Crepe Myrtle Trees or ‘Lagerstoemia Indica’ are a favourite summer flowering ornamental tree. They are celebrated for their stunning flower clusters, which resemble crepe paper, hence the name “Crepe Myrtle.”
Their crepe-like flowers range in vibrant hues from white and pink to lavender and red, with long-lasting blooms. Sizes include large, medium, and dwarf forms, like the dwarf cultivar ‘Purple Lace’ pictured here. Some varieties have good autumn colour as well, making them a valuable addition to the garden throughout much of the year.
With their brilliant flowers, drought tolerance, and distinctive bark, Crepe Myrtles are gaining popularity. New cultivars and dwarf options are accessible online making them excellent additions to gardens.
Varieties of Crepe Myrtles
Usually cultivars of Lagerstroemia faurei or Lagerstroemia indica, both are deciduous trees and both are exotics (not native to Australia). A number of varieties are available, mainly identified by growth habit and flower colour.
Dwarf varieties that will reach around 1 m in height as well as larger trees that will reach to 5m are all offered. The choice of growth form, either as a bush or a tree opens up landscaping possibilities. Also available as weeping types. Flower colours vary from white through to pinks and reds.
Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’ is a favorite with brilliant red flowers. Now we said that these were not the ‘perfect tree’ and this is for a few reasons, remember to avoid damaging the root systems of these trees, damage can cause the roots to ‘sucker’. Secondly they are a little suspect to powdery mildew, although new cultivars are claimed to be resistent, and if you can plant them where they get good air flow it should be no problem anyway. As for buying them cheap, forget it, a few ‘backyard nurseries’ are selling cultivars that just seem to struggle to flower, thats a problem you would wish to avoid.
‘Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto” stands out with its striking red flowers. Despite being labeled as not the ‘perfect tree,’ there are reasons to consider. Care should be taken not to damage their root systems to avoid unwanted suckering. While susceptibility to powdery mildew exists, planting in well-ventilated areas minimizes this concern. It’s worth noting that investing in reputable sources is crucial, as some ‘backyard nurseries’ may sell struggling cultivars that fail to flower.
Biloxi – Pale pink Flowers
Natchez – White Flowers
Tuscarora – Red Flowers
Diamonds in The Dark – Dark Foliage and good bushy habit, flower colours include pink, white and a deeper red.
In the garden, Lagerstroemia indica are a great small tree for smaller gardens, many have a relatively compact growth habit 3-5m, although taller growing varieties (to 9m) are available. Miniature varieties are also available and these will grow to approx 1m by 1m, which makes then great for growing in containers. Most varieties have great flowers, interesting bark and once established relatively drought tolerant.
Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Plant Profile Care and Growing Hints
All varieties, do need a well drained position, and do well in a humus rich moist soil, full sun is best and keep well mulched. Water regularly when establishing, however after the first year this is a tree that should not require watering often if at all.
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Humus rich moist but well drained.
- Water requirements – Low once established, some extra water through the first summers will be required.’
- Flowering period – Summer to Autumn
- Flower colours – White, Pink and Red with variations.
- Height – 1m to 10m depending on the cultivar.
- Final height will depend on soil conditions as well as variety.
Pruning, Care, Roots and Dwarf Varieties
You do not need to prune these trees at all as they have a really nice growth habit, as well as attractive bark especially on older trees. Some gardeners choose to prune heavily to promote more flower growth, and a smaller tree.
We suggest that pruning is not the best way to develop a nice looking specimen and if you are looking for a smaller tree, try the dwarf and smaller growing cultivars. Prune only dead and diseased growth.
Dwarf Crepe Myrtles
Smaller growing cultivars such as ‘Zuni’ which will only reach 3m or the dwarf or miniature ‘pixie white’ and ‘Orlando Purple’ which will reach less than 1m
Problems, Root Systems and Powdery Mildew
These are trees that are prone to powdery mildew, although some new varieties are more resistant. Given good air circulation and a sunny position powdery mildew should not be an issue.
If you can’t provide these conditions go for a resistant cultivar. This is a tree that has a shallow fibrous root system and they tend to sucker if the roots are damaged by digging or mowing, so avoid root disturbance if possible.
Crepe Myrtle Trees for sale online in Australia
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au