From the very beginning of the spring growth this. Bloom time varies, depending on the variety. com or stopping by the N. Very Dwarf | Dwarf | Semi-Dwarf | Small Tree | Tree 9-10. Remove any damaged or crossing branches during the late winter, as well as any suckers, or low-growing branches. Crepe myrtle varieties Australia. Ornamenting the Walkway. tall. Common name is in reference to the crepe-papery inflorescences and the myrtle-like ( Myrtus communis) features of the bark and foliage. “Crape murder” is the term that has been coined to describe severely cutting back crape. This pruning method is so drastic it is often referred to as “crape murder. It was quickly dubbed “crepe myrtle” due to its myrtle-shaped leaves and petals resembling crepe fabric. 3. It has a handsome trunk, with pale gray bark that sheds in strips, revealing creamy tan bark underneath, creating fascinating mottled. The Crape Myrtle is a tough act to follow, but the Weeping Willow sure can hold its own! The tree’s characteristic “weeping” foliage is quite striking, and some say it adds a relaxed, serene element to any yard it inhabits. (1. Now the good news is that Crape Myrtles are one darn tough plant. Crape-myrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae; Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) is an emerging invasive pest of crape myrtle in Virginia. True red flowers. BRANDON, Miss. Sometimes owners of crepe myrtles who want them to stay shrub-sized will cut the main central branch (i. Model # CRMPMA01G. The trees are resilient to pests and diseases with minimal pruning required to maintain their shape. Growing the Twilight Magic™ Crape Myrtle Size and Appearance. The quentisential tree for the Southern garden. A dwarf crape myrtle (maturing at a height of 5 feet) would fit this location well. Small, pimple-like bumps or blisters on the undersides of the crape myrtle's leaves indicate the plant suffers from edema. With ideal planting conditions this shrub grows at a fast rate. The Muskogee crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica x Fauriei) is the largest crape myrtle, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet if well taken care of. It is preferable to trim a standard variety as a tree, instead of a bush, but it can take a few years to change. Skip Richter, Travis County Extension Horticulturist Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension Fanick's Garden Center, San Antonio, TX 78220. The Double Dynamite® Crape Myrtle, otherwise known as the Lagerstroemia Indica ‘Whit X’ Plant Patent #27,085 is a pretty well known shrub plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world. It’s popularity stems from the many flower colors and relative small size for urban trees. Miniature crape myrtles reach heights of 2 to 3 feet; dwarf, semi-dwarf, me-dium and tall crape myrtles reach heights of 5 to 6 feet, 10 to 12 feet, 15 feet and more than 20 feet, respectively. Late winter is the best time to prune crape myrtles. All summer long it is covered in big flower heads of very large flowers, of a brilliant rich purple-violet color. It is highly resistant to the mildew that damages older types of Crape Myrtles so it looks clean, healthy and spectacular all summer long. 95. Crape myrtle bark scale is a new pest that can cause considerable damage if not caught early. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers meant for lawns, as these will cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. 3 ft. It has a relatively narrow form for a Crape Myrtle, growing only 4 to 8 feet wide, so it is ideal for a smaller garden, or for mixing among other shrubs. 95 Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica), often referred to as the “lilacs of the South”, are among the favorites of the South. The experts at HGTV help you select the. More Options Available $ 54. Crape myrtle growing in containers will appreciate a little more fertilizer for best foliage color and bloom. comThe Garnet Queen Crape Myrtle belongs to the Lagerstroemia indica family and is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach up to 20-25 feet tall when grown in ideal conditions. Then, fill the space to the surface and mix it thoroughly. The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. In South Carolina, the most common insect pest is the crape myrtle aphid ( Sarucallis kahawaluokalani ), found on the leaves and twigs of crape myrtle. The blooms of a crape myrtle tree are grown on new wood. Crapemyrtle bark scale (Michael Merchant, Texas Cooperative Extension, Bugwood. A three gallon plant would probably cost between 15 to 25 dollars and be around 4'-5' tall. Starting at $104. Make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem at an inward 45-degree angle. They don't lift the sidewalks as so. Plant type: small to medium-sized deciduous tree, often fast growing. Texas A&M Crape Myrtles for Texas Show More Show Less 2 of 6 Crape myrtles at the corner of Bellmeade St. Smooth, colorful peeling bark adds year-round interest. The flower clusters at the top were from varieties growing to mature heights of less than 5 ft. When the flowers have faded, leaves give the tree another blast of. Multi Stem. Enduring Summer Crape Myrtle. Red Flowering Miss Frances Crape Myrtle In Pot (With Soil) Model # CRMMFR03G. Usually, crape myrtle bushes only grow a few feet high. Siren Red ® – 10-12 feet tall upright branching shrub Tonto – 8-10 feet tall vase-shaped shrub. Our next common method for growing crepe myrtle is to propagate the plant from root cuttings. Cooperative Extension, Wayne County Center at The. Now the good news is that Crape Myrtles are one darn tough plant. Add to cart. Remove all leaves and side branches. Scientific name: Lagerstroemia x 'Apalachee'. 31/2 ft. View all varieties of Crepe Myrtles. Crapemyrtle aphids feed on phloem sap in which the primary constituents are sugar and water. If they do need trimming, and if it’s performed properly, minimum pruning is required. See our Shipping Page to learn what to. e. Get rid of branches growing at odd angles and detracting from the tree’s appearance. Like most trees, crape myrtles should be pruned in the winter. Stick the cutting into the soil so that half the length is above ground. All you need to do is purchase the variety of crape myrtle that meets your height requirement. However, it’s also one of the slowest-growing crape myrtles, only reaching heights of two to three feet per year. site. Watering them twice […] Characteristics of Selected Crape Myrtle Varieties. The second school of thought - and at least for now, this is where I am - is that the crape myrtles are going to have been relatively unaffected by the cold, but will get a little later-than-usual. Fertilization: Regular fertilization is necessary for Crape Myrtles in pots to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. Some gardeners suggest that a crepe myrtle should be pruned after flowering to encourage the plant to flower again. 6 to 12. Round, spreading growth habit reaching up to 15 ft. A container that’s 3 to 3. Growing Crape Myrtles Exclusively Since 1977 Our nursery has been growing crape myrtles for over 40 years. Note: In our “Availability”, multi-stem crapemyrtles and other trees are listed by height, single-stem trees are listed by caliper. Cease fertilization two months prior to the average. As mentioned earlier, the red rocket crape myrtle relatively has a faster growth rate than dynamite crape myrtle. 'Crape Myrtle Guide. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. Quickly reaches 8 ft. in 1786 by André Michaux (plant adventurer and botanist to King Louis XVI), its entry point was Charleston. These trees usually take on a vase shape with shiny, bright green leaves. Crepe Myrtle varies in growing habits and range in size from as small as 3′ to 6′ feet tall to as tall as 30′ feet tall. Good foliage retention into the fall months. Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. Black Diamond Crapemyrtles. The quentisential tree for the Southern garden. Learn more. Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone. The mature bark is a grayed-orange color. Native to China, Japan, and Korea southward to Oceania, crape myrtles have been cultivated in the U. Topping a crape myrtle forces the tree to produce many unsightly root suckers. Look for resistant varieties, especially if you live in a wet, humid location. It has often been referred to as the Flower of the South. Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is an upright, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree in the loosestrife family. They vary in length from 1/16 to ⅛ inch long. This broad variety sends out bold flowers of dark rose pink with dark red overtones, covering the branches from early summer through to early fall. (Teranodes otwayensis) BIRD FILES. 5 feet off the ground). The genus Myrica, which. , 1025 Holmgreen Rd. (News article for July 17, 2020) People sometimes find that the leaves of their crape myrtles have a black substance on them. 4, 1972, advert. 95 Arapaho Crape Myrtle Tree $ 49. Trainable as a standard but quite striking as a multitrunked tree. In addition to crape myrtle, it will feed on nearly three hundred different plant species. Very Dwarf | Dwarf | Semi-Dwarf | Small Tree | Tree The crape myrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Fig. First things first. Very few insects are pests of crape myrtle. Let your crape myrtle go au natural! The Natural Look is the easiest because there is little to no pruning involved. Growers created new selections of dwarf and semi-dwarf types that bloomed well, resisted disease, and were hardy. Number 2 takes, a confident pruner, 20-30 seconds each while Number 3 takes 2 seconds. Black Diamond Crape Myrtles are dwarf sized and stay between 8-10 feet tall and 8 feet wide at full size. Crape myrtle aphids feed only on crape myrtle trees. Additionally, crape myrtle should be planted in sunny locations allowing free air movement so that wet foliage dries quickly. Tonto is a semi-dwarf to medium crape myrtle, reaching heights of 12 to 14 feet. , 1025 Holmgreen Rd. Planting Crape myrtles have a shallow, fibrous rootCrape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5. The new Crape Myrtle plant differs from the seed parent and pollen parent in the following ways: TABLE 1 Unnamed Fleming Unnamed Flem- `Red Filli` L. Post Authored by Susan Condlin. How to Fertilize Crape Myrtles. There are also smaller varieties at 6 to 12 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, and dwarf shrubs 2 to 5 feet tall. 5. Skip Richter, Travis County Extension Horticulturist Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension Fanick's Garden Center, San Antonio, TX 78220. Quickly reaches 8 ft. One is that as the aphid feed, they excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew that. The growth rate is about 10-12 ft. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. A longtime favorite plant for use in many landscape styles, Crape Myrtle grows at a slow to moderate growth rate up to 15-feet high, spreading up to 8 to 12 feet. Ultimately, topping results in an ugly, odd-looking, higher maintenance and short-lived crape myrtle. 0 members have or want this. Introduction Selections of crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia spp. Summer heat brings an explosion of blooms that fill the tree until—and sometimes throughout—autumn. Next, improper pruning, or pruning too late, can cause crape myrtles not to. Sometimes owners of crepe myrtles who want them to stay shrub-sized will cut the main central branch (i. It will come down to the variety. " In general, for the Standard , Medium, and Dwarf trees & the Whites, Pinks and Lavenders ship at about 2-4 feet. It is usually best to use only one color in each cluster. Foliage may yellow (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. 1. S. Crape Myrtlettes. Single Trunk. Not only is the Muskogee one of the few Crape Myrtle varieties with rich lavender-purple flowers…but it also deliver. Many public properties as well as medians and urban streets are lined with these plants. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent (hence the species epithet indica), and also to Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan. Here is the same crepe myrtle tree. Behind every healthy leaf is a healthy branch, and. $42. Crape myrtle ( species) is a handsome, summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub. These twigs or pencil limbs are less than 2 inches in diameter. However, it is important not to over-fertilize your crape myrtles as this can lead to excessive growth and a reduction. (Howard Garrett) De-stress your trees. The Black Diamond is hardy in Zones 7-9. ): pink (medium) picotee with white edge, dark pink veining in white area, more or less pyramidal panicles; 12-14’ height, multi-trunked; hardiness USDA zone 6 or 7. a small tree with purple, pink, or white…. landscapes in regions with hot summers in the U. While crape myrtles are a low maintenance plant, they can be affected by a few diseases and pests. Gunter, TX 75058 (972) 372-4737 sales@treelandnursery. 5 m) tall with spreading, a vase-shaped, flat-topped crown measuring 6 to 15 ft. All crape myrtles should be grouped into one of these categories. 6/94. Absolutely you should feel comfortable planting a 1 gallon Natchez crape myrtle. A native of Asia, CMBS was first confirmed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004. 219-221. Removing the unnecessary ones first means reducing the overall amount of pruning you need to do. A 2012 Revolution; our beloved flowering shrub crape myrtles went black, and the world said WOW. Arapaho. Remember these trees are drought tolerant and after establishment require little water. After spotting an almost-dead specimen on a Chinese freighter, André sent samples to his Chucktown. Ideal conditions are full sun for 6 or more hours, but it can survive in partial shade. What They Are: Crape myrtle aphids are a soft bodied insect that is pale yellowish-green in color with black spots on the abdomen. You need to decide what look you would like for your tree to have. VICTOR (6'-10' Dark Bright Red) $39. The common crape myrtle can reach a height of 15–25' and a spread of 6–15' at maturity. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil in diameter while the plant is young. This Crape myrtle will bloom from about mid-summer until mid-fall prune off the expired blooms for a new burst of flowers. Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia species) has become a dominant landscape plant in North and Central Florida and throughout the South. Overwintering. There are arguments for and against pruning to. Sure, they’ve had a few issues with powdery mildew, but aphids and a new pest, crape myrtle bark scale, have moved ahead of them in line. One of several planted along a fence line in a rural landscape on Hotz Road near Thomaston, this black diamond Crimson Red crape myrtle is a shrub size that can get as large as 8-12 feet tall and. Natural Look. Suitable for growing in containers. To measure the crapemyrtle, add up the circumference of all trunks at chest high (about 4. The genus Lagerstroemia, which is a member of the plant family Lythraceae, is where crepe myrtles are found. p. The Black Diamond Crape Myrtle is a new breed of dwarf Crape Myrtle with deep purple to black foliage and a wide range of vibrant colors. Flowering continues through the summer and into fall. This makes it a good fit in most gardens as it is big enough to have a real impact but not so. ’ Botanically speaking, its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indica. I like the bark, which tends to peel in the fall. Baffling gardeners in North. Looking forward to having some color in our yard during the summer months!”. For a more graceful shape, remove all but 4 to 5 strong trunks and then remove the lateral branches around the lower half of the tree. Bronze. Check the plant’s label to pick a crape myrtle that fits your space. Crape myrtles have relatively good deer resistance. Christiana Crape myrtle Color: Dark red Growing Habit: Upright Height: 8 - 10 ft. Mulch around the base of the tree. In 1956, a second major variety of crape myrtle, the faurei, was introduced here from. As it feeds on the tree, the insect produces copious amounts of waste (also known as honeydew). Crape myrtles are, botanically speaking, a tall-growing deciduous shrub that can be trained to look like a tree with one or two main trunks. Even though widely used in the South, they aren’t a native species. 3 feet tall and wide. used dehumidifier for sale lapostolle cabernet sauvignon 2010 lapostolle cabernet sauvignon 2010The Top 5 Crepe Myrtle Issues and Some Treatment Methods. 3. S. $ 121. While aphid infestations normally don't make pecan trees look visually worse, crape myrtles. Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is an upright, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree in the loosestrife family. Bloom time can vary by 6-8 weeks depending on your. That means you should plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct light daily. Using crape myrtle aphid-resistant cultivars and insecticide sprays can reduce sooty mold. a small tree with purple, pink, or white flowers 2. The Miniatures, being naturally smaller plants, are in smaller pots. This tree has a semi-dwarf habit and grows in a vase shape, making it. Our multi-stem crapemyrtles are pruned to have 3 to 5 equal trunks. (02/03/17) “A tree which has lost its head will never recover it again, and will survive only as a monument of the ignorance and folly of its tormentor. The Key Differences Between Crepe Myrtle Bush and Crepe Myrtle Tree. Loppers to cut branches a ½ inch to 1½ inches thick. Deciduous. If you want to transplant your crepe myrtle yourself, this shouldn't be too difficult. Excellent resistance to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Hardiness Zone: 7-9A. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in parking lots, and in small pavement cutouts if provided with some irrigation until well established. Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle 'Christiana' Lagerstroemia indica. [photo from Temperature Climate Permaculture] Foliage turns a luscious orange-red in fall for exquisite cool season color. An invasive insect pest of the widely used ornamental plant crapemyrtle has been found for the first time in South Carolina. Crown density and growth rate is moderate. Then, cover the ground with 2-3” of pine bark mulch or pine straw to keep the soil moist. Lagerstroemias are available in different mature sizes; some are shrubs, growing between 5-8 feet. Even with its superior drought tolerance, there's no need to. While removing a tree can. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Christiana') in the Crepe Myrtles Database - Garden. Coral Sport. 1. The crepe myrtle bush would refer to Lagerstroemia indica in most situations, while the crepe myrtle tree would likely refer to Lagerstroemia speciosa, which is the largest species of crepe myrtle and the most tree-like. within the range of 5 to 6. Special Red. This will encourage the best possible new growth. fauriei) that was begun in 1967 and completed in 1989 by the U. 16 Varieties of Dwarf Crape Myrtles for sale. The best time to prune crape myrtles is before new growth begins in the spring—typically late February. 2 m). Some species demonstrate moderate growth of between 1 and 3 feet a year. Crape myrtles spread via seeds rather than rhizomes or stolons. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in parking lots, and in small pavement cutouts if provided with some irrigation until well established. A Crape Myrtle is one of the most popular flowering trees in Florida. the Current agent is Minda Daughtry. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. RED Crape Myrtles Available as Miniatures, Dwarves, Medium Height or Standard Trees. Young sprouts may need to be removed from the base of crape myrtle when training into a tree, especially first few years. 1025. It is a versatile flowering plant with many attractive characteristics such as excellent bark color, texture, form and shape, fall foliage color and seed pods which persist in the winter. How to Prune Your Black Diamond® Red Crape Myrtle. per 100 sq. 0 to 7. 5. The best spot for crepe myrtles is full sun and well-drained soil to help retain moisture. Stick to the fertilization schedule discussed above unless your crape myrtle plants lack essential nutrients, required for flowering, due to poor soil conditions. Characteristics of Selected Crape Myrtle Varieties. Some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Crape myrtles are notorious for being one of the last plants to start growing in our landscapes, and I would not be surprised if we had some winter damage on some. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. Crape myrtle grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil but will tolerate less hospitable positions in the landscape just as well, once it becomes established. (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) Check out the largest plant identification database in the world. org). Crape Myrtle is a southern garden favorite. Crape Myrtle Care. Take Advantage of our Quantity Discounts Buy 1-2 Plants. The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. Raspberry Sundae. Clusters of flowers! Sort of reminds me of lilacs. Semi-Dwarf Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles (from 4 to 12 feet tall) Cheyenne – 8-10 feet tall rounded head shrub. Proper planning and preventative pruning will help your crape myrtle develop into a gorgeous tree that will dazzle the neighbors. Severe pruning at this time of the year could result in diseased branches and slow the development of these tough trees. Crepe myrtles need little overwintering care. 7 cm) of rich hardwood mulch around the tree. It is native from the Himalayas through southern China, southeast Asia and Japan, but has naturalized in the U. ResidentialMid Carolina Crepe Myrtle & Shade Tree also offers direct installation from our nursery to your place of business or residence. Intermediate Shrub Size Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles (over 12 feet tall)Crape Myrtle Bushes. Some are small shrubs, while others are large, multitrunked trees. A crape myrtle planted in partial shade or full shade will experience reduced flowering. Coral Sport. All four trees are growing and thriving. in the south (Charleston, South Carolina) in 179. Shade diminishes flowering. If the diameter is about 1 inch, the estimated size of the root ball is around 16 inches. Note: Scroll right to view continuation of table. Additionally, crape myrtle should be planted in sunny locations allowing free air movement so wet foliage dries quickly. Crepe — also spelled “crape” — myrtle is native to China and Korea. In winter, we suggest using either container crapemyrtles or B & B trees that were dug in summer, hardened off, and stored in mulch. Form may range from upright and vase-shaped to low, horizontal, and shrub-like. Watering them. 3. Gently incorporate the granules into the soil with a rake and then water well. The genus name honors Swedish botanist Magnus von. The Twilight Magic Crape Myrtle is a tall, upright deciduous flowering tree, reaching as much as 16 feet in height, with a spread of up to 8 feet wide. 4. ) and flower profusely. $42. Over 1. Plant pots can be made from different materials, some of which suit. Other Names: Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle. S. Form may range from upright and vase-shaped to low, horizontal, and shrub-like. Make sure you're choosing the appropriate crape myrtle bush or tree for. The Natchez Crepe is also popular because of its fast-growth, which can be between 3 and 5 feet a year. Southern Living. Semi-Dwarf Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles (from 4 to 12 feet tall) Cheyenne – 8-10 feet tall rounded head shrub. Fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio of 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 are all excellent choices for crape myrtles. Perfect as specimen trees or as borders. Crape Myrtles are common landscaping trees, mostly used in privacy hedges, for hanging baskets, as bonsai, or even as beautiful specimen trees. Crape Myrtle is an easy-to-grow perennial with a tree-like look that produces beautiful flowers. 2014 prices should get you finding a 1 gallon Natchez in the 7 to 12 dollar price range. As it happens, when L. How to Keep Your Tree Healthy in the Future. indica and L. Some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Using a clean, sharp utility knife (or grafting knife ), cut the stem from the parent plant and remove all blooms and flower buds from the stem. How to prune a Crepe Myrtle requires removing pencil limbs, suckers, and rubbing branches. The Black Diamond is hardy in Zones 7 to 9. Ideal as a landscape accent or container specimen. There are too many trunks, and the canopy needs to be thinned. First Editions. Some of the most common pests found in crepe myrtles include aphids, Japanese beetles, bark scale, powdery mildew, and. Common name is in reference to the crepe-papery inflorescences and the myrtle-like ( Myrtus communis) features of the bark and foliage. They’ll regrow to about 4 feet (1. wide. indica. The two main disease problems of crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. S. Crepe myrtles need little overwintering care. Cold hardy in USDA zones 7-9. If the tree is pruned wrong, it will require even more pruning as the new growth of smaller branches sprout out all over the tree. The Muskogee crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica x Fauriei) is the largest crape myrtle, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet if well taken care of. from Virginia to Arkansas south to. Thunderstruck™ Lavender Blast™ Crape Myrtle Tree. It is a member of. This specimen tree, ranging from less than 3 feet to more. , while flowers at the bottom of the photo were from varieties that will. There are over 1,200 varieties of crape myrtle with mature heights ranging from 2 feet to 40 feet. 00. Plant them 3 feet (1 m. Important: For a crepe myrtle plants to properly use and benefit from fertilizer, make sure the pH of the soil is slightly acidic i. After image posted above. ) with true red flowers are now widely available, thanks to new and dramatic improvements in crape. Newly planted bushes will grow 3 to 6 feet in their first year. Removing some of these trunks can fundamentally change the structure of your crape myrtle. Arapaho. Published: Jan. This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions: Anniston, Alabama. The detailed selective pruning of number two limits excessive wild growth while number 3 is quick and easy but could cause some wild growth. However, it’s also one of the slowest-growing crape myrtles, only reaching heights of two to three feet per year. m. Pruning correctly is much less work than incorrectly pruning. 95. Then, make sure your area has well-drained soil. The Natchez’s bark is also distinctive, offering a shimmery-brown throughout the year. It has attractive deep bright red flowers and is a fast grower. Characteristics of Crape Myrtle Varieties. We currently offer 9 different Crape Myrtle species which are fast-growing (up to 4 foot a year), sun-loving, drought tolerant, and perform well in many different soil types. Other Names: Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle. Like all trees, crape myrtles require periodic. Many crape myrtles are cut back to bare trunks in the belief that this will yield more flowers. Growing the Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle Size and Appearance. For example, a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 contains 10% each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.