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Red Crepe Myrtle - Lagerstroemia Indica

Red Crepe Myrtle provides a long blooming season and drought tolerance and is one of the most vibrant flowering-sized shrubs. It's prized for its long blooming season and is one of the last blooming shrubs of summer.

Characteristics Of The Red Crepe Myrtle

• Height: Typically grows between 10-20 feet, though dwarf varieties are more petite.
• Leaves: Glossy green leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, or scarlet in the fall.
• Flowers: Clusters of bright, scarlet, wavy flowers that resemble crepe paper. These trees bloom from late spring to early fall.
• Bark: Smooth and peeling bark adds visual interest year-round.
• Growth Requirements:
  • Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours a day).
  • Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates various soil types.
  • Water: Drought-resistant once established but thrives with consistent watering during dry periods.

Popular Uses Of The Red Crepe Myrtle

• Used as a flowering hedge, accent plant, or small tree.
• It is ideal for urban gardens because of its compact size.
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How do you keep Crepe Myrtle Healthy?

To ensure all grow healthy, they should be planted in well-draining soils with full sun exposure, which tends to be at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Prune young trees often but only occasionally if the trees are already grown. It is best to trim during early spring to keep the plant clean and visually appealing with bushy-shaped crowns for summer flowering. 

Which fertilizer is suitable for Crepe Myrtle Trees?

A slow-release all-purpose fertilizer in the 10-10-10 nitrogen—phosphorus—potassium ratio is recommended for this type. Use it in early spring as buds are starting to break for best results, promoting green foliage and many blooms. 

Do crepe myrtles grow fast? 

Yes, they are fast growers; this plant can grow up to 2 feet in a year. In a perfect world, you can quickly set them in a garden without much hustle and bustle and grow to the full size of 10-30ft, depending on the type.

What does crepe myrtle plants attract? 

Due to colorful nectar-bearing flowers, red crepe myrtles attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. In some cases, they may also be likely to attract bird species that feed on the fruits of the tree. In gardens, their blooms even have the ecological importance of supporting beneficial wildlife. 

How long does it live if not pruned? 

These trees live long, growing to be valuable trees that may last half a century and more if adequately managed. They are durable due to their ability to withstand harsh climate and weather conditions, so they can live for decades, creating a long-term design element for any landscape.