The scientific name is lagerstroemia crape myrtle. The traditional Southern spelling is "Crepe Myrtle" (because the delicate flowers resemble crepe paper). However, across the US, it is more commonly found as "Crape Myrtle". Wikipedia insists that the correct spelling is Crape-myrtle..
Also to know is, what is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
The only difference is the mature size. See also our Crape Myrtles Plant Care and Collection of Varieties.
One may also ask, why is it called a crepe myrtle? With its English name derived from the myrtle-like leaves and crinkled tissue like petals, the Crepe Myrtle has been in cultivation in the United States for more than a century and a half. Some fine old specimens are found in many historic gardens throughout the South.
Besides, which crape myrtle is the best?
The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is the ideal choice if you want a large tree. It can reach 20 to 30 feet in height and is covered all summer with beautiful blossoms in a perfect shade of lilac. It has excellent mildew resistance and outstanding bark color, with shades of grey and soft orange predominating.
Are crepe myrtles fast growing?
Take note that the black diamond crape myrtle growth rate is about the same even though these dwarf varieties are mostly bush-like shrubs and trees. In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!
Related Question Answers
Do crape myrtle trees have invasive roots?
Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive? In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide. On the other hand, it is wise to keep all trees at least 5 to 10 feet away from walkways and foundations.Is a crepe myrtle a tree or bush?
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. They bloom in the summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service. The larger varieties grow rather quickly, providing a bit of shade in addition to the seasonal color.How long do crepe myrtles live?
50 years
Do crepe myrtles stay green all year?
Some varieties grow in bush form and do not exceed 5 feet in height at full maturity. As a deciduous tree, crape myrtles -- also written as crapemyrtle and crepe myrtle -- do lose their leaves in winter.What are the colors of crepe myrtles?
Crepe Myrtles are classified as Weeping, Dwarfs, Semi Dwarfs, Small Trees and Trees. With colors ranging from light to dark pink, rose to watermelon red as well as shades of white and purple. In addition Crepe Myrtles also display attractive cinnamon colored peeling bark throughout the winter months.Are crepe myrtles poisonous?
Many beautiful plants contain toxins that present a danger to puppies and other animals. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.What is the hardiest crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles are dependable trees and shrubs in zones 7 – 10. In northern areas of USDA zone 6, a number of crape myrtle varieties (cultivars) are rated as winter hardy perennials but not develop into a full sized woody tree or shrub described on the plant tag.How tall does a crepe myrtle get?
Crepe myrtles range in size from dwarf selections that grow less than 3 feet tall to several that reach upwards of 30 feet. Knowing the mature height of a plant before you buy it and planting the proper size for the site will save you much heartache and backache in the future.Is there a dwarf crape myrtle?
How to Grow the Dwarf Crape Myrtle Plant. The genus includes dwarf varieties such as Lagerstroemia indica "Pocomoke," a plant that displays dark rose-pink blooms, and Lagerstroemia indica "Petite," a series named for the colors such as "Petite Red Imp," Petite Plum" and "Petite Snow." Both top out at about 5 feet.Does crape myrtle need full sun?
An especially showy bloomer, the crape myrtle needs a location in full sun to put on its best display. This plant is a poor choice for a fully shaded spot, but in regions with strong, hot summer sun, it does well where it receives sun in the morning and light, filtered shade in the afternoon.Where is the best place to plant crepe myrtles?
Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose a bright sunny spot for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.Why is crepe myrtle not blooming?
The number one most common reason Crepe Myrtles fail to bloom is improper pruning techniques (or a lack of pruning altogether). Crepe Myrtles bloom on the current season's growth. If they are pruned too late, all the new wood is removed and the flower buds never develop.Can I plant crepe myrtle close to House?
Often crape myrtle grows as a multistemmed small tree, with foliage limited to the upper half of the plant. As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall, and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size.Can you change the color of crepe myrtle?
A: The color change in the flower after it is spent is common on many plants. The color of the bloom often does change colors once the flower fades. Sometimes more than one type of crape myrtle is planted together too and you will see various colors of blooms.How many hours of sun does a crepe myrtle need?
6 hours
What is a myrtle tree in the Bible?
The myrtle, Myrtus communis, is an attractive shrub. It has evergreen leaves and under optimum conditions grows to a height of about 24 feet. The myrtle is not mentioned in the Bible until the time of the captivity. The first reference is in Nehemiah 8:15 in regard to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.Is crepe myrtle a hardwood?
The Crepe Myrtle is typically thought of as an ornamental shrub or small tree. It grows in warm climates like those in the south of Europe and the United States. The various strains of the Crepe Myrtle produce a variety of beautiful flowers. The tree itself has a very hard wood that can be used in craft applications.Where is crepe myrtle from?
Native to Southeast Asia, crape myrtles were introduced to the United States more than 200 years ago.Is crepe myrtle native to Florida?
A striking new crape myrtle for Florida's gardens and landscapes. Commonly called Pride-of-India or queen's crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia speciosa is a species of crape myrtle native to India and Southeast Asia that has been cultivated as an ornamental in tropical areas worldwide. 
