The ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Gregg’) is a popular deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its visual appeal and hardiness in landscapes. Its adaptability and distinct features make it a favored ornamental plant.
Key Characteristics
The ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtle typically reaches a mature height of 10 to 20 feet and a width of 10 to 15 feet. It exhibits an upright, often vase-shaped growth habit. Its pure white flowers bloom profusely from mid-to-late summer through early fall.
Beyond its vibrant blooms, the ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtle offers year-round interest with its exfoliating bark, which peels to reveal smooth, multi-toned bark in shades of cinnamon-brown. The glossy dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop during the growing season. In autumn, the foliage transforms into vibrant orange-red hues.
Planting and Growing Conditions
The right location is important for the ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtle to thrive. This plant requires full sun exposure (at least six to eight hours daily) for abundant flowering and healthy growth. Planting in a southern or western exposure is often recommended to maximize sunlight and air circulation, which helps reduce powdery mildew.
While crape myrtles tolerate a range of soil types, they perform best in well-drained soil. Incorporating organic matter can improve drainage in heavy clay soils or enhance moisture retention in sandy soils. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. Newly planted ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtles need consistent deep watering, typically once or twice a week during the first growing season, to establish a strong root system.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Gregg’ Crape Myrtles become drought-tolerant, but they benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Watering should be focused on the root area, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between applications. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization encourages vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins, or a general-purpose garden fertilizer with a 3-1-1 or 10-10-10 ratio. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Fertilizing can be repeated in late spring to early summer just before blooming.
Pruning, ideally done in late winter before new growth emerges, focuses on maintaining the plant’s natural vase shape and removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches. This practice also improves air circulation within the canopy, which helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. While crape myrtles bloom on new wood, severe topping, often called “crape murder,” is not recommended as it creates weak growth and detracts from the plant’s natural form and bark interest. Removing spent flower heads during the blooming season can encourage a second flush of flowers.