Crepe Myrtle Plant Care

Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia calyculata) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Lagerstroemia genus. Crepe Myrtle is native to Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Crepe Myrtle displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Crepe Myrtle produces showy clusters of pink, purple, white, or red flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Crepe Myrtle every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Crepe Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lagerstroemia calyculata tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Crepe Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Crepe Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Crepe Myrtle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Crepe Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Crepe Myrtle can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Crepe Myrtle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Crepe Myrtle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Crepe Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crepe myrtle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Crepe Myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Crepe Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Crepe Myrtle is native to Southeast Asia and Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Crepe Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.