Plant Spotlight: Why Crape Myrtle Is the Star of the Atlanta Summer

Drive through any Atlanta neighborhood in July and you will see them: clouds of pink, white, lavender, and watermelon-red blooms lighting up the roadsides. The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is practically the signature plant of the Southern summer, and it is hard to beat for our area.

Why it loves it here

Crape myrtles are built for exactly the conditions Douglasville throws at them. They shrug off heat and humidity, tolerate our clay soil once established, and bloom for an incredible 90 to 120 days when other plants are fading. On top of the summer flowers, you get beautiful exfoliating bark in winter and fiery orange-red fall color. Few plants give you three seasons of interest like this one.

Choosing the right size

The number-one crape myrtle mistake is planting a variety that gets far too big for its spot and then chopping it back every year. Match the plant to the space instead:

• Dwarf types (3 to 5 feet) like Pocomoke are great for foundations and containers.
• Mid-size (10 to 12 feet) varieties fit most yards beautifully.
• Tree forms (20 to 30 feet) such as Natchez and Muskogee make stunning specimen and street trees.

We can help you pick the right one for your yard so it fits naturally at its mature size.

Planting and care

• Plant in full sun — at least six hours a day. Shade means fewer blooms and more disease.
• Give it well-drained soil; if you have heavy clay, amend the planting hole and set the plant slightly high.
• Water regularly the first year, then it becomes quite drought-tolerant.

Please, skip the "crape murder"

Every winter we see crape myrtles topped into ugly stumps. This harsh practice, nicknamed "crape murder," leads to weak, knuckled growth and floppy branches. Instead, prune lightly in late winter: remove crossing branches, suckers at the base, and any thin twiggy growth. Let the tree keep its natural graceful shape.

Great companions

Underplant your crape myrtle with lantana, daylilies, or liriope for a layered look that carries color from the ground up. The combination is a classic for good reason.

Ready to add one to your landscape? We carry a rotating selection of colors and sizes at the store. Stop by and we will help you find the perfect match for your spot.