Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are small deciduous trees producing long-lasting, crepe-like flower clusters in summer. Bright green summer foliage changes to eye-catching autumn tones. They have smooth, mottled, light coloured brown bark.
Crepe myrtles are excellent landscape specimens and can be maintained as a large shrub or as a compact specimen or street tree. They require full sun for best results and are quite hardy. Roots are fibrous and not especially invasive or damaging. They can dominate smaller plants in close proximity.
Moderate winter pruning ensures distribution of flowers on older and new growth. Avoid heavy winter pruning as this results in a forest of unattractive vertical shoots. Prune to develop open spreading tree-like shape.
