Species crape myrtle
royal-purple, ruffled flowers with orange stamens and reddish-green stems

crape myrtle

Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans'

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans') is an attractive deciduous shrub or small tree known for its fuchsia or lavender blooms in the summer, and dark green leaves in spring. Its bark is gray and exfoliating, providing winter interest. The plant is drought tolerant and relatively pest and disease free, preferring areas of full sun exposure and well drained soil. In autumn, this Crape myrtle produces wonderful, dangling clusters of seeds, adding another dimension to its beauty. Gardeners can enjoy this Crape Myrtle variety for many seasons to come!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 10

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans') should be watered every 4-7 days on average depending on soil and environment. In general, begin watering when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. If temperatures are high, increase the frequency to twice a week. If temperatures are low, decrease the frequency to once a week. Be sure to provide both deep and shallow watering. Deep waterings should soak the plant's root zone (up to 10–12 inches deep). Shallow waterings help the soil's surface stay damp, which promotes healthy foliage growth. It's important to check the soil's moisture frequently by sticking your finger into the soil to the first knuckle; for more accurate results, use a soil moisture meter.

sunlight

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans') should thrive in full sun, meaning that it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sun followed by afternoon shade is beneficial, particularly in very warm climates or during the hottest months of summer. It can tolerate partial shade, but it typically will not bloom as profusely.

pruning

When pruning Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'New Orleans'), it should be done in late winter (January or February). You should aim to remove up to 20% of the old wood each year. Prune the tips of the branches to maintain a desired size and shape. Also, trim off lower suckers and crossing branches. Prune off dead, diseased, and broken branches. Also, prune to let in air and light. Pruning will help to promote good health and a more robust blooming for your Crape Myrtle.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Hardiness Map