Species crape myrtle
Pink flowers with beige center brown stigma, beige-white  style, yellow anthers beige filaments, brown buds, brown stems, pink petiole, green leaves brown midrbibs and blades

crape myrtle

Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw'

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw') is a beautiful deciduous flowering shrub with large drooping purple flowers. It is adaptable to a variety of soils and climates. It is drought-tolerant and grows 10-12 feet tall with a spread of 8-10 feet. The foliage is a deep glossy green which changes to a bright yellow during the fall. This crape myrtle has a long bloom period starting in summer and extending until early fall. It is great choice as a specimen or accent planting in the garden. Pruning will help to keep its shape and encourage more blooms. Enjoy its beauty year round in all types of outdoor landscapes.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Pinkish lavender Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw') is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant. Watering it on a regular basis is essential to healthy growth and vibrant blooms. For general care, water moderately throughout its growing season (typically March through October). Apply 1 inch of water per week, either all at once or broken up into smaller amounts. In summer months, water more frequently when temperatures and winds are especially hot and dry. It is important to allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings. This crape myrtle prefers a slightly acidic soil, so a watering with acidified water (such as rainwater or collected water that has had a half cup of white vinegar added per 2 gallons of water) every 2-3 months is recommended. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, it does not require a regular watering schedule. However, if the soil appears overly dry, water lightly, checking the soil first to ensure that it is not soggy.

sunlight

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw') should receive about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal times for sunlight are typically 10AM to 4PM. During the summer months, it is beneficial to provide morning light as well and shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent the leaves from burning. In the winter months or in areas with less intense sunlight levels, crape myrtle should get full sunlight.

pruning

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw') should be pruned in late winter before new growth begins. Pruning should be limited to removing dead or damaged branches and thinning out the canopy to allow for improved air circulation. Begin pruning by removing any crossed or rubbing branches. If needed, lightly shape the tips of new shoots to encourage branching. Select a few of the tallest stems, remove any damaged ones, and then prune them back to a certain height. This will rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth. It is important to not prune more than a third of the plant's growth in 1 season and to avoid excessive pruning of the oldest, largest stems.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Crape myrtles typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Crape myrtles typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map