Crape Myrtle
Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica
Yes, Crape Myrtles come in sizes from 2 foot to 25 foot. For a recommendation in the tree section of this website, the discussion will embrace the larger 20 plus feet specimens.
As many know, the Crape Myrtle comes in a variety of color blooms, from white, to pink, to reds, and others. The more sun the tree gets the more blooms it will produce. When selecting a Crape Myrtle consider where the tree is going and if the large amount of spent flowers will create a clean-up issue. The smooth bark and majestic canopy give the Crape Myrtle its popularity. This native to China and South East Asia, does exceptionally well in the Texas heat and cold. The soils of Parker County do not affect the growth or showiness of this tree. Contrary to what is sometimes displayed the Crape Myrtle does not need annual pruning. The tree does well with a little minimal pruning of suckers and water spouts, but the wholesale removing of the top section of the tree is neither advised nor necessary. As the tree matures the bark will peel away revealing a very aesthetically pleasing new bark. This is some of the appeal of the tree. Crape Myrtles are subject to mildew, and some varieties are more resistant than others. To purchase a Crape Myrtle to fit your needs, be sure to purchase from a certified grower or quality nursery; new varieties are being introduced yearly.
Some of the taller varieties are:
30+ foot range
- McFadden’s Pinkie,
- Basham’s Party Pink
- Natchez
- Biloxi
20-25 foot range
- Watermelon Red
- Glendora White
- Tuskegee
- Special Red
- Red Rocket
- Tuscarora
- Sarah’s Favorite
- Cherry Red
- Muskogee
- Arapaho
- Carolina Beauty
- Dallas Red
- Miami
- Dynamite
15-20 foot range
- Byer’s White
- Carolina Beauty
- Choctaw,
- Comanche
- Lipan
- Near East
- Osage
- Potomac
- Raspberry Sundae
- Seminole
- Twilight
- Yuma
Firewise – Yes – Designated by Texas A&M Forest Service