When walking through gardens or suburban neighborhoods in warmer climates, you might encounter vibrant bursts of pink, purple, white, or red flowers adorning tall, elegant plants with smooth, sculptural trunks. These beautiful blooms often belong to a plant called the crape myrtle. But despite its tree-like appearance, many people still wonder: is a crape myrtle actually a tree? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, because crape myrtles can take multiple forms depending on how they are cultivated. Understanding the identity of the crape myrtle helps in choosing the right plant for your landscape and maintaining it effectively.
What Is a Crape Myrtle?
Scientific Background
The crape myrtle belongs to the genusLagerstroemia, a group of plants native to Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Oceania. The most common species grown in the United States isLagerstroemia indica, which thrives in USDA zones 7 through 10. Known for its colorful, long-lasting flowers and attractive bark, the crape myrtle is valued for both ornamental beauty and versatility in the landscape.
Appearance and Characteristics
- Height: Can range from 2 feet to over 30 feet depending on the variety
- Flowers: Vibrant blooms in summer; colors include pink, red, white, and purple
- Leaves: Deciduous with attractive fall color
- Bark: Smooth and peeling, providing winter interest
Because of these characteristics, crape myrtles are planted in both residential gardens and public spaces like parks and city streets.
Tree or Shrub? The Dual Identity
The Shrub-Like Crape Myrtle
Some varieties of crape myrtle are naturally small and compact, growing as multi-stemmed shrubs. These dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars typically range from 2 to 10 feet tall and are ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers. In these cases, the plant maintains a bushy form and is rarely pruned into a single trunk.
The Tree Form
Larger crape myrtle varieties can grow to heights of 20 to 30 feet, making them functionally and visually similar to traditional trees. These taller cultivars often develop multiple trunks or can be pruned into a single-trunk tree form. When trained and maintained with proper pruning, these crape myrtles resemble ornamental trees with a vase-like canopy and sculpted silhouette.
So, is a crape myrtle a tree? Botanically speaking, it can be either a small tree or a large shrub. The form it takes depends on the species, cultivar, and how it’s pruned and managed.
Popular Types of Crape Myrtle by Size
Dwarf Varieties (Shrub Form)
- Chickasaw’: 23 feet, suitable for containers
- Pocomoke’: 35 feet, compact and rounded
Medium Varieties (Shrub or Small Tree Form)
- Tonto’: 810 feet, disease-resistant
- Zuni’: 912 feet, lavender flowers
Tall Varieties (Tree Form)
- Natchez’: 2030 feet, white blooms and exfoliating bark
- Tuscarora’: 20 feet, coral-pink flowers
Choosing the right variety depends on the desired height, flower color, and the space available in your garden or yard.
How to Grow a Crape Myrtle as a Tree
Training the Growth Form
To grow a crape myrtle as a tree, gardeners often prune the lower branches to establish one to three main trunks. This encourages upward growth and helps shape a clean, elegant tree silhouette. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring is essential to direct the plant’s shape while it’s dormant.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Fertilization: Light feeding in spring for best blooms
With the right care, a crape myrtle tree can become a long-lasting centerpiece in your garden, offering flowers through summer and visual appeal through all seasons.
Common Misconceptions
All Crape Myrtles Are Trees
This is not true. Many crape myrtles are naturally small and shrubby. Even tall varieties may stay in shrub form if not trained properly.
Topping Encourages Blooms
Some gardeners mistakenly believe that cutting the tops of crape myrtles (a practice called crape murder) will increase flower production. While it may temporarily increase blooming, it severely damages the plant’s shape and long-term health.
Crape Myrtles Are High Maintenance
In reality, crape myrtles are quite low maintenance when properly planted and pruned. They are resistant to drought, tolerant of heat, and not prone to many pests when grown in suitable conditions.
Benefits of Planting a Crape Myrtle Tree
Year-Round Interest
Few ornamental plants offer four-season beauty like the crape myrtle. In spring and summer, the flowers create vibrant color. In autumn, the foliage turns shades of yellow, orange, or red. During winter, the smooth, peeling bark adds texture and visual appeal.
Wildlife Friendly
Crape myrtles attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies during blooming seasons. The plant also provides light cover for small birds and insects, making it a valuable addition to any garden ecosystem.
Urban and Suburban Adaptability
Thanks to their compact root systems and tolerance for urban conditions, crape myrtles are excellent for city landscapes. They can be planted near sidewalks, driveways, and even under power lines if the right variety is chosen.
So, is a crape myrtle a tree? The answer lies in both nature and nurture. While some crape myrtles are naturally shrubs, many varieties can be grown and shaped into stunning ornamental trees. Their adaptability in form, color, and size makes them one of the most versatile plants in warm-climate landscaping. Whether you’re looking for a small flowering shrub for your patio or a tall, graceful tree for your front yard, the crape myrtle offers a solution. With thoughtful selection and care, this plant can transform any outdoor space with its elegance, beauty, and year-round appeal.