Crepe Myrtle

UsesShrub, Flowering Tree
Scientific NameLagerstroemia fauriei
Cold HardinessYes
Light NeedsFull Sun
Flower ColorRed, Pink, White
BloomsEarly Summer
Water NeedsDrought tolerant once established
LeavesGreen
E/DDeciduous
Life – A/P lengthPerennial1
Mature Height 12-13 Feet
Growth RateModerate
Pink Crepe Myrtle
Pink Crepe Myrtle – Click to Enlarge

Seen all over the south, crepe myrtle is a very hearty, cheerful species. Trained as a tree, it can line a walkway without grabbing the pedestrians when you train the canopy above 6 feet or so. Used as a shrub, just remember it grows tall. Anchoring the corners of houses, they become an important and perfect accent. Varieties include single trunk and multi trunk. Many Orlando cities use single trunk on highway medium to have a colorful flowering tree that won’t block the traffic view. Putting several together can focus a special feature in the landscape. Another point to remember: they do lose their leaves in the winter. Study the mature growth characteristics to ensure that the landscape space you choose for your crepe myrtle allows it to spread its canopy, so you don’t have to prune too frequently.

Although most popular with a fusia colored flower, several varieties have been developed including pink, white, and black. To control the size of a crepe myrtle, prune them back when they are dormant. The flowers present a bountiful display as they bloom from May through October in the Orlando area.

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Buy at an Orlando Nursery near you

  • Pokey’s Lake Jem Citrus Nursery

    3259 N. Orange Blossom Trail Zellwood, FL 32798

    Only Fruit Trees, no shipping
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