Crepe Myrtles do the work of three trees in one. Summer flowers, autumn foliage colour, and standout winter bark. They sit comfortably in small to medium gardens, handle most Australian conditions, and ask for very little once they are established.
This guide walks through how to plant a Crepe Myrtle, how to keep it healthy, and which cultivars are worth your time.
Choosing the right cultivar
Colour, mature size, and form all vary across the Crepe Myrtle range. 'Natchez' is the classic white with cinnamon bark, 'Lipan' is a soft lavender pink, 'Tuscarora' brings deep coral, 'Sioux' is a uniform fuchsia ideal for repeat planting, and 'Tonto' lands in the middle of the size range with bright pink flowers. We carry all of these, grown on for Australian conditions.
Planting
Crepe Myrtles need full sun. Six hours of direct light is the minimum for reliable flowering. Pick a spot with free-draining soil. They handle loam, sand, and improved clay, and prefer ground that drains freely so roots stay healthy.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Backfill firmly with the soil you removed, no need to over-improve. Water in deeply once planted. Any season works with the right watering rhythm — summer planting is particularly strong because soils are warm and roots grow fastest, with morning and evening watering for the first two weeks.
Watering
For the first 12 to 24 months, deep water twice weekly. After that, only water in extended dry periods. Deep watering trains strong roots that reach down for moisture.
Mulching
Apply 5 to 7cm of organic mulch around the base each spring. Keep it 5cm clear of the trunk for a healthy collar. Mulch holds moisture in summer, regulates soil temperature, and stops weeds competing for water.
Pruning in winter
Crepe Myrtles flower on new growth, so winter is the only time to prune. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin the interior slightly to improve airflow. Keep the natural vase shape.
Avoid topping your Crepe Myrtle. Cutting all the leaders back to thick stubs spoils the form and reduces flowering. Light, thoughtful pruning is the rule.
Fertilising
A balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring is enough. Skip it if your tree is growing well. Light feeding gives the best balance of foliage and flowers.
Common questions
Are Crepe Myrtle roots well behaved? Yes. The root system is non-invasive and works comfortably alongside paving, driveways, and most structures. Manage any wandering roots with a quick prune.
Will they flower in part shade? Flowering is most generous with six hours of direct sun.
Are they evergreen? No, fully deciduous. The bare winter form is a feature, not a flaw.
How fast do they grow? Moderate to fast, depending on cultivar and site.
Powdery mildew? Most often from poor airflow and overhead watering. Choose resistant cultivars (Natchez, Tuscarora, Lipan), water at the base, and prune to open the canopy.
Final thoughts
Crepe Myrtles look expensive with minimal effort. Plant in sun, water deeply while they settle in, mulch annually, and prune lightly in winter. That is the whole job.
Ipurchased a crepe myrtle plan in a pot and have now planted it in well draind & sunny open position but after a few weeks the leaves are looking like they are drying and dead
I am looking for a crepe myrtle for my garden.
Size is most important factor.
I am planting in a narrow elevated bed and world like it to grow aprox 2m in height.
I do like the mauve flowers not fixed on color. I would like it to grow in a vase shape and possibly have the dark leaf.
How big does the Lapin grow?
Thank you
my Crepe Myrtle refuses to flower each year.It has plenty of sun and l fertilise in early spring. Can you help?
THanks
Good morning! What kind of soil is needed for caesia Silver Princess?