Guide And Practice

Crape Myrtles

Lagerstroemia

Among the best of all summer flowering trees in the Mid Atlantic and southern U.S. as well as some parts of Europe, Asia, Australia and South America - the Crape Myrtle s are very easy to grow however thrive best on deep soil and a sheltered site. They are tolerant of heat, drought and humidity making them very versitile once established. They are also moderately salt tolerate making them suitable trees for parking lot islands and roadsides as well as the seashore. Crape Myrtles however do need full sun. They are often very fast growing and may reach 3 feet in the first season from 4 inch rooted cuttings planted in May. The flowers vary greatly in color depending on variety and the foliage in summer is generally glossy green and oval and up to 3.5 inches long. After the long bloom season is over there is usually a second show of color as the leaves turn in the fall at around the same time the seeds mature. On young trees it is best to remove the flower clusters after they are done blooming so that they do not way down the branches and that the energy goes into new growth the following year rather than seed production. Sometimes dead heading spent blooms will extend the blooming season later into the fall. Normal bloom time for the Crapes is from July to September. Powdery mildew was a fungus that would ruin the foliage on many of the older varieties by late in the summer; however most of the new hybrids are resistant. Many of these new hybrids were produced by the U.S. National Arboretum and are the combination of the colorful blooming traditional Lagerstroemia indica ( a native of warmer parts of China ) with the more cold tolorant, attractive barked Lagerstroemia faurei ( the Japanese Crape Myrtle ). Almost all these varieties are very trouble free and keep very healthy foliage long into the fall.
For all Lagerstroemia - pruning is very important. Since the tree forms are also often grown for their bark - Crapes are often sold as multi-stem however too many stems is bad as it will hinder the trees natural form and will end up looking like a big clump of sticks or just a huge overgrown shrub. Crape Myrtles are best trained to 1 to 3 main trunks ( or 5 in some not so huge varieties ) and trained to a sturdy framework of branches and limbed up as they grow in size so eventually you have a tree you can walk under. Such trees are excellent for small gardens and patios. As for the Dwarf varieties - little pruning is generally needed.
Crape Myrtles are usually easy to transplant as potted stock as long as not overly root bound and also somewhat easy to plant as ball and burlap. They do need to be kept moist and their roots kept free from competing plants such as turf until well established.
Propagation: soft to semi-softwood cuttings taken before blooming begins, root easily under mist, 1000 to 3000 ppm in 2 to 6 weeks.













* photos taken on July 27 2010 in Laurel, MD























* videos found on Youtube




Lagerstroemia Acoma ( Acoma Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small tree reaching a maximum size of 20 x 24 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The leaves are purplish during spring, turning to deep green during summer. They turn to red or purple during autumn. The leaves are up to 3 x 1.5 inches in size.
The white flower clusters, up to 12 x 5 inches, persist over a season lasting up to 90 days from mid summer to early autumn.
The bark is light grayish-brown to almost white.
Hardy north to zone 6b + ( wood hardy to - 12 F ). It will also grow as a perennial in zone 5 on protected sites if deeply mulched during winter. Mildew resistant.




* photo taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD














* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.






Lagerstroemia Apalachee ( Apalachee Crape Myrtle )
An upright, medium-sized tree, reaching a maximum size of 28 x 23 feet with a trunk diameter up to 2 feet across.
The foliage is bronzy-green at first, turning to glossy deep green.
In fall, the leaves turn intense orange to red.
The leaves are up to 3.5 x 2 inches in size.
The light-lavender flower clusters, up to 9.5 x 7 inches, are borne mid summer to early autumn.
The exfoliating bark is glowing cinnamon-orange.
Hardy zones 7+. Very resistant to mildew.



* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD





Lagerstroemia Arapho ( Arapho Crape Mytle )
A very fast growing, upright, vase-shaped, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 15 feet.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; 3 years - 15 feet; 13 years - 20 x 10 feet.
The foliage is vibrant red at first, soon turning to glossy deep green.
The leaves turn deep red to purplish-red during autumn.
The obovate leaves are up to 3 x 1.5 inches in size.
The intense deep red flower clusters, up to 7 x 4 inches, last all summer long.
The exfoliating bark is light tan color.
Hardy zones 7+ ( root hardy to zone 6 ). Very disease resistant

* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.










Lagerstroemia Bashams Party Pink ( Party Pink Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, rounded, medium-sized tree, reaching a maximum size of 50 x 40 ( averaging 35 x 35 ) feet.
Its mildew resistant, bright green leaves turn to orange and red during autumn.
The leaves are up to 4 x 1.5 inches in size.
Its huge, lavender-pink flower clusters, up to 18 x 8 inches, persist up to 80 days.
Hardy zones 8 to 9

Lagerstroemia Baton Rouge ( Baton Rouge Crape Myrtle )
A slow to moderate growing growing shrub with spreading to weeping branches, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 6 feet but averaging closer to 4 x 5 feet.
The foliage is luxuriant deep green, turning to yellow, orange and red during autumn, often with all colors being present on the same plant.
The rosy-red flowers are borne on large inflorescences during summer.
In very mild climates, it may bloom over an extremely long period from late spring to early fall.
The attractive exfoliating bark is reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 6b to 9.

Lagerstroemia Biloxi ( Biloxi Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, upright to arching tree, reaching a maximum size of 45 x 25 feet. Some records include - 12 years - 20 x 12 feet ( average ).
Its very mildew resistant leaves are purplish-red during spring, turning to glossy deep green during summer. The obovate leaves are up to 4 x 1.6 inches in size.
It bears deep pink, rounded flowers clusters, up to 12 x 8 inches, that persist up to 80 days.
The exfoliating gray and dark brown bark is very attractive.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.




* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.










Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Blush
A semi-dwarf form, reaching up to 12 x 12 feet; with blackish-burgundy foliage contrasting with pale-pink flowers. The flowers are borne mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.


Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Pure White
A semi-dwarf form, reaching up to 12 x 12 feet; with blackish-burgundy foliage contrasting with pure white flowers. The flowers are borne mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Black Diamond Red Hot
A semi-dwarf form, reaching up to 12 x 12 feet; with blackish-burgundy foliage contrasting with bright scarlet-red flowers. The flowers are borne mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

Lagerstroemia Burgundy Cotton
A fast growing, upright, multi-stemmed tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 10 ( rarely over 15 ) feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 + feet.
The foliage is deep red at first, turning reddish-green by late summer. They turn to orange-red during autumn.
The abundant, white flowers are borne late summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

* photos taken on May 21 2013 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on Aug 16 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Caddo ( Caddo Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, spreading large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 16 x 20 feet. Some records include: 15 years - 8 x 10 feet.
Its mildew resistant leaves are bright green during spring, turning to semi-glossy deep green during summer. The leaves turn to red during autumn.
The obovate leaves are up to 2.3 x 1.5 inches in size.
The bright pink flower clusters, up to 10 x 9 inches, persist up to 80 days.
The attractive exfoliating bark is bright orangish-brown.
Hardy zones 7+.




* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Lagerstroemia Carolina Beauty ( Carolina Beauty Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small tree reaching a maximum size of 30 x 20 feet.
The foliage is bright green during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to red in the fall. Unfortunately the foliage on this one is not mildew resistant.
Its blooms are red, lasting up to 65 days over the summer season.
The bark is grayish in color.
Hardy zones 6b+

Lagerstroemia Catawba ( Catawba Crape Myrtle )
A dense, rounded, large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 28 x 20 feet wide, however typically much less, especially on trees with many trunks. Some records include: 3 years - 10 x 8 feet.
The leathery foliage is purplish at first, turning to glossy deep green for summer. They turn intense orange-red during autumn.
The mid purplish-pink flower clusters, up to 7 x 6 inches, persist up to 70 days during summer.
Hardy zones 6b to 9. Very mildew resistant.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.








Lagerstroemia Cedar Red
Also called Cedar Lane Red. A fast growing, medium-size shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 10 feet.
The foliage is rich-red at first, turning to deep green during summer. They turn back to red or sometimes orange during autumn.
The flowers are a true red.
Hardy zones 6b to 9 ( north to zone 5a as a perennial )

Lagerstroemia Centennial Spirit ( Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle )
An upright growing tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 20 feet.
The mildew-resistant, thick foliage is glossy deep green, turning to purplish-red during autumn. The large, upright, deep red flower clusters, up to 12 x 8 inches, persist up to 110 days from mid summer to mid autumn.
This Crape Myrtle is hardy north to zone 7a and has survived as a perennial to as cold as - 28 F. Tolerant of cooler summers, thriving in western Oregon.

Lagerstroemia Cherry dazzle ( Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, spreading, small shrub, reaching up to 3.5 x 5 ( rarely over 2.7 x 3 ) feet in 3 years; 5 x 5 feet in 4 years, eventually 5 x 8 feet.
The leaves are bronze green turning dark green then orange-red-purple in the fall.
The flowers are scarlet-red.
Hardy zone 7 to 9. Very disease resistant.

* photos taken on Aug 17 2012 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on August 24 2010 in Columbia, MD


* photos taken on June 7 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 16 2012 in Columbia, MD


* photos taken on Aug 16 2013 in Columbia, MD
















Lagerstroemia Cheyenne ( Cheyenne Crape Myrtle )
A multi-trunked, upright, rounded shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 10 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 8 feet; 15 years - 10 x 10 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep reddish-green to deep green, turning to deep red during autumn. The leaves are up to 2 x 1.5 inches in size.
The deep pinkish-red flower clusters are up to 6 x 4 inches in size.
The attractive exfoliating bark is light reddish-tan color.
Hardy zones 7b to 9. Very mildew resistant.

* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.









* photo taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


Lagerstroemia Chica Red ( Chica Red Crape Myrtle )
An upright, dense, small shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet.
The foliage is purplish during early spring, turning to bright green during summer, then to red during autumn.
The red flowers are borne through most of the summer.
Hardy zones 7+
Chica Pink is similar with bright pink flowers.

Lagerstroemia Chickasaw ( Chickasaw Crape Myrtle )
A slow growing, compact, mounding, small shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 3.5 feet. Some records include: 5 years - 20 inches x 2 feet; 7 years - 2 x 2.5 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is bright green during spring, turning glossy deep green in summer. The leaves then turn to red in fall. The tiny leaves are up to 1.2 x 0.7 inches in size.
Its bears dense, small, light pink flower clusters, up to 1.2 x 1.5 inches, that persist up to 90 days over the summer season.
Hardy north to zone 7 ( 6 as perennial )
Cuttings typically root in 2 to 3 weeks under mist 1000 ppm IBA.

* photo taken on Aug 25 2012 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on Aug 18 2011 in Howard Co., MD


Lagerstroemia Choctow ( Choctow Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 30 feet.
Some records include: 20 years- 22 x 23 feet ( average ).
The Choctow Crape Myrtle is similar in habit to the American Elm.
The mildew resistant leaves are purplish-red at first, turning to deep green during summer. They turn to reddish-purple during autumn. The elliptical leaves are up to 3.5 x 1.5 inches in size.
The dark-pink flower clusters, up to 18 x 14 inches in size, persist up to 90 days from mid summer to early autumn.
The ornamental bark is orangish in color.
Hardy zones 7 +.



* photo taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD




* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.








Lagerstroemia Comanche ( Comanche Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, broad-spreading, large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet. Some records include: 15 years - 12 x 15 feet ( average ).
The mildew resistant foliage is purplish during spring turning to dark green in summer. The obovate leaves turn red in the fall.
The intense pink flower clusters, up to 10 x 9.5 inches, persist over 100 days from mid summer to early summer.
The bark is orangish in color and very attractive.
Hardy zones 6b +

Lagerstroemia Conestoga ( Conestoga Crape Myrtle )
A large open shrub, reaching a maximum size of 15 x 16 feet.
The semi-glossy leaves are deep green, turning to orangish-red during autumn.
The dense, lavender-pink flower clusters, up to 8 x 6.5 inches, are borne during mid to late summer.
The exfoliating bark is gray.
Hardy zones 7 +. Mildew resistant.

* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.






Lagerstroemia Coral Filli
A vigorous, low, bushy, dense, dwarf Crape Myrtle, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 3 feet. In the midwest, Great Lakes and New England, it is generally reduced to a perennial, however is still along with the other Filli hybrids, the hardiest of all Crape Myrtles. It has been proven to be solidly hardy in places such as Nebraska, Chicago ILL, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
In zone 5, the foliage appears around mid May and is red-green at first, turning to glossy deep green during summer then to bronze or purple-red during autumn.
The intense coral-pink flowers last from mid summer until autumn frosts.
The leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.7 inches, are very pest and disease resistant.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, tolerating at least as low as -30 F if mulched heavily on a well drained site during winter.

Lagerstroemia Crescent Moon
A dwarf, dense, rounded shrub, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet.
The foliage is luxuriant mid-green.
The abundant white flowers are borne mid summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, it is very disease resistant.

Lagerstroemia Dallas Red ( Dallas Red Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, broad, vase-shaped tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 20 feet.
The very mildew resistant, glossy deep green leaves, turn orange and yellow during autumn.
The large, intense, scarlet-red flower clusters, up to 16 inches in length, are borne during summer.
The attractive exfoliating bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 6 +, it is one of the most cold hardy Crape Myrtles.

Lagerstroemia Dazzle Me Pink
A slow growing, miniature, pink blooming Crape Myrtle, reaching up to 1.5 x 2 feet in 3 years; maturing at only 3 x 4 feet.

* photo taken on Aug 16 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Delta Jazz
A fast growing, vase-shaped small tree, reaching up to 10 x 8 feet. Some records include: 2 years - 5 x 4 feet. It is a stunning feature plant, especially against a white stucco wall.
The uniquely cupped foliage is blackish-red, turning to orange-red during autumn. The foliage retains its color very well during hot summers.
The flowers are intense bright pink.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, it is very disease resistant. Preferring hot summers, it can be planted in southern England and the Pacific Northwest if planted against a sunny south facing wall.

* photos taken on Sep 5 2012 in Burtonsville, MD




* photo taken on Aug 3 2013 in Columbia, MD


* photos taken on Sep 19 2013 in Columbia, MD








Lagerstroemia Dynamite ( Dynamite Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, upright tree. Some records include: 3 years - 10 feet; 4 years - 15 feet; largest on record - 40 x 20 ( rarely over 20 ) feet.
The very mildew resistant foliage is reddish during spring, turning to glossy dark green in summer. The leaves turn bright orange during autumn.
The scarlet-red flower clusters, up to 14 inches in length, persist up to 100 days over the summer season.
The handsome bark is peeling.
Hardy zones 6b + ( tolerates at least -5 F ).

* photo taken on June 1 2010 in Columbia, MD


* photos taken on July 27 2010 in Columbia, MD












Lagerstroemia faurei ( Japanese Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, large tree. Some records include: 35 years - 3 foot trunk diameter; largest on record - 65 x 50 feet. Just like Lagerstroemia indica, it is very long-lived, persisting as long as 400 years.
The mildew resistant deep green leaves turn red in the fall.
The white flower clusters, up to 5 x 6 inches, persist over a 70 day season.
Hardy zones 6b +, tolerating as low as -7 F with no damage.
This is one of the very few Crape Myrtles to thrive in the Vancouver and Seattle metro areas in the Pacific Northwest. Indian Crape Myrtle and any hybrids of such demand hot summers. This Crape Myrtle is NOT prone to pests or disease. Kiowa is a cultivar of L. faurei.




* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Lagerstroemia Fantasy White ( Fantasy White Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, graceful, vase-shaped, medium-size tree, reaching a maximum size of 65 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
Its mildew resistant foliage is deep green during summer, turning to yellow during autumn. Its blooms are white, persisting over a 70 days season.
The attractive exfoliating bark is red.
Hardy zones 6b+




Lagerstroemia faurei Kiowa ( Kiowa Crape Myrtle ) - no noticable difference from Lagerstroemia faurei

Lagerstroemia Hopi ( Hopi Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, dense, upright, oblong, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 20 feet.
The mildew resistant leaves are bright glaucous-green during spring turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn intense orange and red during autumn. The obovate leaves are up to 2.2 x 1.5 inches in size.
The abundant, intense mid-pink flower clusters, up to 6 x 7 inches, persist up to 100 days.
The bark is grayish-brown.
It is hardy north to zones 6 and reports of wood hardiness down to - 24 F need further verification. Can also be grown as a perennial in zone 5.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.






Lagerstroemia Lipan ( Lipan Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 25 feet.
The Lipan Crape Myrtle is similar in habit to the American Elm.
The mildew resistant foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. They turn to orange and red during autumn. The obovate leaves are up to 2.5 x 1.6 inches in size.
The purplish-red flower clusters, up to 7 x 9 inches, persist up to 80 days.
The attractive bark is whitish.
Hardy zones 6b +.


* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.












Lagerstroemia Majestic Orchid ( Majestic Orchid Crape Myrtle )

A heavy-stemmed, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 22 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are rich mid-green during summer.
The purplish-red flowers are borne on large clusters.
Hardy zones 7 +.

Lagerstroemia Miami ( Miami Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, upright tree. Some records include: largest on record - 30 x 25 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The highly mildew resistant leaves are deep red during spring spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to red in fall. The obovate leaves are up to 3.5 x 1.4 inches.
The intense deep pink flower clusters, up to 10 x 10 inches, persist up to 100 days.
The bark is deep brown.
Hardy zones 7 +.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.








Lagerstroemia Muskogee ( Muskogee Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, medium-sized tree. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; largest on record - 45 x 40 feet trunk diameter up to 2 feet.
The highly mildew resistant foliage is deep green, turning to yellow and red during autumn.
The obovate leaves are up to 3.6 x 2 inches.
The lavender-pink flower clusters up to 12 x 5 inches, persist up to 120 days over the summer season.
The attractive bi-color bark is gray and pale brown.
Hardy zones 6b +, one tree is known to grow in zone 6a Oxford, Ohio. It can also be grown in zone 5 and 6 as a perennial on protected sites with a deep winter mulch.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
























* photo taken on Sep 3 2012 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Natchez ( Natchez Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, medium-sized tree. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 7 feet; largest on record - 50 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.2 feet.
The highly mildew resistant foliage is bright green during spring, turning to glossy deep green in summer. The leaves turn to a combination of orange, reds and purples in the fall. The oblong leaves are up to 3.3 x 1.6 inches in size.
The huge, white clusters, up to 12 x 8 inches, persist up to 110 days during mid summer to fall.
Hardy zones 6 + ( root hardy to -17 F on sheltered sites ). May also be propagated by hardwood cuttings rooted in cold frames during late fall and winter.






* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.














* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC










Lagerstroemia Osage ( Osage Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, semi-pendulous, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 25 feet.
The mildew resistant leaves are light glaucous green during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to red during autumn.
The obovate leaves are up to 4 x 1.6 inches in size.
The deep pink flower clusters, up to 8 x 6 inches, persist up to 100 days over the summer season.
The bark is also a real attractive indian-red color.
Hardy zones 7b +.
It is best pruned to 1 or 3 trunks when young and limbed up and thinned.




* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.




Lagerstroemia Pecos ( Pecos Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, spreading, rounded, medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 15 x 8 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to purplish-red in fall. The obovate leaves are up to 2.4 x 1 inches.
The intense pink flower clusters, up to 8 x 8 inches, persist up to 100 days over the summer season.
The multicolor exfoliating bark is gray and dark brown.
Hardy zones 7 +.

Lagerstroemia Peppermint Lace ( Peppermint Lace Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, upright, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 20 feet.
The moderately mildew resistant foliage is reddish during spring, turning to bright green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow in the fall.
The blooms over the summer season last up to 100 days and are deep pinkish-red ( edged in white ).
Hardy zones 7+.

Lagerstroemia Petite Orchid ( Petite Orchid Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, upright, small to medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet. The foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow in autumn.
The orchid-purple flower clusters, persist up to 90 days over the summer.
Hardy zones 6 +.

Lagerstroemia Petite Plum ( Petite Plum Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small to medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet. The foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow during autumn.
The red-purple flower clusters, persist up to 90 days during the summer.
Hardy zones 7 +.

Lagerstroemia Petite Red Imp ( Petite Red Imp Crape Myrtle )
A moderate-growing, small shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet.
The foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow during autumn.
The red flower clusters, persist up to 90 days over the summer.
Hardy zones 7 +. Unfortunately it is not mildew resistant.

Lagerstroemia Petite Snow ( Petite Snow Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small to medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 4 feet.
The foliage is purplish during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow during autumn.
The white flower clusters, persist up to 90 days over the summer.
Hardy zones 7 +.

* photo taken on Sep 5 2012 in Burtonsville, MD


Lagerstroemia Pink Velour ( Pink Velour Crape Myrtle )
An upright, somewhat rounded, small tree. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 3 feet; 3 years - 10 feet; 5 years - 13 x 6 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 inches; largest on record - 20 x 25 feet.
Its mildew resistant leaves are purplish-red during spring and summer. They turn to orange and red in the fall. In very hot climates, the foliage may turn to deep green by late summer.
The blooms are intense pink and last up to 120 days during the summer season.
Hardy zones 6b+ ( tolerates -8 F as woody plant, -13 F as perennial ).


* photo from unknown source on internet


* photo taken on August 24 2010 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on June 8 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on July 30 2012 in Ellicott City, MD

* photo taken on July 21 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 18 2013 in Ellicott City, MD




* photo taken on July 30 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Pixie White ( Pixie White Crape Myrtle )
A dwarf, spreading, small to medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 6 ( usually half that ) feet.
The foliage is deep green.
The white flowers are borne on abundant, small pyramidal panicles all summer long.
Hardy zones 7 +.

* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park


Lagerstroemia Plum Magic
An upright shrub ( or miniature tree with training ), reaching up to 10 x 10 feet, with foliage that is deep reddish-purple at first, turning to very deep green during summer.
The flowers are intense fuchsia-pink.
The attractive bark is cinnamon-brown.
Hardy zones 6 to 9. Mildew and leaf spot resistant.

* photo taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD




* photo taken on Sep 5 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on May 20 2013 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Pocomoke ( Pocomoke Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, dense, rounded, small shrub. Some records include: 5 years - 3 x 5 feet; largest on record - 5.5 x 7 feet.
The highly mildew resistant leaves are purplish during spring, turning to luxuriant deep green during summer then to red during autumn.
The leaves are up to 1.5 x 0.7 inches in size.
The intense hot pink flower clusters, up to 1.5 x 2 inches, during mid summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 7+ ( young plants may be cut back to the ground during the winter...do not remove them until at least mid May as they will often regrow vigorously ). Young plants may sometimes grow too dense, thinning them during late winter may increase growth and size during the following summer. Overgrown plants can be cut back to near the base during winter and will regenerate quickly.
Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings taken before flowering root easily in about 4 weeks under mist at 1000 ppm IBA.
* photo taken on Aug 25 2012 in Baltimore Co., MD








* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.










* photo taken on July 13 2010 in Columbia, MD







* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on Aug 25 2012 in Harford Co., MD

* photos taken on Aug 18 2013 in Columbia, MD






Lagerstroemia Potomac ( Potomac Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, upright, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 26 x 15 feet.
The moderately mildew resistant foliage is purplish at first during spring, turning to deep green in the summer. The leaves turn to red during autumn.
The light pink flower clusters, up to 11 x 7 inches, persist up to 90 days during the summer season.
Hardy zones 7b +.









* photo taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD












* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.






* photo taken on July 27 2010 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Powhatan ( Powhatan Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, dense, rounded, vase-shaped, large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet.
The mildew resistant, glossy mid-green leaves turn red during the fall.
The reddish-purple flower clusters, are up to 13 x 10 inches, persist up to 75 days during the summer season.
Hardy zones 7+.



* photos taken on July 4 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
















Lagerstroemia Raspberry Dazzle ( Raspberry Dazzle Crape Myrtle )
A small shrub, reaching up to 5 x 3 feet in 5 years.
It has raspberry-red flowers and its leaves are dark shiny green turning red in fall.
Hardy zones 7 +. Disease resistant.

Lagerstroemia Raspberry Sundae ( Raspberry Sundae Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, dense, upright, columnar, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 22 x 14 feet.
The somewhat mildew resistant foliage is reddish during spring, turning to deep green during summer. The leaves turn red in the fall.
The red flower clusters, up to 9 inches in length, persist up to 90 days, during late summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 6+ ( killed to ground at -13 F ).

* photo from unknown source on internet


* photos taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD




Lagerstroemia Razzle Dazzle
A small shrub, reaching up to 5 x 3 feet in 4 years and eventually more, it has glossy deep green foliage and profuse deep pink-red flowers.
The foliage turns deep red in fall.
Raspberry Dazzle is similar and moderate growing, reaching up to 2.7 x 2.7 feet in 3 years; eventually up to 4 x 5 feet.

Lagerstroemia Red Filii
A vigorous, compact, dwarf, small shrub, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet, as a perennial in colder climates it may remain under 1.5 x 1.5 feet.
The foliage is luxuriant mid-green.
The abundant bright red flowers are borne mid summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( 4 & 5 as a perennial, tolerating as low as -30 F ). In colder zones where it is grown as a perennial, mulch crown heavily during winter to increase survival rates.

Lagerstroemia Red Rocket
A narrow, upright tree, reaching an eventual maximum size of 30 x 10 feet. Some records include: 3 years - 7 feet.
The highly disease resistant foliage is purplish-red during spring and early summer, turning to deep green. During autumn, the foliage turns back to bronze-red.
The spectacular intense deep red flowers are borne on huge panicles up to 20 inches in length.
Hardy zones 6b to 9. It is very easy to propagate from cuttings.

LagerstroemiaRegal Red
A large shrub to small tree, reaching up to 15 x 20 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is mid-green.
The flowers are intense pinkish-red.
Hardy zones 6 to 9

Lagerstroemia Rhapsody in Pink
An upright small tree, reaching up to 15 + x 12 feet. Fast growing, it can grow at rates exceeding 4 feet when young.
The foliage is deep reddish-purple at first later turning to deep green. The leaves turn to orange and red during autumn.
The pale pink flowers are borne profusely mid-summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

* photo taken on Aug 5 2013 in Elkridge, MD




Lagerstroemia Ruby Dazzle
is similar except to Pocomoke for having deep red-purple foliage and somewhat sparse pink flowers. It makes an excellent substitute for Crimson Pygmy Barberry. Moderate growing; it can reach up to 1.5 x 2.5 feet in 3 years; eventually 3 x 4 feet.

* photo taken on Aug 25 2012 in Columbia, MD



* photos taken on June 17 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Seminole
A domed small tree, reaching up to 20 x 20 feet, with mildew-resistant mid-green foliage turning orange and red during autumn.
The abundant intense mid-pink flowers are borne mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

* photo taken on Sep 21 2013 in Harford Co., MD


Lagerstroemia Sioux
An upright small tree, reaching up to 15 feet. Some records include: 4 years - 14 x 6.5 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green, turning to red during autumn.
The intense mid-pink flowers are borne on large clusters.
The bark is grayish-brown.
Hardy zones 6b to 9.

* photos taken on Sep 5 2012 in Burtonsville, MD




Lagerstroemia Snow Dazzle
is similar and is the worlds first white flowering dwarf Crape Myrtle. It can reach up to 2.3 x 2 feet in 3 years; eventually 3 x 4 feet.
The Dazzle series Crape Myrtles are generally highly mildew resistant and often repeat bloom during autumn if deadheaded.

Lagerstroemia Sweetheart Dazzle
A moderate growing, very dense, compact, dwarf shrub, reaching up to 4 x 5 feet.
The deep green foliage is mildew-resistant. The foliage turns to orange-red in fall.
The abundant, intense deep pink flowers are borne early summer to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

* photos taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD





Lagerstroemia Red Filli
A vigorous, low, bushy, dense, dwarf Crape Myrtle, reaching a maximum size of 3.3 x 3.5 feet. In the midwest, Great Lakes and New England, it is generally reduced to a perennial, however is still along with the other Filli hybrids, the hardiest of all Crape Myrtles. It has been proven to be solidly hardy in places such as Nebraska, Chicago ILL, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Plants form a 5 gallon plant in nursery production in as little as 2 years.
In zone 5, the foliage appears around mid May and is red-green at first, turning to glossy deep green during summer then to bronze or purple-red during autumn.
The intense hot-reddish-pink to red flowers last from mid summer until autumn frosts.
The leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.7 inches, are very pest and disease resistant.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, tolerating at least as low as -30 F if mulched heavily on a well drained site during winter.

Lagerstroemia Red Rocket ( Red Rocket Crape Myrtle )
A narrow, columnar, small to medium-sized tree. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 5 feet; largest on record - 38 x 15 feet.
The very mildew resistant foliage is reddish at first, turning to deep green with reddish tinge for summer. The leaves turn back to red during fall.
The huge, intense red flower clusters, up to 22 inches in length, last up to 100 days.
Hardy zones 7 + ( tolerates -8 F ).

* photos taken on July 27 2010 in Columbia, MD


Lagerstroemia Regal Red ( Regal Red Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, upright, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 15 feet.
Its mildew resistant foliage is light green for most of the season turning red in the fall.
The deep red flower clusters persist up to 70 days over the summer season.
Hardy zones 6b +.

Lagerstroemia Royal Velvet ( Royal Velvet Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 12 feet.
The very mildew resistant, thick, leathery foliage is deep red during spring, turning to purple or purplish-green during summer. The leaves turn to orange or red during autumn.
The intense pink flowers are borne during the summer. The flowers open from red buds.
Hardy zones 6+.

Lagerstroemia Ruby Dazzle ( Ruby Dazzle Crape Myrtle )
This disease free shrub Crape is an excellent alternative to the Crimson Pygmy Barberry. It has dense ruby red foliage and pink flowers. It reaching up to 3 x 3 feet in 4 years, eventually slightly larger if not cut back hard during late winter.

* photo taken on Aug 25 2012 in Columbia, MD

Lagerstroemia Sarahs Favorite ( Sarahs Favorite Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, medium-sized, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 50 x 30 feet. It is similar in appearance to Natchez.
Its mildew resistant foliage is deep green until autumn when it turns red.
This plant is a white festival of bloom over most of the summer season into fall lasting up to 120 days.
Hardy zones 6 +.

Lagerstroemia Seminole ( Seminole Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, rounded, large shrub to small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 20 feet.
Its mildew resistant leaves are purplish during spring, turning to glossy mid-green in summer. The leaves turn to yellow in the fall.
The medium-pink flower clusters, up to 8 x 7 inches, persist up to 75 days during the summer.
Hardy zones 7+.


* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
















Lagerstroemia Sioux ( Sioux Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 20 feet.
The mildew resistant leaves are reddish during spring turning burgundy tinged deep green in summer. They turn to deep red in fall.
Its deep pink to reddish-purple flower clusters, up to 9 x 7 inches, last up to 100 days during the summer season.
The bark is gray-brown.
Hardy zones 7+.


Lagerstroemia Siren Red ( Siren Red Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing, large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 12 feet.
Some records include: 1st year - 3 feet; 3 years - 8 feet.
The very mildew resistant foliage is wine-red during spring, turning to deep green during summer. The leaves turn intense orangish-red during fall.
The intense deep red flowers persist late into fall.
The attractive exfoliating bark is brownish-red.
Hardy zones 7+.

Lagerstroemia Tonto ( Tonto Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing shrub or small tree ( depending on how pruned ), reaching a maximum size of 16 x 22 feet. Some records include: 5 years - 10 x 9 feet; 10 years - 16 x 18 feet.
The mildew resistant leaves are purplish during spring turning to green with red tinge in summer. The leaves turn to purple in fall.
It bears purplish-red flower clusters, up to 8 x 5 inches, persist up to 75 days. The bark is whitish and very attractive!
Hardy zones 7+ ( 6b with occasional winter dieback, one clone is reported to have grown in zone 6a as a tree wood hardy down to - 20 F ).



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
















* photo taken on July 20 2012 in Columbia, MD

Lagerstroemia Tuskarora ( Tuskarora Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, small to medium-sized tree.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 feet; largest on record - 45 x 20 feet.
The highly mildew resistant leaves are reddish during spring, turning to glossy deep green in summer. The leaves turn to red in fall. The leaves are up to 3.2 x 1.6 inches in size.
It bears purplish red flower clusters, lasting up to 70 days in clusters to 12 x 8 inches.
The bark is pale-brown.
Hardy zones 7b +.


* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photo taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Townhouse
Similar to Natchez, reaching 30 feet or more, with deep reddish-brown bark. It is mildew resistant.

Lagerstroemia Tuskeegie ( Tuskeegie Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing, horizontally-branched, small to medium-sized tree, reaching a maximum size of 45 x 34 feet.
It has mildew resistant foliage that is reddish during spring, turning deep green in summer. The elliptical leaves, up to 4 x 2.3 inches, turn to red in the fall.
The dark reddish-pink flower clusters, up to 14 x 7 inches, persist up to 100 days during mid summer to early autumn.
The attractive bark is light-gray and tan mottled.
Hardy zones 6b+.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photo taken on 4th of July in Washington, D.C.


Lagerstroemia Velmas Royal Delight ( Velmas Royal Delight Crape )
A moderate growing, medium-sized shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is deep green during summer, turning to red in autumn.
The intense purplish-red to violet-purple flower clusters, are up to 9 inches in length.
The exfoliating bark is reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 6+ ( reportedly wood hardy to - 18 F ).

Lagerstroemia Victor ( Victor Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, medium-sized shrub, reaching up to 5 feet in 5 years with a maximum size of 6 x 8 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is reddish during spring, turning to deep green during summer. The leaves, up to 2 x 1.3 inches in size, can turn either yellow or red during autumn.
It bears bright red flower clusters lasting up to 85 days during the summer.
Hardy zones 6b +.

Lagerstroemia Violet Filli
A vigorous, low, bushy, dense, dwarf Crape Myrtle, reaching a maximum size of 1.5 x 3 feet. In the midwest, Great Lakes and New England, it is generally reduced to a perennial, however is still along with the other Filli hybrids, the hardiest of all Crape Myrtles. It has been proven to be solidly hardy in places such as Nebraska, Chicago ILL, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
In zone 5, the foliage appears around mid May and is red-green at first, turning to glossy deep green during summer then to orange-red during autumn.
The profuse, vibrant, violet flowers last from mid summer until autumn frosts.
The leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.7 inches, are very pest and disease resistant.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, tolerating at least as low as -30 F if mulched heavily on a well drained site during winter.

Lagerstroemia Watermelon Red ( Watermelon Red Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 25 feet.
It leafs out purplish then turning bright green in summer. The leaves turn to red in the fall. Unfortunately the foliage is not mildew resistant.
Hardy zones 7+.

Lagerstroemia White Chocolate ( White Chocolate Crape Myrtle )
A moderate growing, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 16 x 16 feet.
It form a spectacular display against a white, pale blue or gray colored wall with its large white flower clusters combined with foliage that transitions from red in spring to very dark purple in summer then back to red in fall.
The leaves turn to yellow and orange during autumn.
The attractive exfoliating bark is brownish-red.
Hardy zones 7+ ( 6b on protected sites ). Mildew resistant.

* photo taken on Aug 17 2012 in Columbia, MD

Lagerstroemia Wichita ( Wichita Crape Myrtle )
A vase-shaped small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 24 ( averaging 20 x 15 ) feet.
The glossy foliage is purplish-green during spring, turning to deep green during summer. The fall color is deep red. The leaves are up to 3 x 2 inches in size.
The large lavender flower clusters persist from mid-summer to mid-autumn.
The attractive exfoliating bark is reddish-brown.
Hardy zones 7+. Mildew resistant.





Lagerstroemia Yuma ( Yuma Crape Myrtle )
A fast growing small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 20 feet.
The mildew resistant foliage is bronzy-green during spring, turning to deep green in summer. The leaves, up to 3 x 1.6 inches in size, turn to red in the fall.
The large, light pink, flower clusters, up to 14 x 9 inches, persist up to 90 days during the summer.
The bark is pale-gray.
Hardy zones 7+.


* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.




Lagerstroemia Zuni ( Zuni Crape Myrtle )
A very fast growing small tree, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 25 feet.
The mildew resistant leaves are purplish during spring turning to glossy deep green in summer. The leaves, up to 2.2 x 1.2 inches, turn to orange or red during autumn.
The purplish-red flower clusters, to 6 x 5 inches, persist up to 100 days during mid summer to early autumn.
The bark is brownish-gray.
Hardy zones 7b +.



* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.




Other Crape Myrtles

Lagerstroemia chekiangensis ( Zhejiang Crape Myrtle )
Reaches up to 22 feet in 10 years. Hardy north to North Carolina.

Lagerstroemia limlii ( Chinese Crape Myrtle )
A very rare, hardy small tree native to southeast China that can reach up to 27 feet.
The drooping leaves are long and narrow, up to 7 x 3 inches.
The thick blue-green foliage turns a very attractive orange-red in autumn.
The flowers are soft lavender pink to purple.
The bark is peeling and attractive.
Hardy zones 6 to 9.

Lagerstroemia parviflora
A large tree. Some records include: first year from seed - 1 foot.
The leaves are up to 4 inches in length.
The fragrant flowers are white.
The attractive bark is bright brown.