What is the most popular crepe myrtle?

Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?

You can grow a crepe myrtle in two ways: bush and tree. The primary difference lies in their dimension. The bush remains below 11 feet in height, whereas the tree can reach 20 to 30 feet at maturity. Another important aspect is the number of stems or trunks.

How do I know what kind of crepe myrtle I have?

Leaves: Crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative. They have dark green leaves, with a red fringe upon opening. In the fall the leaves turn red, yellow, or orange. Leaf type is simple, shape is oval and venation is pinnate.

What is the hardiest crape myrtle?

Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Plant. Tougher than its Southern cousin, Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Tree tolerates subzero temperatures. Like other crape myrtles, this deciduous shrub provides months of interest in the landscape. From midsummer to fall, its bright red flower panicles are on full display.

Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?

Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it’s fine.

How many trunks should a crape myrtle have?

For most crape myrtles, choose three, five, or—at most—seven main trunks. An odd number of trunks is more pleasing to the eye than an even number, which often looks like soldiers in formation. Keep trunks that have ample space to grow and are growing straight and strong.

What is the longest blooming crape myrtle?

If you are looking for the longest bloom time look to the lavender purple Muskogee or the white Natchez. You will enjoy flowers for months! The Muskogee is also one the few Crape Myrtles that is recommended into a zone 11.

When should crepe myrtles be planted?

Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. First, learn some information about the lifespan and growth of your tree. Crepe myrtles range in size from dwarf selections (less than three feet tall) to some that can reach as tall as 30 feet.

Will crepe myrtles survive a freeze?

Crape Myrtle Cold Hardiness

Typical crape myrtles can usually tolerate winter temperatures that drop as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than 0 degrees and multiple hard freezes may cause crape myrtles to die back completely during the winter.

Can a crepe myrtle bush become a tree?

Whether you call them crepe myrtles or crape myrtles, these summer blooming plants are extremely adaptable and fast growing and are ideal for shaping into single- or multi-trunked trees. Pruning crapemyrtles into tree-forms accentuates plant architecture and highlights the showy, dappled bark.

Can a crepe myrtle be a bush?

They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single or multi-trunk specimens. With all of these options, you’ll be able to find the perfect crape myrtle for your garden.

Is crape myrtle a tree or a shrub?

Crapemyrtle (Crape Myrtle)Lagerstroemia indica. The common crapemyrtle is a deciduous, small to medium sized shrub or small tree with a variable, moderately dense habit, often multi-stemmed form. The showy pink flowers have wrinkled petals like crepe paper.

How do you take care of a crepe myrtle bush?

How to Care for Crape Myrtle
  1. Find Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. …
  2. Use Suitable Soil. …
  3. Fertilize Lightly. …
  4. Treat Fungus Before It Starts. …
  5. Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring. …
  6. Expose the Trunk for More Beauty. …
  7. Deadhead for Even More Flowers.

Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?

Cut the stem back as low to the ground as possible in this case. If you want to maintain a tree shape with your crape myrtle and don’t want it looking too shrubby, trim back the branches developing lower down on the main stems. This technique will help leave some headroom underneath the main branches.

Can you keep a crepe myrtle small?

The best way to keep a crepe myrtle small is to prune the plant regularly. Pruning can be carried out during any time of year, but it is best to prune in the spring if you don’t want to delay flowering. Be sure to cut off any branches that are growing diagonally or toward the ground.