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Crepe myrtles are flowering trees and shrubs widely grown in Australian gardens. They are native to eastern Asia but are hardy in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are grown for their pastel crepe-like flowers, which appear for many months from late spring to autumn in colours of bright pink, pale pink, mauve, red, purple, and white. They are available in a range of sizes, from 1m shrubs to 5-6m tall trees, and can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Eastern Asia |
| Growth | Grows well in most parts of Australia |
| Climate | Prefers hot and dry climate |
| Watering | Requires generous watering, especially in summer |
| Pruning | Responds well to pruning, especially in winter |
| Sunlight | Requires an open, sunny position |
| Soil | Requires well-drained soil |
| Varieties | Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia fauriei, Magic Series, Indian Summer series, and more |
| Colours | White, Red, Pink, Purple, Mauve, Green, and Orange |
| Mildew | Some varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew |
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What You'll Learn
Crepe myrtles grow well in most parts of Australia
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia but grow well in most parts of Australia. They are widely grown in Australian gardens and are among the world's best flowering trees. They are especially suited to hot and dry climates and are remarkably drought-tolerant. Crepe myrtles are available in a range of sizes, from 1m shrubs to 5-6m tall trees, and can be grown in most positions, including as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree. They are also suitable for street tree planting and can be grown in large pots or containers.
Crepe myrtles are known for their pastel crepe-like flowers, which appear in colours of bright pink, pale pink, mauve, red, purple, and white. They bloom in high summer, from early January through to the end of March, and are very appealing to bees, beneficial insects, and birds. The trees also have excellent autumn foliage, with leaves turning reddish-orange, and attractive bark, which creates an elegant silhouette in the winter landscape.
Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to grow and care for. They require a sunny patch to grow in, well-drained soil, and regular watering, especially when young. They respond well to pruning, which can be done in winter to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers, or simply to maintain a compact shape. However, they will also flower well and develop an appealing shape if left unpruned. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew, a common problem for older varieties of crepe myrtle, plant in an open, sunny garden situation with good air circulation. Newer varieties have been developed with higher resistance to this disease.
Overall, crepe myrtles are a versatile and attractive addition to Australian gardens, offering interest and colour throughout the year.
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They are native to eastern Asia
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan. They were introduced to Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States by French botanist André Michaux around 1790. They have since been widely planted and naturalised across the Gulf Coast states and other parts of the U.S., although they are considered non-native.
In their native eastern Asia, crepe myrtles are found in a variety of climates, including subtropical and tropical regions. They are known for their beautiful flowers and are cultivated for their timber and use in landscaping. The timber of some species, such as Lagerstroemia calyculata, has been used in Vietnam for bridges, furniture, and railway sleepers.
The Japanese crape myrtle, or Lagerstroemia fauriei, is a distinctly tree-like species with colourful, deciduous bark and dark green leaves. It is native to central and southern Japan and is becoming increasingly important in landscaping and hybridisation with Lagerstroemia indica. This species is also more resistant to fungal diseases than its relative, Lagerstroemia indica.
The common crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is native to China and Korea and was the species introduced to the United States in the late 18th century. This species is often found in the wild as a multiple-stemmed large shrub, but cultivation has resulted in a wide range of cultivars with varying characteristics. Lagerstroemia indica is the most widely available species in Australia and flowers in a range of colours, including white, red, pink, and deep mauve.
In summary, crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Japan, where they have been cultivated for various purposes. They were introduced to the United States and have since become widespread, despite being non-native. Crepe myrtles have also been successfully cultivated in Australia, particularly in areas with Mediterranean climates, such as the southeast and west of the country.
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They are available in a range of sizes
Crepe myrtles are available in a range of sizes, from dwarf to tall varieties, making them suitable for gardens of all sizes. They can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree. The Lagerstroemia indica species is probably the most widely available in Australia and can be grown in a large pot, making it perfect for a courtyard garden.
The Magic Series® offers a wide range of semi-dwarf and smaller-growing crepe myrtle options, with deep purple or green foliage and a wide selection of summer flower colours. These varieties are more compact than their full-size tree counterparts, making them ideal for small spaces or as part of mixed garden beds in large landscapes.
The Lagerstroemia indica 'New Orleans' is available in shrub form but can also be grown as a standard. The ''Natchez' variety will eventually reach about eight meters and has white flowers and spectacular trunk markings. The 'Yuma' hybrid has fantastic mauve flowers, while the 'Houston' is a low-growing variety that grows to about 60-70 centimetres high and spreads out to a metre or a metre and a half.
The Indian Summer series has been bred to resist powdery mildew, a common fungal disease affecting crepe myrtles. Varieties in this range include 'Acoma' (white flowers), 'Tonto' (rich pink flowers), 'Zuni' (mauve flowers), and 'Sioux' (carmine), ranging in size from around 3-6 meters fully grown.
Crepe myrtles can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers, but this may result in an unattractive, butchered appearance. If a smaller plant is desired, it is recommended to choose one of the new, smaller varieties rather than pruning a larger plant annually to maintain a shrub size.
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They are prone to powdery mildew
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia but are hardy in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. The disease appears as a dusting of white powder on leaves, stems, buds, flowers, or fruit. It is favoured by warm, humid, or warm and dry weather, and its spores are easily dispersed by wind and rain.
To reduce the risk of powdery mildew on crepe myrtles, it is recommended to plant them in an open, sunny area with good air circulation. Additionally, avoid watering the foliage of the plant and only water the soil. Pruning can also help prevent the disease by ensuring sufficient spacing between plants. It is important to sterilise pruning tools between plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
If crepe myrtles are already affected by powdery mildew, it is important to remove the affected plant parts or the entire plant. Fungicide sprays are also available to treat the disease, but it is crucial to follow the directions on the package and avoid spraying when beneficial insects and bees are around.
While older varieties of crepe myrtle are susceptible to powdery mildew, some newer hybrids, such as 'New Orleans' and 'Yuma', have been developed with resistance to the disease. These hybrids offer the same beautiful flowers and spectacular trunks that crepe myrtles are known for, but with increased resistance to powdery mildew.
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They respond well to pruning
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia but are also hardy in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are versatile and can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree.
Pruning Crepe Myrtles
Crepe myrtles respond well to pruning, but it is important to do it correctly. Pruning should take place in mid-February to avoid winter injury. When the plant is young, it is acceptable to prune the top of the branches, but this becomes unacceptable as the plant gets older. Pruning the top branches of older plants can weaken them, making them more susceptible to disease and insect infestations. Severe pruning can also result in an unsightly appearance, with many small, weak limbs shooting out. This practice is sometimes referred to as "crepe murder".
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to only prune limbs that are less than a pencil's width in diameter. Thinning of limbs every few years will encourage new growth and blooming. If you need to control the height of the plant, thinning branches to limb up the crepe myrtle is the correct method. However, pruning is not necessary for blooming, and it is optional. If the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, it is best to let it grow naturally. Crepe myrtles will develop a naturally appealing shape and will flower well without pruning.
To reduce the risk of powdery mildew, plant crepe myrtles in an open, sunny location with good air circulation. Some newer varieties, such as hybrids between the L.indica and L.fauriei species, are also resistant to this fungal disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Crepe myrtles are widely grown in Australian gardens. They are native to eastern Asia but grow well in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates.
Crepe myrtles are flowering trees and shrubs. They are known for their pastel crepe-like flowers, which appear in colours like pink, red, mauve, purple, and white.
Crepe myrtles flower for many months from late spring to autumn. They are one of the few blossoming trees that bloom in high summer, from January through to March.
Crepe myrtles need to be grown in an open, sunny position with well-drained soil and regular watering. They are relatively easy to grow as they are drought-hardy and respond well to pruning.
There are many varieties of crepe myrtle available in Australia, including the Lagerstroemia indica species, which is one of the most widely available. Other varieties include 'Natchez', 'New Orleans', 'Yuma', and 'Houston'.
