Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are show-stopping landscape stars with their vibrant blooms, sculptural bark, and colorful fall foliage. Whether you’re growing them as shrubs or trees, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow crepe myrtles with confidence.

About Crepe Myrtle

These ornamental trees and shrubs are beloved for their long-lasting summer flowers and multi-season appeal. Crepe myrtles come in a wide range of sizes and colors, making them suitable for almost any garden style.

Crepe myrtles are deciduous trees or shrubs native to Asia, widely cultivated in warm climates. Known for their long-lasting blooms, they’re available in a variety of sizes, from compact dwarf varieties to towering tree forms. Their ruffled flowers appear in summer and range in color from white and pink to deep purple and red.

Best Time to Plant

Timing is everything when planting crepe myrtles. Giving them the right start sets the stage for healthy growth and flowering.

Planting Season – Early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the roots to establish before summer heat or winter chill sets in.

Where to Plant Crepe Myrtle

Choosing the right location will maximize your crepe myrtle’s potential. These sun-loving plants thrive with the right exposure and soil.

Sunlight – Full sun is a must. Crepe myrtles need at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom profusely.
Soil – Well-draining soil is essential. They tolerate a range of soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.5).
Spacing – Check the mature size of your variety. Space dwarf forms 3–6 feet apart and trees 10–20 feet apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.

How to Plant

Proper planting technique makes a huge difference in establishing a strong, healthy plant. Follow these steps to give your crepe myrtle the best start.

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
2. Amend soil with compost if your soil is heavy clay or very sandy.
3. Place the plant in the hole, keeping the root flare slightly above ground level.
4. Backfill and water deeply.
5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it a few inches from the trunk.

Watering and Feeding

Once established, crepe myrtles are low-maintenance, but the first year is key for root development. A regular watering and feeding routine helps set them up for success.

Watering – Water deeply during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, crepe myrtles are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing – Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth over flowers.

Pruning Tips

Pruning crepe myrtles is more art than science. Done correctly, it encourages blooms and enhances shape—done poorly, it can damage your plant.

When – Late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How – Remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid the harsh practice known as “topping” or “crepe murder”—it ruins natural shape and weakens the plant.
Encourage blooms – Light thinning of interior branches increases air circulation and flower production.

Common Pests and Problems

Crepe myrtles are fairly resilient but can be affected by a few common issues. Knowing what to watch for makes treatment easier.

Powdery Mildew – Ensure proper spacing and air circulation. Choose mildew-resistant varieties in humid areas.
Aphids – Look for sooty mold or sticky leaves. Hose them off or treat with insecticidal soap.
Japanese Beetles – Handpick or use traps placed away from the plants.

Crepe Myrtle Varieties to Try

With so many cultivars available, there’s a crepe myrtle for every garden. Here are a few popular and reliable options to consider.

• ‘Natchez’ – Large white-flowered tree with attractive peeling bark.
• ‘Tuscarora’ – Coral-pink blooms with excellent mildew resistance.
• ‘Dynamite’ – Vivid red flowers and compact form.
• ‘Tonto’ – A dwarf variety ideal for smaller landscapes.

Propagation

Want to multiply your favorite crepe myrtle? It’s easy to propagate from cuttings or seed with a bit of care.

From Cuttings – Softwood cuttings in summer root well. Use rooting hormone and keep them moist until established.
From Seed – Possible but less reliable and slower than cuttings.

Overwintering

Though crepe myrtles are tough, they still benefit from a bit of cold-weather care in cooler zones. A little preparation helps them bounce back stronger.

In zones 7–10, crepe myrtles are reliably hardy. In cooler areas (zone 6), dieback may occur, but roots often survive and sprout again in spring.
Add extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots in borderline zones.

Crepe Myrtle Care Calendar

Stay on top of seasonal tasks with this quick monthly guide to care.

Master Gardener Tips

A few expert tips can make all the difference in growing lush, vibrant crepe myrtles. Avoid these common mistakes and maximize your plant’s beauty.

• Don’t plant too deep—this is a common mistake that stunts growth.
• If your crepe myrtle isn’t blooming, it’s likely due to lack of sunlight or over-fertilizing with nitrogen-heavy products.
• Consider underplanting with low-growing perennials or mulch to protect the shallow roots and retain soil moisture.

Final Thoughts

Crepe myrtles are one of the easiest and most rewarding ornamental plants to grow in warmer climates. With minimal maintenance and year-round interest—from brilliant blooms to beautiful bark—they’re a must-have for Southern-style gardens and beyond.