Crape Myrtle: The Lilac of the South

On By SIPOAIn ARC

With handsome bark and large clusters of flowers, the crape myrtle is one of the most popular ornamental plants of the South and sometimes referred to as the “lilac of the South”. Proper pruning will best preserve the exquisite architectural framework and bark of crape myrtles. It is a common misconception that crape myrtles require aggressive pruning in order to flower. This is not only false, but has resulted in an overly aggressive pruning practice commonly referred to as “crape murder”. This brutal massacre of crape myrtles to fist size and larger trunks ruins the natural form and encourages growth of spindly, whip-like branches. For removal of any branches more than 2″ thick, always cut back to the crotch or the trunk. Never leave big, ugly stubs.

Since pruning can significantly reduce cold hardiness, ideally try to complete pruning by early February when the tree is fully dormant, and the branches are leafless. Remove any suckers from the base of the plant as well as any deadwood. As the tree grows, remove lower branches from the bottom third of the tree to expose the trunk character. Lastly, remember to remove crossing branches from the canopy. On some cultivars, pruning to remove spent flower blossoms after they fade will stimulate new growth and another blossom flush in late summer.

While referred to as the “lilac of the South”, the common crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is a native of China and Korea. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and full sun but will tolerate heat, humidity and moderate amounts of drought. Flower colors range from white, pink, orchid, to dark red. Often Lagerstromia indica is bred with Lagerstromia fauriei (a Japanese native) for mildew resistance, thus creating Lagerstromia indica X L. fauriei. This interspecific hybrid is typically broken into three categories, semi-dwarf (5’ to 12’), intermediate (13’ to 20’) and tree type (23’ to 33’). The number of crape myrtle cultivars is staggering but several of the most popular cultivars include:

  • “Muskogee” – Large shrub or small tree (21’ high and 15’ wide), prolific light lavender-pink flowers July to September, shiny light gray to tan bark
  • “Natchez” – Large shrub or small tree (21’ high and 21’ wide), dark cinnamon-brown, sinuous, mottled, exfoliating trunk bark that remains spectacular throughout the year, pure white flowers in late June/July into September
  • “Dynamite” – Intermediate height (up to 20’ tall), flower buds are crimson with cherry red flowers, highly resistant to powdery mildew
  • “Tuscarora” – Large shrub or tree (15’ tall), dark coral-pink flowers from early July with recurrent bloom until September, mottled, light brown bark is spectacular, mildew resistant
  • “Chickasaw” – True genetic dwarf, with compact mounded habit (2’ by 3’ to 3 ½’), pink lavender flowers, glossy dark green leaves.

Submitted by Katrina Burrell, Director of Administration and ARC