This crape myrtle species is a perennial, flowering shrub or tree in the Loosestrife family, native to the mixed forests and low mountains of China. It is not generally planted itself, but it is an important parent plant in breeding. When combined with other species, it contributes its cold hardiness and attractive reddish-pink flower color to the resulting cultivar. The plant itself is multi-branched with leathery leaves and 3 to 7 inch tubular flowers. Crape myrtle does best in full sun and average medium moisture, well drained soil. The plant will tolerate loamy, clay soils with good drainage, but overly fertile soils tend to produce lush foliage at the expense of flowering. Water roots deeply, particularly in dry spells, but avoid wetting the foliage. Crape myrtle tends to do well in warm, Southern climates, but it may be wise to plant in a protected location and apply a winter mulch. If the plant fails, it is usually due to the lack of summer heat to encourage vigorous growth and harden the wood. In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway. This plant is often browsed by deer. Pruning should be completed in winter or early spring, as this plant blooms on new wood. A layer of organic mulch will help keep the plant retain moisture. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and scales are potential insects Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Multi-stemmed
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Oblong
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Thin, leathery leaves, pubesenct, with an short, pointed apex. Leaf blade 2 inches by 3 inches, fine hairs on midvein and lateral veins.
Flower color
Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Cup; Tubular
Flower size
> 6 inches
Flower detail
Reddish pink, pubescent panicles of terminal flower clusters with crepe paper texture. Flowers bloom from May to June. Panicles are 3 to 7 inches. Petals reddish to pink.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long
Fruit detail
Dry elliptical capsule 1/3 of an inch long. Capsules open to release winged seeds.
Bark color
Dark Brown; Red/Burgundy
Bark detail
Dark brown exfoliating to reveal red bark underneath.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver
Stem detail
Dense gray or yellow brown branches, terete, pubescent.