The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a highly sought-after ornamental plant known for its vibrant, long-lasting summer blooms and attractive, exfoliating bark that provides winter interest. This deciduous shrub or small tree has become a landscape staple across warm temperate regions. Determining the cost of a crape myrtle is complex, as the final price is heavily influenced by the tree’s size, its specific variety, and the overall expenses associated with planting and long-term care. The initial purchase is just the first step in the total financial commitment.
Initial Purchase Price Based on Size and Source
The primary determinant of the initial purchase price is the size of the tree’s container, which reflects the plant’s age and maturity. Small, younger specimens in 1-gallon or 3-gallon pots typically cost between $15 and $40, while medium-sized trees in 5-gallon or 7-gallon containers range from $50 to $100. Larger, more established crape myrtles in 15-gallon containers command prices between $98 and $167, offering immediate landscape impact. Very mature trees in 45-gallon containers or larger balled-and-burlapped (B&B) sizes can cost from $400 to over $1,000. Retailer choice also affects the price; big-box stores offer lower prices but limited selection, while local nurseries and specialty growers provide higher quality stock and unique cultivars.
Understanding Price Variation by Variety and Form
The specific genetic traits of a crape myrtle significantly influence its cost; patented or newer cultivars with unique flower colors or nearly black foliage often carry a premium price tag. Varieties bred for superior disease resistance, particularly against powdery mildew, are also more expensive than older, less-resistant types. The physical form of the plant also dictates its value due to the labor required for shaping and training. While the natural multi-stemmed, shrub-like form is the most affordable, specimens carefully trained into a single-trunk tree form require specialized pruning over several seasons and will cost more. Prices for the most mature specimens are often determined by the trunk’s caliper size, reflecting the plant’s age and the years of labor invested.
Beyond the Purchase Price: Installation and Planting Costs
The cost of getting a crape myrtle into the ground must be considered alongside the initial purchase. For a do-it-yourself (DIY) planting, expenses include necessary materials like soil amendments (compost or planting mix), which cost $8 to $22 per bag. Granular, slow-release fertilizer and mulch will add another $8 to $20 to the project cost. Hiring a professional service introduces significant labor costs, averaging $50 to $150 per hour. For a small to medium-sized tree, professional installation typically adds $150 to $500 to the total expense. Planting a large, mature crape myrtle can cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,400 due to the specialized equipment and crew required.
Long-Term Ownership Costs
The financial commitment continues after the tree is successfully planted, involving recurring annual maintenance costs. Crape myrtles benefit from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer, often costing less than $10 for a 5-pound bag, and require regular watering, particularly during the first year of establishment. Pest and disease management, though often minimal for resistant cultivars, may require an annual expense for treatment; treating powdery mildew may necessitate purchasing a systemic fungicide, which typically costs $25 to $40. Pruning is another recurring cost; hiring a professional arborist for annual shaping can cost $50 to $100 for basic trimming or up to $300 for extensive shaping of a large tree.