The Basham Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Basham’s Party Pink’) is a popular ornamental tree. It’s a hybrid cultivar, chosen for its year-round visual appeal. Its prolonged flowering and adaptability make it a valuable addition to diverse garden designs.
Distinctive Features
Its soft pink to lavender-pink blooms appear in large, frilly clusters, 12 to 24 inches long. They provide continuous color from early summer through early fall.
Beyond flowers, its exfoliating bark offers unique appeal, especially in colder months. Smooth bark peels in thin plates, revealing mottled patterns of tans, grays, silvers, and reddish-brown.
In autumn, dark green foliage turns vibrant yellow, gold, or reddish-purple. This fast-growing variety reaches 30-40 feet tall with a 20-30 foot spread, forming an upright, vase-shaped habit that provides dappled shade.
Planting and Site Selection
This tree thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and growth. Well-draining soil is important, though it tolerates various soil types like clay, loam, and sand, provided drainage is adequate. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5) but adapts to a range of conditions.
Plant in fall or early spring, though container-grown plants can be established any time with consistent irrigation. Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly less deep, allowing the top of the root ball to sit about a half-inch above the soil line. After placing the tree, backfill with soil, tamp lightly to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.
Ongoing Care
Once established, the Basham Crape Myrtle is relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care promotes health and abundant flowering. During its first year, newly planted trees need regular deep watering, two to three times per week, especially in hot, dry climates, to encourage strong root development. After establishment (several months to a year), the tree becomes drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooms. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. A 3-1-1 ratio (e.g., 18-6-6 or 12-4-4) is often recommended. For established plants, a light application every two to four weeks during the growing season, or a single slow-release application in spring, can be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over flowers.
Mulch around the base with a 2-3 inch layer of organic material, like pine bark, to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it a few inches from the trunk. This layer also helps regulate soil temperature.
Pruning shapes the tree and encourages new growth, as crape myrtles bloom on new wood. Prune in late winter or early spring when dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and suckers from the base.
Thinning the canopy improves air circulation and helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. Avoid severe topping (“crape murder”), which distorts the tree’s natural form and leads to weak growth. The Basham Crape Myrtle has good resistance to powdery mildew.
Landscape Applications
Its size, extended bloom period, and seasonal interest make it versatile for various landscape applications. It excels as a specimen tree, serving as a focal point due to its height, wide canopy, and continuous floral display. Its upright, spreading habit also makes it suitable for street plantings, providing dappled shade.
It can create privacy screens or thick borders, offering a lush visual barrier. Group plantings provide a mass of color and texture, enhancing larger landscape designs. Once established, its drought tolerance and low maintenance make it a practical choice for sustainable landscaping. Attractive exfoliating bark and vibrant fall foliage extend its ornamental value year-round.