Plant Description and Overview of Muskogee Crape Myrtle
| Common Name | Muskogee Crape Myrtle, Lavender Crape Myrtle | Maintenance | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Region | Hybrid, developed at the U.S. National Arboretum | Average Height | 20-30 feet |
| Plant Type | Deciduous flowering tree or a large shrub | Average Width | 15-20 feet |
Lagerstroemia Muskogee Crape Myrtle is perfect to provide year-round interest to your garden with its glossy green foliage that turns red-orange in autumn and long-lasting pink lavender blooms that hold their colour till summer. Ideal for many versatile settings, it is must have in a focal or single trunk tree.
Key Features and Benefits of Muskogee Crape Myrtle
- Due to its fast growth, it typically adds a height of 2-3 feet per year, and has the potential of adding up to 5 feet per year.
- Crape Myrtle Muskogee is usually grown as the single trunk tree, having an upright vase shape with a spreading canopy.
- Muskogee Crape Myrtles thrive well as a specimen tree along driveways, sideways, and in mass plantings for screening.
- The flowers of this tree are often applied to cuts as a paste, and root decoctions are used for detoxification.
Care Guide, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Muskogee Crape Myrtle
- Growing Zone: USDA 6-9
- Sunlight Exposure: Requires full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to prevent issues like poor blooming and mildew.
- Water Needs: Prefers consistent watering, especially during the initial years. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, and usually, occasional deep watering is enough.
- Soil Type: A major requirement is a well-drained soil. Adaptable to many soil types, including clayey, sandy, and loamy.
Advantages
- It is one of the longest blooming varieties that produces lavender flowers for up to 4-6 months.
- Highly resistant to powdery mildew that causes issues in the other varieties.
- Thanks to the large blooms, it attracts many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- It is very drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and adapts well to many soil types.
Disadvantages
- The blooms perform poorly in the shade, becoming thin and weak if not getting proper sunlight.
- Can produce suckers that need removal and require pruning to maintain shape.
- While resistant to mildew, it attracts aphids, which may lead to sooty mould.
- Leaves, flowers, and seed pods can be messy and create debris in the gardens.
Eleanor Lane –
I planted this large shrub some years ago at my grandparents’ place. It has been praised by many people because of the long-lasting lavender pink flower panicles that stay from early summer into fall.
Knox Fisher –
The tree features amazing, visually appealing exfoliating bark that reveals a cinnamon coloured trunk and pink flowers, providing all-season interest.
James Rivers –
Surprisingly, it is very drought-tolerant and adapts well to different soil types, which makes it easy to care for.
Karen Chandler –
I saw the tree for the first time at my friend’s place. I was specifically impressed by the colour-changing foliage that transforms itself from red to yellow to orange from season to season.