Lagerstroemia

New Zealand’s Best Crepe Myrtle Plants

Adding colourful shrubs to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Lagerstroemia plants and the right one for your space. Our Crepe Myrtle varieties have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Lagerstroemia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Lagerstroemia

1. When should I buy crepe myrtle?

The best time to buy crepe myrtle is during the summer, when the plants are in full bloom. This will allow you to see the exact colour and size of the flowers before you buy. However, summer is not the best time for planting. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends buying anytime between autumn and spring so the plant can establish before the heat of summer arrives.

2. What is the best crepe myrtle to buy?

The best crepe myrtle to buy depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following when choosing a crepe myrtle:

• Size: They come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf varieties that grow to just a couple of metres to large trees that can reach heights of 15 metres.
• Colour: Crepe myrtles produce flowers in a variety of colours, including white, pink, red, purple, and lavender.
• Growth habit: They can be grown as trees or shrubs.
• Disease resistance: Some crepe myrtle varieties are more resistant to powdery mildew and other diseases than others.

Here are a few of the best crepe myrtle varieties:

• Natchez: This popular crepe myrtle variety is known for its long blooming season, white flowers, and peeling bark.
• Dynamite: This crepe myrtle variety produces bright red flowers in the summer.
• Tuscarora: This crepe myrtle variety produces coral pink flowers in the summer.
• Acoma: This crepe myrtle variety produces white flowers in the summer.
• Muskogee: This crepe myrtle variety produces light lavender flowers in the summer.

These are just a few of the many great crepe myrtle varieties available. Be sure to do your research to find the perfect variety for your needs and preferences.

3. Do crepe myrtles grow very fast?

Crepe myrtles are known for their fast growth rate, and will generally grow 30-60 cm per year, but some varieties can grow at twice this pace. The fastest growing crepe myrtle varieties are 'Basham's Party Pink' and 'Red Rocket'.

4. Do crepe myrtles have invasive roots?

Crepe myrtle roots are not considered to be invasive. They are typically shallow and spread within the top 30-50 cm of soil. They are therefore safe around structures and as street trees.

5. Are crepe myrtles hard to maintain?

Crepe myrtles are generally considered to be low-maintenance trees. They are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and relatively pest-free. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your tree looking its best:

• Water regularly. They about 25 mm of water per week, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilise in the spring using a balanced fertiliser.
• Mulch around the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
• Prune regularly to shape and contain them. This is best undertaken in late winter or early spring.

6. Should crepe myrtles be cut back every year?

Whether or not to cut back crepe myrtles every year depends on your personal preferences and the goals you have for your tree. Crepe myrtles bloom on new wood, so pruning can encourage more flowering and control the shape of the tree.

If you are new to pruning crepe myrtles, it is best to start with light pruning and see how the tree responds. You can always prune more heavily next year if needed. Here are some tips:

• Prune in the late winter or early spring.
• Remove dead or diseased branches.
• Thin out crowded branches.
• Shape the tree as desired.

7. What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle tree?

Crepe myrtle trees have a moderate to long lifespan, with most trees living for 25-50 years. However, some crepe myrtle trees have been known to live for 100 years or more! The oldest known crepe myrtle tree is over 130 years old and is located in Roncade, Italy.