Muskogee Crape Myrtle

Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee')

Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee') is a fast-growing, large crape myrtle hybrid prized for its long-lasting lavender blooms, attractive exfoliating bark, and strong disease resistance. This adaptable, heat-tolerant variety is one of the earliest to bloom and among the longest-blooming, offering up to 120 days of vibrant color. With its upright form and broad canopy, it�s ideal for larger landscapes and public plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Muskogee' produces large, soft lavender flower clusters that appear in early summer and continue into fall. The smooth, light cinnamon-colored bark peels attractively as the tree matures, adding year-round texture and visual interest. Its foliage is a rich green in summer and transitions to shades of orange and red in autumn. Typically reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, this cultivar develops into a broad, vase-shaped tree with excellent branching structure.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay
• Water: Moderate; becomes drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Lavender blooms and broad canopy make it a commanding presence
• Street Tree: Tall, arching form is well-suited to urban plantings
• Specimen Planting: Excellent as a bold centerpiece in open lawns
• Shade Tree: Broad canopy provides light shade in gardens and parks
• Commercial Landscapes: Reliable color and low maintenance for large-scale plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during establishment; drought tolerant thereafter
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove suckers
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot

Why Choose Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

• Extended Bloom Time: Up to 120 days of soft lavender flowers
• Tall, Graceful Structure: Ideal for shade, screening, or street planting
• Peeling Bark: Provides winter interest and adds textural appeal
• Exceptional Disease Resistance: Easy-care performance even in humid climates
• Focal Point: Large stature and vivid color make it a landscape standout

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee' offers impressive size, longevity of bloom, and year-round visual appeal�making it a dependable and eye-catching choice for Southern gardens, large residential lots, and public green spaces.