Landscaping Design with Crape Myrtles

This Dallas Red crape myrtle creates stunning welcome.  And here is my same old question: wouldn’t a loropetalum or two allowed to grow to their natural height and state have been better than that pruned and sheared (lots of work) barberry?  Wouldn’t a dwarf loropetalum under the crape have worked better than the pruned holly (again, lots of work)?  But no question about it, these are lovely, but could the same impact be had with shrubs that do not require pruning and shearing?

Landscaping can change a home’s appearance. Lovely example of traditional and native Texas plants.  The Cotoneaster does not require pruning nor do any of the shrubs here.  Much easier yard to maintain.

Natchez Crape Myrtle the most popular

Natchez, for good reason is the most popular crape myrtle.  Read more about the wide variety of white crape myrtles that grow both larger and smaller than Natchez.  Most people think Natchez is just right!!!

Seminole Crape Myrtles exceeds 25 feet.  These roses were gone last time I checked.  A victim of rose rosette disease.  Read more about choices for the Texas garden for rose to red colored crape myrtles, a Texas favorite.

Cherry Razzle Dazzle Crape Myrtles as shrubs are a good substitute for Knockout Roses.  Knockout red roses have a scarlet color the you find in the Cherry Razzle Dazzle crapes.

Could or should this crape and magnolia combo have been planted closer to the drive and a bit farther from the house, or would that have helped? Should this home owner have chosen a more urn shaped crape than this rounded umbrella shape? These are thoughts to ponder.

Everywhere you see pruned/sheared evergreens consider what could have been planted that would have worked and not have required pruning.  Everywhere you see a straight row consider what an inverse and outward curve would have produced instead.

Crape myrtles as shrubs that bloom all summer!  That’s abelia in the background.  Do consider that for the sake of the bees!  They love abelia.  Honey bees are moving toward the endangered species list and they love, love, love abelia.

Pale Pink Perennial Petunia and crape myrtles with mealy blue sage and Salvia Greggii.  Perfect combination of low maintenance beauty with flowering perennials and crapes.  You can see the purple and red crapes complimenting this perennial display.

In addition to being a beautiful plant summer phlox blooms with crape myrtles. This makes a stunning joint display.

Muskogee Crape Myrtle with summer phlox. In addition to being a beautiful plant summer phlox blooms with crape myrtles. This makes a stunning joint display.

Mealy blue sage compliments the perennials Summer Phlox: Prime Minister, 24 to 36 inches tall with dwarf nandinas providing an ever green shrub.

Tonto Crape Myrtle grove adds summer color and  is perfect for a median planting!

Arapaho Alley I love to check on these every year to see how much they have grown!

Wondering which crape myrtle is right for you?

Begin here to examine the myriad of options for crape myrtles that are tried in true for the Texas landscape.

Q: When is the best time to plant crape myrtles?

A: The best time is late fall through early spring, while the tree is dormant. This allows roots to establish before summer heat. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round, but will need more watering if planted in summer.

Q: How much sun do crape myrtles need?

A: Crape myrtles need full sun—at least 6 hours a day—to bloom well. In too much shade, they’ll grow leggy and produce fewer flowers.  They will never, ever do well.  I once had a shade tree take over a beautiful crape myrtle.  In November I hired two men to dig it up and move it to full sun.  I was surprised at how compact the roots were and easy it was to move.  The next summer it took off like it had always been there, thanking me with hundreds of blooms.

Q: What kind of soil do crape myrtles prefer?

A: They prefer well-drained soil but are adaptable to clay, sand, or loam. Avoid planting in areas that stay soggy after rain.

Q: How often should I water a newly planted crape myrtle?

A: Water deeply 2–3 times a week for the first 6–8 weeks. After that, reduce to once per week, depending on rainfall. Established trees are fairly drought-tolerant.

Q: Should I fertilize my crape myrtle?

A: Yes, in early spring, use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10). Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms.

Crape Myrtles Recommended by Texas A&M and Other Recognized Varieties

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are a staple in Texas landscapes, celebrated for their vibrant summer blooms, attractive bark, and adaptability to the state’s diverse climates. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommends several varieties for their performance in Texas gardens. Additionally, some cultivars have received accolades from other horticultural organizations.​

Texas A&M Recommended Crape Myrtle Varieties

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service highlights the following crape myrtle varieties for their suitability in Texas landscapes:​

• Natchez: A tall variety reaching up to 30 feet, featuring white flowers and exfoliating bark.​

• Muskogee: Grows up to 25 feet tall, producing light lavender blooms.​

• Tuscarora: Reaches about 20 feet in height with coral pink flowers.​

• Catawba: A medium-sized tree, approximately 15 feet tall, with dark purple blooms.​

• Dynamite: Known for its bright red flowers and moderate size, around 15–20 feet tall.​

• Tonto: A smaller variety, about 10 feet tall, with deep fuchsia-red blooms.​

These selections are noted for their resistance to powdery mildew and adaptability to various soil types.​

Other Recognized Crape Myrtle Varieties

Beyond Texas A&M’s recommendations, several crape myrtle cultivars have been recognized by horticultural societies for their exceptional qualities:​

• Acoma: A semi-dwarf variety with white blooms and a graceful, weeping habit.​

• Zuni: Features lavender flowers and grows to about 12 feet, known for its cold hardiness.​

• Hopi: A smaller tree, around 10 feet tall, with pink blooms and good disease resistance.​

These varieties have been acknowledged for their ornamental value, disease resistance, and adaptability to different climates.​

Cultivation Tips for Texas Gardeners

• Sunlight: Plant in full sun to ensure optimal blooming.​

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types.​

• Watering: Once established, crape myrtles are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.​

• Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches. Avoid excessive pruning, often referred to as “crape murder,” which can harm the tree’s natural form.​

By selecting recommended varieties and following proper cultivation practices, Texas gardeners can enjoy the vibrant beauty of crape myrtles throughout the growing season.