Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous, vase-shaped tree about 6-8m (18-25′) tall. It is often severely pruned and grown as a shrub 3-4m (10-12′) tall. Trusses of white, pink, mauve or purple blooms appear in late summer.
The petals are ruffled, with a crepe-like texture. In autumn the mid-green leaves turn yellow, orange or red (depending on the variety) before falling. Unpruned crepe myrtles develop beautifully coloured, smooth, mottled trunks.
There is an Australian native crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia archeriana), which grows to around 7m (20′) tall and has pinkish mauve flowers. Crepe myrtles grow well in most parts of Australia. In mountain zones plant in a warm, sheltered microclimate.
The Indian Summer range has been specially bred to resist powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can be seen on some older crepe myrtle varieties. Each cultivar is named after an American Indian tribe, and they range in size from around 3-6m (10-18) fully grown.
Crepe myrtles can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers. Keep well watered through summer. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew plant in an open, sunny garden situation with good air circulation.
Crepe myrtle plants look outstanding on mass, planted along a fence line or driveway. It makes a perfect edition to backyards as a single specimen plant and is widely used in council strips and common areas.
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