Why Everyone Loves a Crape Myrtle (And Why You’ll Want More Than One)
Crape Myrtle trees are the ultimate showstoppers. With long-lasting summer blooms, vibrant color options, and beautiful bark, they deliver serious curb appeal with minimal upkeep. They’re drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and perfect for Southern and warm-climate gardens.
They’re also one of the most searched flowering trees online, especially for:
- “Long-blooming trees for summer”
- “Low-maintenance flowering trees”
- “Best trees for Texas/Florida/California landscapes”
- “Fast-growing ornamental trees”
So if you’re looking to upgrade your landscape, you’re in the right place.
What Makes Crape Myrtles So Special?
- Blooms that last all summer—sometimes up to 100+ days
- Gorgeous exfoliating bark that adds winter interest
- Compact or tall options depending on your space
- Drought-tolerant and sun-loving once established
- Pollinator-friendly and adaptable to many soil types
These are not just ornamental trees—they’re statement pieces that perform.
Our Best-Selling Crape Myrtle Varieties
At Simply Trees, we carry four of the most sought-after crape myrtle cultivars—each one container-grown and ready to thrive in your garden.
Natchez Crape Myrtle
- Bloom Color: Crisp, bright white
- Mature Height: 20–30 ft
- Why We Love It: Elegant, timeless, and fast-growing with striking cinnamon-colored bark. It’s a go-to for lining long driveways or creating height in the garden.
Tuscarora Crape Myrtle
- Bloom Color: Coral-pink
- Mature Height: 15–25 ft
- Why We Love It: That pink hits just right. Tuscarora delivers a bold splash of color and is known for its high mildew resistance. A favorite among Southern gardeners.
Dynamite Crape Myrtle
- Bloom Color: Deep true red
- Mature Height: 15–25 ft
- Why We Love It: If you want red, this is the red. Dynamite is one of the most vibrant crape myrtles on the market. The blooms are rich, dense, and unforgettable.
Muskogee Crape Myrtle
- Bloom Color: Soft lavender-purple
- Mature Height: 20–30 ft
- Why We Love It: It’s a little more relaxed in tone but still dramatic. Muskogee blooms for up to 120 days and grows fast. It’s great for privacy and shade, too.
How to Plant & Care for Crape Myrtles
- Sunlight: Full sun is non-negotiable. These trees need 6+ hours daily for peak bloom.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is key. They tolerate clay or loamy soil with no problem.
- Watering: Water deeply when newly planted. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove suckers and shape the canopy—but don’t overdo it. No “crape murder” allowed.
- Spacing: Give them room to breathe. Check mature widths and plant accordingly.
Where Do Crape Myrtles Grow Best?
They thrive in USDA Zones 6–10, with the best flowering performance in Zones 7–9. That means they’re perfect for:
- Texas
- Florida
- California
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Arizona
- Parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, and beyond
If you’re in a warm or transitional climate, crape myrtles are one of the best flowering trees you can plant.
The Simply Trees Take
We grow and ship crape myrtles that are already established in containers, not bare-root. That means they’ll acclimate quickly and put on a show faster. Each one is packed in our thick, double-walled boxes and backed by our guarantee.
Whether you want a classic white Natchez, a bold Dynamite red, or something soft like Muskogee lavender—we’ve got a tree (or three) with your name on it.
