WSU Clark County Extension
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Crape Myrtle

Scientific name: Lagerstroemia indica
Taxonomy
Family:Lythraceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:7 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:15 ft
Width:12 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:July to September
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Northwest gardeners can grow Crape Myrtle that is one of the most commonly planted deciduous shrubs in the southern portions of the United States.

  Morphology:
This deciduous shrub can attain a height of 15’ and attain nearly the same width. It forms a multi-stemmed form with a dense branching habit. Leaves are 2”-8” long depending upon the cultivar. They are arranged in an opposite to whorled fashion. During the growing season the leaves are glossy green but in the fall they can turn shades of yellow, to orange-red in color.

Flowers are borne during the summer months, forming large showy clusters which come in shades of pink, purple, lavender and red, depending upon the cultivar. Crape Myrtles are some of the longest blooming shrubs in the garden.

Flowers yield fruit which are brown or black. When mature the fruit split open to yield disk shaped seeds.

Many types have interesting bark that exfoliates in thin flakes exposing lovely cinnamon or gray inner bark

  Adaptation:
Crape Myrtle prefers moist sites but will survive on dry sites once it is established. They can also be trained to form small trees if so desired.

  Pests:
Crape myrtles are especially attractive to aphids. The sticky exudate from the aphids leads to the growth of sooty mold which can mar the beauty of the foliage during the summer.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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