Muskogee crape myrtle

Sun

Full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; choose a warm, sheltered position in cooler climates.

Water

Water regularly while establishing; once established, water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially while flowering.

Soil

Well-drained loam, clay or sandy soil; tolerates a broad pH range but dislikes persistently wet ground.

Height

20-30 ft (6-9 m)

Spread

15-20 ft (4.5-6 m)

Flowers

Large clusters of lavender-pink flowers from midsummer into early autumn; timing and duration depend on summer warmth.

Foliage

Oval green leaves emerge relatively late in spring and turn orange to red in autumn; colour varies with climate.

Growth

Fast in warm climates with adequate moisture; slower in cool summers.

Care needed

Low

• Pollinators
• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Disease resistant
• Wildlife
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Moderate

Toughness

Fairly tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   7 ft (2 m)

2. After 1 year

   7 ft (2.3 m)

3. After 2 years

   8 ft (2.6 m)

4. After 3 years

   9 ft (2.8 m)

5. After 5 years

   11 ft (3.4 m)

About 20 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Growth rate

Moderate

• Plant with the root flare at soil level, allowing room for its full canopy.
• Water deeply through the first two growing seasons whenever the root zone becomes dry.
• Apply 2-3 in (5-8 cm) of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.
• Feed lightly in spring only if growth is weak or soil is poor; excess nitrogen encourages leaves rather than flowers.
• Stake only if the root ball moves in wind, and remove supports once the tree is anchored.

Pruning. In late winter or early spring, remove dead, crossing or damaged branches and unwanted basal shoots, retaining the natural framework. Do not top the tree or cut its main branches back to stubs; flowers form on new growth without this treatment.

Late winter

Prune damaged or crossing branches and inspect dormant stems for scale insects.

Spring

Plant once severe frosts have passed; renew mulch and water new trees thoroughly.

Late spring

Check new leaves for aphids; allow for naturally late leaf emergence before judging branches dead.

Summer

Water deeply during prolonged drought and keep lawn fertiliser away from the root area.

Autumn

Enjoy the leaf colour, remove diseased fallen leaves and avoid nitrogen feeding.

• Use as a lawn specimen where the spreading crown and peeling bark can be seen clearly.
• Plant beside a sunny terrace for summer flowers and light seasonal shade, allowing space for falling flowers and leaves.
• Repeat along a broad drive or boundary to create a loose avenue without clipping the crowns.
• Underplant with ornamental grasses and sun-loving perennials for a layered, late-summer display.

Garden styles it suits: Southern, Traditional, Mediterranean, Architectural minimal, Pastel border and Autumn colour.

Plant it with: Lavender, Catmint, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Switchgrass and Lilyturf.

Wildlife: Flowers supply pollen to bees and other insects, though little or no nectar. The canopy provides shelter and potential nesting sites for small birds.

• Aphids can cause sticky honeydew and black sooty mould: wash small infestations off with water and protect ladybirds and other predators; use an insecticidal soap labelled for the plant if needed.
• Crape myrtle bark scale, present in parts of the United States, causes white felted patches and sooty mould: confirm identification locally and follow regional treatment guidance, avoiding insecticides during bloom.
• Powdery mildew is less likely on 'Muskogee' than on many older cultivars, but can occur: provide full sun and airflow, avoid excessive nitrogen and remove badly affected shoots.
• Sparse flowering commonly follows cool summers, shade, excessive feeding or winter dieback: maximise sun and warmth, reduce nitrogen and avoid severe pruning; colder gardens may not provide reliable flowering.

Not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people. No part is recognised as a significant poisoning hazard, but it is not a food plant.

• Natchez crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Natchez')

  Has white flowers rather than lavender-pink flowers; both develop conspicuous peeling bark.

• Tuscarora crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora')

  Has coral-pink flowers rather than the cooler lavender-pink of 'Muskogee'.

• Common crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

  Flower colour and habit vary widely, and some forms look very similar; reliable identification of 'Muskogee' usually requires a cultivar label or known propagation history.

Lagerstroemia honours Swedish naturalist Magnus von Lagerström, crape myrtle refers to the crinkled petals and myrtle-like leaves, and 'Muskogee' follows the US National Arboretum tradition of naming crape myrtle hybrids for Native American peoples.

Propagation. Root softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer under humid conditions. Seedlings will not reliably retain the characteristics of 'Muskogee'.

Accepted botanical name

Lagerstroemia

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.