🌸 Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Crape Myrtle is one of the South’s most beloved flowering trees, bringing vibrant summer color to Florida landscapes. With clusters of showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, or white, smooth mottled bark, and a graceful branching habit, it’s a true four-season performer. Tough and low-maintenance, it thrives in Central Florida’s heat and sun.

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Foliage: Medium-green leaves turning orange to red in fall

• Flowers: Showy clusters of crinkled blooms (pink, purple, red, or white) lasting summer through early fall

• Bark: Smooth, exfoliating bark with mottled patterns for winter interest

• Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed small tree with a rounded canopy

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Deciduous flowering tree

• Mature Size: 15–25 ft. tall × 12–20 ft. wide (dwarf forms available 3–10 ft.)

• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, rounded canopy

• Exposure: Full sun (best flowering)

• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy soils and drought once established

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; water regularly during establishment

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10

• Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning for shape and size

🌟 Why We Love It

• Long season of bold, colorful blooms

• Attractive bark and fall color add year-round interest

• Heat, drought, and low-maintenance performer

• Available in multiple sizes and flower colors

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Specimen tree in front yards

• Street or driveway accents

• Mass plantings for bold summer color

• Patio or garden focal point

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Prune lightly in late winter — avoid “crape murder” heavy topping

• Best flowering in full sun

• Choose dwarf varieties for small spaces and large types for shade or focal points

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Crape Myrtles in groups or rows along driveways or property lines for a dramatic summer bloom show that feels like living fireworks.