Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Giant Crape Myrtle Plant Care
Lagerstroemia caudata Chun & F.C.How ex S.K.Lee & L.F.Lau
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its large, dark green leaves with striking red veins. Originating from Southeast Asia, specifically Myanmar and Thailand, collectors are drawn to its unique foliage and stunning red flowers that bloom in clusters, adding a pop of color to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Crape Myrtle?
Plant Giant Crape Myrtle in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Giant Crape Myrtle?
Giant Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia caudata) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Lagerstroemia genus. Giant Crape Myrtle is native to Southeast Asia.
Giant Crape Myrtle displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Giant Crape Myrtle produces showy clusters of pink, purple, white, or red flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Water a young or newly planted Giant Crape 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Giant Crape Myrtle Need?
Giant Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Crape Myrtle Prefer?
Lagerstroemia caudata tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Giant Crape Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Giant Crape Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Feed Giant Crape 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Giant Crape Myrtle?
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.
Giant Crape 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Giant Crape 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.
How Do You Prune a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Prune Giant Crape 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.
How Do You Care for a Giant Crape Myrtle in Winter?
Giant Crape 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.
How Do You Propagate a Giant Crape Myrtle?
Giant Crape Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to crepe myrtle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant Crape Myrtle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant Crape Myrtle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Giant Crape Myrtle?
Giant Crape 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Giant Crape Myrtle Need?
Giant Crape Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Giant Crape Myrtle is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Giant Crape Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Giant Crape Myrtle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lagerstroemia genus — compare its care with other Lagerstroemia species on PlantoScan.
Lagerstroemia is part of the Lythraceae plant family — browse all Lythraceae genera and species.
Giant Crape Myrtle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lagerstroemia Species
Other Lagerstroemia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lagerstroemia caudata Chun & F.C.How ex S.K.Lee & L.F.Lau, family Lythraceae (first published in Bull. Bot. Res., Harbin 2(1): 144 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant Crape Myrtle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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