The Crepe Myrtle, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia indica, is prized for its long summer bloom period and attractive exfoliating bark. The cost of acquiring this popular landscape tree is variable, not fixed. The final price depends primarily on the tree’s physical size and maturity, the specific cultivar selected, the type of retailer, and whether professional installation services are required. Understanding these pricing tiers is the first step in budgeting for this vibrant addition to a landscape.
Price Based on Size and Maturity
The most significant driver of a Crepe Myrtle’s price is its size, which directly correlates with the time and resources invested in growing it. Small starter plants, typically sold in 4-inch pots or 1-gallon containers, often cost between $15 and $40. These young saplings require several years of growth to reach a substantial size.
Medium-sized container stock, such as those in 3-gallon or 7-gallon pots, generally fall within the $30 to $120 range. A 3-gallon tree usually stands a few feet tall and is a popular option for budget-conscious buyers. Moving up to a 7-gallon container often places the tree in the $90 to $150 price bracket, reflecting the additional two to three years of nursery care required.
Trees sold in large containers (15-gallon or 25-gallon sizes) are priced for immediate landscape impact, frequently costing $150 to over $450. The largest, most mature trees are often sold as Balled and Burlapped (B&B) stock, meaning they are dug from the ground with an intact, burlap-wrapped root ball. These substantial specimens, which may be 10 to 15 feet tall, can command prices ranging from $400 up to $1,000 or more due to the extensive labor and time involved in their cultivation and harvest.
Factors Driving Price Variation
Beyond physical size, market demand and the Crepe Myrtle’s specific traits influence its cost. Cultivars like the disease-resistant ‘Natchez’ (cinnamon bark) or the vivid red ‘Dynamite’ often carry a higher price tag than common varieties. New introductions with unique bloom colors or exceptional cold hardiness may also fetch a premium until they become widely propagated.
Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are priced differently, appealing to homeowners with limited space or those looking for container plants. Regional demand also plays a role, with prices generally higher in areas where the tree thrives (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9). Prices frequently fluctuate throughout the year, with peak spring planting season typically seeing the highest costs due to increased consumer demand.
Comparing Retailer Pricing Models
The source of the purchase affects both the final price and the quality of the tree. Big box garden centers typically offer the lowest prices on common varieties because they purchase and sell stock in bulk. However, their selection is usually limited to a few popular cultivars, and inconsistent plant care can occasionally lead to less vigorous stock.
Local independent nurseries generally charge higher prices but offer specialized benefits. These establishments often carry a wider selection, including newer or rarer cultivars acclimated to the local climate. Furthermore, the staff typically possess specialized horticultural knowledge, providing tailored advice on planting and care.
Online mail-order retailers provide a convenient alternative, especially for accessing specific or rare varieties not found locally. Although the initial sticker price may seem low, the final cost is often elevated by shipping and handling fees, particularly for larger container sizes. These trees usually arrive as smaller, younger stock, meaning the buyer trades immediate size for convenience and potentially a unique cultivar.
Calculating the Full Cost of Installation
The sticker price is only one component of the total cost, especially when considering professional planting. Hiring a service to plant a small to medium-sized Crepe Myrtle (up to 15-gallon size) typically adds an installation cost ranging from $100 to $300 per tree, depending on local labor rates and soil conditions. This service includes proper hole preparation, correct planting depth, and initial watering.
For very large B&B stock, professional planting costs can easily exceed $500 to $1,000 per tree, as this work often requires specialized equipment like a skid steer or small crane. Delivery fees are calculated based on the distance from the nursery, and large B&B trees sometimes incur a separate handling charge. Necessary planting supplies, such as soil amendments, fertilizer, and a tree staking kit, add a modest cost to the project.