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Purple Crape Myrtle Tree
Purple Crape Myrtle Tree
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The Purple Crape Myrtle Tree (Bare Root) is a fast-growing, highly ornamental flowering tree, prized for its stunning clusters of vibrant purple blooms, striking fall foliage, and beautiful exfoliating bark. Known for its heat tolerance, drought resistance, and adaptability to various soils, this tree is a perfect choice for landscapes, gardens, and urban settings. With its long blooming season from summer to early fall, the Purple Crape Myrtle adds multi-season beauty with minimal maintenance.
Purple Crape Myrtle Tree (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Bare Root |
| Botanical Name | Lagerstroemia indica |
| Common Names | Purple Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle |
| Mature Height | 10-25 feet |
| Mature Width | 10-20 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast (2-5 feet per year) |
| Lifespan | 50+ years |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 6-10 |
| Sun Preference | Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, loamy, sandy, or clay soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5) |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Flowering Season | Summer to early fall (June-September) |
| Flower Color | Rich purple |
| Fall Foliage | Orange, red, and yellow hues |
| Bark Appearance | Smooth, exfoliating bark with shades of tan and cinnamon |
| Wildlife Attraction | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
| Growth Habit | Multi-stemmed, vase-shaped canopy |
| Self-Pollinating? | Yes |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, privacy screen, street tree, ornamental border |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌱 Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance – Requires minimal watering once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise landscapes.
🐝 Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping support local ecosystems.
🌿 Air Quality & Erosion Control – Improves air quality while helping prevent soil erosion in urban and rural settings.
🍂 Multi-Season Interest – Features lush summer flowers, colorful fall foliage, and ornamental bark in winter.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-growing and provides quick shade | Needs full sun for best flowering |
| Long bloom period with vibrant purple flowers | Flowers drop in late summer, requiring some cleanup |
| Disease-resistant and drought-tolerant | Requires occasional pruning to maintain shape |
| Attracts pollinators and supports biodiversity | Not ideal for colder zones (below USDA 6) |
| Stunning bark adds winter interest | Can spread if not pruned properly |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
- Spacing: Plant 10-20 feet apart for best growth and air circulation
- Soaking: Soak bare root in water for 6-12 hours before planting
- Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, keeping roots level with soil surface
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Pruning: Best pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the canopy
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth
- Watering: Water regularly in the first year, then reduce as the tree becomes established
The Purple Crape Myrtle Tree (Bare Root) is an excellent choice for warm climates, offering stunning purple blooms, rapid growth, and year-round beauty. Whether planted for shade, privacy, or as a striking landscape focal point, this drought-tolerant, low-maintenance tree is a versatile and reliable addition to any outdoor space!
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