The Crepe Myrtle is a recognizable and beloved flowering tree in warmer climates, particularly across the American South. Its long blooming period and adaptability make it a popular feature in countless landscapes. Despite its popularity, a persistent question confuses gardeners and enthusiasts: the spelling of its common name.
Settling the Spelling Debate
The confusion over whether to use “crepe” or “crape” myrtle is understandable, as both spellings are commonly seen. The widely accepted spelling in horticultural and botanical circles in the United States is “Crape Myrtle”. Major organizations like the American Horticultural Society and the National Arboretum favor the spelling with an “a,” though “crepe myrtle” is also considered correct and frequently used.
The name refers to the flower petals’ appearance, which are thin, ruffled, and crinkled, closely resembling crêpe paper or fabric. The French word “crêpe” is the source of the common name, but the anglicized spelling “crape” has become the standard in many professional contexts.
The plant is not a true myrtle, which leads some experts to argue the name should be spelled as a single word, “crapemyrtle,” to distinguish it botanically. However, the two-word spelling, “Crape Myrtle,” remains the most prevalent form in the industry. Both “crape” and “crepe” clearly refer to the same flowering tree.
Key Identifying Features
Beyond its name, the tree is easily identified by physical characteristics that provide interest across all seasons. The most striking feature is its profusion of flowers, which appear in large, dense clusters called panicles at the tips of new growth. Individual flowers are small, but their delicate, ruffled petals give the entire cluster a crinkled texture.
The color range is extensive, including pure white, shades of pink, lavender, and deep purplish-red. These vibrant blooms provide color throughout the summer and into early fall, a time when many other flowering plants have finished their display. The leaves are typically oval-shaped and dark green during the summer, arranged opposite or nearly opposite one another on the stems. In the autumn, the foliage transitions to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow before dropping.
Another defining characteristic is the smooth, mottled bark that develops on mature trunks and branches. The outer layer naturally exfoliates, or peels away, in thin strips to expose a smooth, lighter-colored underlayer of cream, cinnamon, or tan. This exfoliating bark creates a patchy appearance that offers significant visual appeal, particularly in the winter months. The growth habit is generally that of a multi-trunked shrub or small tree.
Essential Growing Conditions
To ensure this plant thrives, it requires specific environmental conditions to support its long flowering season and overall health. Full sunlight is required for optimal blooming, meaning the tree needs at least six hours of direct sun each day. Planting the tree in a location that receives less sun will result in fewer flowers and can increase susceptibility to fungal issues like powdery mildew.
The tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, but it must be located in a spot with excellent drainage. While it is quite drought-tolerant once established, young trees need consistent, deep watering during their first year. Overly wet or poorly draining soil can lead to root problems and decline.
Pruning is often performed in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant, as the flowers bloom on new growth produced that season. However, severe cutting back, often referred to as “Crape Murder,” is detrimental to the tree’s natural shape and health. This extreme topping encourages the growth of weak, spindly branches that cannot support the weight of the summer flowers. Pruning should instead focus on thinning the canopy, removing suckers at the base, and taking out crossing or rubbing branches.