotted/Mottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Street Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No