Crape myrtle is the southern summer tree. 100+ days of pink, white, red, or purple panicles, cinnamon exfoliating bark, and blazing fall color. Stop "crape murder" — don't top them. Let them grow into their natural vase shape.
Sun: Full sun. Water: Low. Zones: 6–10. Height: 3–30 ft. Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall.
Plant in full sun — shade reduces blooms. Tolerates most soils once established. Prune lightly in late winter, removing only crossing and dead branches. Never top — it ruins form and weakens the tree. Choose the right mature-size cultivar for your space.
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01 Should I prune crape myrtle in winter?
Minimal pruning only — remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Never "top" by cutting main trunks back to stubs ("crape murder") — it ruins the natural form and weakens the tree over time.
02 Why did my crape myrtle bloom less this year?
Usually too much shade or previous-year topping. Crape myrtle needs full sun for reliable bloom. Also check for crape myrtle bark scale — a newer pest that coats stems in white fluff and reduces flowering. Deadhead spent panicles for a second, smaller bloom flush.
03 Are there cold-hardy crape myrtles for zone 6?
Yes — dwarf and semi-dwarf hybrids in the Razzle Dazzle and Black Diamond series survive zone 6 with winter dieback, blooming on new wood. They may die to the ground in hard winters but regrow and bloom the same summer.