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Landscape Tree · Deciduous landscape tree

Crape Myrtle ×2

Lagerstroemia

Summer
Crape Myrtle ×2 — Young Young
Seedling / just planted

Fresh green spring foliage on a small crape myrtle shrub, reddish new stems, no flowers yet (mid-April).

Species-level Lagerstroemia indica.

Photo: Robin Whitfield· CC BY-NC

Crape Myrtle ×2 — Growing Growing
Established, filling in

Branch of a young crape myrtle tree with glossy leaves and clusters of pink crinkled flowers just opening.

Species-level Lagerstroemia indica.

Photo: Shubhabrata Sarker· CC BY-NC

Crape Myrtle ×2 — Full grown Full grown
What you’re aiming for

Dense, heart-shaped cluster of hot-pink crape myrtle blooms in full flower, a classic 'wall of color' summer display.

Species-level Lagerstroemia indica.

Photo: no rights reserved· CC0

Growing stages

What to look for, and what to do, at each point in its life

Your two crape myrtles bloom on new growth in showy, crinkled clusters from June through September, need only light late-winter pruning of dead or crossing wood and regular sucker removal (this species suckers heavily, especially after hard pruning), and should never be topped - the widespread but harmful practice known as crape murder - since a lightly pruned tree blooms just as reliably with a far better natural vase shape.

  1. 1

    Establishment Years

    First 2-3 growing seasons after planting

    You'll see Canopy growth is modest as the tree establishes; watch for early base suckers even at this stage.

    Do Water deeply once or twice a week, maintain a mulch ring, and remove any base suckers as they appear.

  2. 2

    Winter Dormancy and Light Pruning

    December through February

    You'll see Fully leafless, revealing smooth, mottled bark and the branch structure, along with any dried seed capsules from last summer's flowers at branch tips.

    Do Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches and any base suckers. Never cut all main stems down to a uniform height.

  3. 3

    Spring Leaf-Out

    March into April

    You'll see Fresh green foliage emerges, often with reddish new stems.

    Do No special action needed; continue watching for base suckers.

  4. 4

    Summer Bud and Bloom

    June through September

    You'll see Showy clusters of crinkled, papery flowers cover the tips of the current season's new growth.

    Do Enjoy the long bloom; no pruning needed now.

  5. 5

    Deadheading for Rebloom

    June through September, after each flush fades

    You'll see Spent flower clusters brown and dry at the branch tips as a flush finishes.

    Do Lightly deadhead spent clusters by hand if desired, to encourage a possible second flush.

  6. 6

    Sucker Cleanup

    May through September, ongoing

    You'll see Vigorous upright shoots emerge from the base of the trunk, often more heavily than on other trees in the yard.

    Do Remove base suckers regularly through the growing season.

  7. 7

    Fall Color and Seed Capsules

    October into November

    You'll see Foliage turns orange, red, or yellow depending on the variety, with round seed capsules persisting from summer's flowers at the branch tips.

    Do Enjoy the fall color; only remove seed capsules if you dislike their winter look, using light hand-pruning just above a healthy bud.

Techniques — transplant, prune, propagate, divide, seed

Sun

Full sun to part shade by species

Water

Deep weekly water through the first 1–2 establishment years.

Spacing

Plant for mature size and clearance.

Feeding

Minimal once established.

Care

  • Water deeply while establishing; mulch the root zone (keep mulch off the trunk).
  • See the plant's note for species-specific hazards (e.g. Washington Hawthorn thorns).

Harvest

Ornamental — grown for form, bloom, and shade.

Watch for

Establishment drought stress; site thorny species away from paths and the pool.