Crape Myrtle
About this species.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is the South's most common ornamental flowering tree — distinctive smooth peeling cinnamon-cream bark, abundant pink/white/lavender summer flowers, and the easiest small flowering tree for residential landscapes across all of Southwest Florida. Low maintenance, hurricane-tolerant, and cold-hardy enough for the entire region. The major care issue is what NOT to do: don't 'crape murder' your tree.
Identification
- Multiple slender smooth trunks emerging from a single base.
- Very characteristic smooth peeling exfoliating bark in mottled patches of cinnamon, beige, and gray-cream — the bark is iconic.
- Open rounded crown.
- 6–10 inch upright cone-shaped panicles of crinkly crepe-paper-textured flowers in summer.
- Flower color varies by cultivar: hot pink, watermelon red, white, lavender, and various shades.
- Glossy dark green oblong leaves with red fall color.
- 10–25 ft mature height depending on cultivar.
Crape murder — the major mistake
Every late winter, Florida landscape crews 'crape murder' (also called 'topping' or 'hatracking') Crape Myrtles by cutting them back to short stubs. The practice is universal, the result is unsightly knobby growth, and the long-term effect is a structurally weakened tree that produces fewer, weaker, larger flower clusters on whip-like new growth that breaks easily.
Proper Crape Myrtle pruning is light shape maintenance only — remove crossing branches, deadwood, and any limbs that interfere with structure. The tree's natural form (multi-trunk vase shape) is the most attractive form. Avoid contractors who default to crape murder.
“Crape murder is the most common bad pruning practice in Florida landscapes — and it's preventable.”
Where you'll see them
Universal across Southwest Florida — residential front yards, foundation plantings, accent specimens, HOA street trees, commercial landscapes. Cold-hardy throughout the region (no zone limitation within SW Florida). One of the most planted ornamental trees in the entire South.
Florida-specific care
- Light pruning only — remove crossing branches and deadwood. Don't top.
- Hurricane-tolerant due to small stature.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Disease resistant overall; powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot are occasional issues in humid weather.
- Newer cultivars (Natchez, Tonto, Tuscarora and others) offer better disease resistance than older varieties.
- Plant in full sun for best bloom; partial shade reduces flowering.
What to know.
- Standard species-appropriate pruning, watering, and inspection — no special handling required.
Frequently asked.
What's 'crape murder'?
The practice of cutting Crape Myrtles back to short stubs every late winter — cutting major branches indiscriminately to a height with no regard for natural structure. It's the wrong way to prune Crape Myrtles, but it's done so universally in the South that many homeowners think it's required. It's not. Proper Crape Myrtle pruning is light shape maintenance only.
When should I prune my Crape Myrtle?
Late winter, before spring growth flush. Light pruning only — remove crossing branches, deadwood, and anything that's broken. The natural multi-trunk vase form is the most attractive and structurally sound. If your contractor wants to top the tree, find a different contractor.
Why does the bark peel?
Smooth peeling bark is a normal seasonal feature — older bark sheds in mottled cinnamon-and-beige patches as the tree grows. The peeling is one of the species' most attractive features, especially on multi-trunked specimens. Don't worry about it; it's not a sign of disease.
Services for crape myrtles.
The work we do on crape myrtles most often. Each card links straight to the service detail.