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There are trees that perform for a fortnight and then quietly disappear into the background. Lagerstroemia - the Crape Myrtle - is emphatically not one of them. From midsummer onwards, it erupts into bloom with flowers that look as though they've been cut from crinkled crepe paper, held in generous clusters of pink, white, red, or coral. The bark peels back in autumn to reveal smooth, cinnamon-warm tones beneath. Then the foliage turns. Oranges, reds, russets. This is a tree that genuinely earns its place across every season, and it remains one of the most underused ornamental trees in South East England gardens.
What is a Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)?
Lagerstroemia indica originates from the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, and parts of northern Australia. It has been cultivated in European gardens for centuries, and the best modern cultivars have been refined into exceptionally garden-worthy plants. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, Lagerstroemia can behave as a large shrub or a proper small tree. The species itself can reach around 8 metres at full maturity, but most cultivars sold for garden use are considerably more compact - some are genuinely suited to small urban plots.
It is deciduous, so you get the full seasonal cycle: fresh foliage in spring, flowers from midsummer, spectacular bark through winter. Hardiness is broadly good across the South East of England, particularly in sheltered or urban settings where temperatures rarely plunge to extremes.
Why Crape Myrtles Deserve a Spot in Your Garden
Let me make the case properly, because this tree deserves it.
The flowering season is exceptional. Most ornamental trees flower in spring and are done by June. Lagerstroemia starts when the others have finished - typically from July - and keeps going well into September. The flowers are long-lasting and genuinely showy. In a garden context, that late-summer flowering window is almost impossible to fill with a tree of this quality.
The bark is a winter feature in its own right. As the outer bark peels away, it reveals smooth, polished tones of grey, brown, and warm cinnamon. On a bare winter tree, this is genuinely beautiful - not just an afterthought. Some cultivars, particularly the Lagerstroemia fauriei hybrids, have exceptional bark interest.
Autumn colour rounds out the year. Before the leaves drop, they turn shades of orange and red that can be as striking as any dedicated autumn-colour tree. Three seasons of serious ornamental value is a strong argument for any plant.
It is adaptable in the garden. Grow it as a specimen tree, a multi-stemmed focal point, or - with a compact variety - in a large planter on a terrace. It suits both formal and informal planting styles. Some cultivars work beautifully as street trees. Few ornamental trees offer this range of application.
Once established, Lagerstroemia is drought-tolerant, generally pest-resistant, and asks relatively little of you. It is not a tree that demands constant attention to perform well.
How to Grow Crape Myrtle in the UK
This is where the South East genuinely has an advantage over much of the UK. Lagerstroemia wants warmth, sunshine, and reasonable drainage - and Surrey and the surrounding counties can reliably provide all three.
Position and Aspect
Full sun is non-negotiable. A south or south-west facing position is ideal. Shelter from cold, drying winds makes a real difference, particularly for younger plants. An urban or walled garden setting is close to perfect. In these conditions, Crape Myrtles in the South East perform as well as anywhere in northern Europe.
Soil
Well-drained soil is the key requirement. Lagerstroemia tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes sitting in waterlogged ground over winter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH suits it best. If your soil is heavy clay, incorporate grit and organic matter when planting, and consider raising the planting level slightly to improve drainage.
Planting
Plant in spring or early summer, once the risk of hard frost has passed. Dig a generous hole - wider than you think you need - and incorporate organic matter. Water in thoroughly and apply a mulch around the base. This retains moisture through the first summer and suppresses competing weeds while the roots establish.
Ongoing Care
Water regularly through the first growing season. Once established, the tree is considerably more self-sufficient. A balanced fertiliser in spring encourages strong flowering. In the first winter, young plants benefit from a thick mulch over the root zone, and fleece protection in particularly exposed positions.
A Word on Pruning
Please don't hack it. The practice of cutting Lagerstroemia back to ugly stubs - sometimes called "crepe murder" in horticultural circles - is widely condemned, and for good reason. It disfigures the tree, removes the flowering wood, and destroys the natural structure. Light tidying in late winter or early spring is all that's needed: remove crossing or dead branches, and allow the tree to develop its natural form. The result is far more beautiful than anything heavy pruning produces.
Lagerstroemia Varieties Worth Knowing
This is where it gets interesting, because the range of cultivars available is genuinely broad. Here are some worth knowing:
- Lagerstroemia 'Natchez' - one of the most widely grown and for good reason. White flowers, exceptional peeling bark in warm tones, strong autumn colour, and a medium tree habit. A reliable all-rounder.
- Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora' - coral-pink flowers with good disease resistance. A dependable performer that earns its reputation season after season.
- Lagerstroemia 'Rhapsody in Pink' - a more compact form, well suited to smaller gardens or large planters. Pink flowers over a long season.
- Lagerstroemia 'Dynamite' - vivid red flowers on a strong, upright habit. Bold and unapologetic.
- Lagerstroemia fauriei hybrids - generally noted for superior bark interest and strong disease resistance. Worth seeking out if bark texture is a priority.
At Cedar Nursery, we hold a selection of Lagerstroemia in the Trees department, but the range of varieties we can source is considerably broader than what sits in stock at any one time. If a particular cultivar has caught your eye, speak to the team - we can order specific varieties on request. It's always worth asking.
Crape Myrtle FAQs
Are Crape Myrtles hardy in the UK?
Yes. Lagerstroemia is generally hardy across much of the UK, and particularly well suited to the South East. Established plants tolerate moderate frost without difficulty. Young plants benefit from winter protection - a thick mulch over the root zone and fleece in exposed positions - during their first year or two.
How big does a Crape Myrtle grow?
It depends on the variety. Lagerstroemia indica as a species can reach around 8 metres at maturity, but most cultivars grown in UK gardens are significantly more compact. Some are genuinely suited to containers or small courtyard gardens. Always check the mature size of the specific cultivar before planting.
When does Crape Myrtle flower?
Typically from midsummer through to early autumn - one of the longest flowering windows of any ornamental tree. This is precisely what makes it so valuable in a garden context.
Can I grow a Crape Myrtle in a pot?
Compact varieties are well suited to large planters. Use a quality loam-based compost, ensure good drainage through the base, and water regularly during the growing season. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Where can I buy Lagerstroemia in Surrey?
Cedar Nursery in Cobham stocks a selection of Lagerstroemia and can order specific varieties on request. The team can advise on which cultivar best suits your garden, soil, and available space. Come and see what we have in the Trees department - and if you have a particular variety in mind, just ask.
Visit Cedar Nursery or Enquire About Your Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia is one of those trees that genuinely rewards the effort of finding the right variety for your garden. At Cedar Nursery, we hold stock in the Trees department and can source specific cultivars to order - so if you've seen a particular Crape Myrtle and want to track it down, our team is well placed to help. We're in Cobham, less than 5 miles from RHS Wisley, and the team is happy to talk through varieties, siting, and planting in detail. You can also browse at landscaping.co.uk before you visit.
Cedar Nursery offers an impressive selection of specimen and garden trees, from native hedgerow species to architectural statement trees. Visit us in Cobham, Surrey to see our tree stock in person - our nursery manager Dave and the team can advise on the best trees for your site and conditions.
We deliver trees locally with our own team across Surrey, the Home Counties and parts of Greater London, ensuring careful handling from nursery to your garden.
Cedar Nursery, Horsley Road, Cobham, KT11 3JX. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am - 5pm. Call 01932 862473 or visit landscaping.co.uk.