The terms crape myrtle and crepe myrtle refer to the same stunning ornamental tree, Lagerstroemia indica, known for its vibrant summer blooms and striking bark. This linguistic variation stems from the difference between American and British English pronunciations of the French-derived word "crêpe," describing the delicate, wrinkled texture of the petals. Gardeners and landscapers encounter both spellings regularly, yet the plant itself remains a consistent favorite for adding long-lasting color and architectural interest to the landscape.
Understanding the Name: Crape vs. Crepe
While the spelling differs, there is no botanical distinction between crape myrtle and crepe myrtle. The plant belongs to the genus Lagerstroemia and is native to Asia, thriving in warm temperate to subtropical climates. The name "crape" is the more common American English spelling, while "crepe" reflects the original French pronunciation and is often preferred in more formal or botanical contexts. Regardless of the label, the care requirements and visual characteristics are identical.
Ornamental Features and Seasonal Interest
Crape myrtles are celebrated for their long blooming period, typically lasting from mid-summer well into early fall. Flowers appear in dense clusters, or panicles, and range from pure white to deep shades of pink, red, lavender, and purple. Modern cultivars have expanded the color palette significantly, offering gardeners endless possibilities for landscape design. The flowers provide a stunning contrast against the plant's dark green foliage, which often turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red during the autumn months.
Bark and Winter Structure
One of the most compelling reasons to plant a crape myrtle is its ornamental bark. As the outer layer sheds, it reveals smooth, mottled trunks in shades of gray, pink, tan, and cinnamon. This exfoliating bark provides significant winter interest, making the tree a valuable year-round feature in the garden. The branching pattern also contributes to the tree's sculptural form, ranging from vase-shaped to multi-stemmed varieties.
Planting and Care Requirements
Successful cultivation of crape myrtles begins with selecting the right location. These trees require full sun, defined as a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, to promote healthy growth and prolific flowering. They are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. However, they thrive in well-drained soil; planting in heavy, water-retentive clay can lead to root rot and poor health.
Choose a site with ample air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the desired shape.
Common Misconceptions and Proper Pruning
A frequent mistake associated with crape myrtles is the practice of "topping," or cutting the tree back to stubs, often to control size. This harmful technique, sometimes called "crape murder," results in ugly, knobby growth and weakens the plant. Proper pruning should occur in late winter or early spring and focuses on thinning out old growth to improve airflow and light penetration. Removing only the smallest branches encourages the tree to develop a strong framework and beautiful trunk structure.
Disease and Pest Management
Gardeners selecting crape myrtles should prioritize disease-resistant cultivars to avoid issues with powdery mildew and leaf spot. These fungal diseases are more prevalent in humid climates with poor air circulation. Sap-sucking pests like aphids and scale insects can occasionally pose a problem, but they are usually manageable with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Choosing the right variety for your specific climate is the most effective strategy for preventing most common issues.
