Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is a flowering tree that is beloved for its stunning indigo-colored blooms. Native to East Asia, this tree is known for its vibrant and showy flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers due to its ability to add a pop of color to any landscape. One of the main attractions of the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is its stunning indigo-colored blooms. These flowers are large, with a diameter of up to 12 inches, and they appear in dense clusters on the tree's branches. The indigo color of the blooms is especially striking and can be a major focal point in any garden.
"The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common crape myrtle pests and diseases."
Play Value Attractive Flowers Attracts Pollinators Wildlife Food Source Particularly Resistant To Insects Diseases Other Problems This tree is resistant to damage by deer. Cultural Conditions Light Full sun 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day Soil Texture Clay High Organic Matter Loam Silt Sand Shallow Rocky Soil pH Acid 8.
The indigo color of the blooms is especially striking and can be a major focal point in any garden. In addition to its beautiful blooms, the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree also has attractive foliage. The leaves of this tree are a glossy green color and have a pleasing oval shape.
Lagerstroemia indica
Common crape myrtle is a deciduous, erect, multi-trunked, tree or shrub in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae). It is native to the Philippines, Japan and central Himalayas to southern China and Indochina. The genus name honors Magnus von Lagerstroem, who was a Swedish botanist and director of the Swedish East Indies Company. The species epithet references its native origin in India. The common name is derived from the crepe paper-like petals and the bark and foliage features that are similar to the myrtle plant.
It requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil, though it will tolerate occasionally wet or dry soil once established. Place it in a sheltered location protected from winter winds and mulch the soil to protect the roots. It resists deer, drought and pollution. Propagate it by seed or stem cutting. A rapid grower, common crape myrtle can reach 6 to 30 feet high and wide, depending upon the variety selected. Severe pruning or topping of the crape myrtle should not be needed to control the plant size. If pruning is required to thin the tree or shrub, it is best done in late winter or spring before growth begins.
Common crape myrtle blooms from July to September with numerous and showy flowers. The flower color of the wild-type species is rose to red, but there are cultivars offering a variety of colors. The leaves are light green with tinges of red initially that become dark green by summer and colorful in the fall. Another highlight is its exfoliating bark.
The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. Dwarf varieties may be grown in a container. Groups of crape myrtle are commonly used as a hedge, privacy screen or street tree landscape.
Quick ID Hints:
- Twigs have decurrent ridges.
- Has short petioles.
- Leaves are opposite, alternate, or in whorls of three.
- Flowers are 6-parted, ruffled, and have clawed petals.
- Flowers with style-like staminodes.
- Inflorescence is a terminal panicle.
- Fruit is a dehiscent capsule, six-valved and brown.
- Bark exfoliates, exposing hues of brown to gray.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scales and flea beetles are problems for the crape myrtle. The crape myrtle bark scale is particularly an issue in western Tennessee and is best treated by the use of pesticides. Scrub brushes may also be used to remove scales. Potential diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew. In hardiness zones 5 to 6, the tree or shrub is susceptible to winter injury, especially any top growth. Be aware that the flowers can stain walkways or the paint of your car. Avoid planting near a walkway or driveway.
"The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common crape myrtle pests and diseases."
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
- 'Acoma'
14 to 16 feet tall, white flowers - 'Biloxi'
25 feet tall, pink flowers, mildew resistant - 'Black Diamond Red Hot'
- 'Carolina Beauty'
'Catawba'
dark purple, blooms July to fall, mildew resistant, 12 ft. tall - 'Centennial Spirit'
- 'Cherokee'
red flowers, 10-12 ft. tall - 'Dallas Red'
very cold hardy, large panicles of deep red flowers, 20 ft. tall - 'Firecracker'
- 'Glendora White'
White flowers - Infinitini®
- 'Muskogee'
hybrid, lavender flowers, long bloomer, tan-medium brown bark, mildew resistance, over 20 ft. tall - 'Natchez'
hybrid, 30 feet tall, pure white flowers, resistant to aphids - 'Near East'
- 'Peppermint Lace'
deep pink flowers with white edges, candy striped appearance, 20 ft. tall - 'Petite Plum'
dwarf - 'Pocomoke'
- 'Powhatan'
purple flowers, 14-20 ft. tall - 'Tightwad Red'
- 'Tuscarora'
hybrid, coral pink flowers, 16 ft. tall'Whit IV'
brilliant cherry-red flowers
Whole shrub in bloom Hans Enderle CC BY-SA 4.0 Mature specimen in a natural habitat. skdavidson Leaves Margrit CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Leaf arrangement skdavidson Leaf margins are entire (smooth). skdavidson Growth habit Elvert Barnes CC-BY-SA 2.0 Close up of flower Jacinta Lluch Valero CC BY-SA 4.0 Fruit and fall color Martin LaBar CC BY-NC 2.0 Inflorecence skdavidson Bark detail Martin LaBar CC BY-NC 2.0 Bark skdavidson Branches from below Phillip Merrit CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Fall Color Tree Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Fall Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Centennial Spirit' Bark (Stowe, NC) Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Centennial Spirit' Form (Stowe, NC) Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Centennial Spirit' Leaves (Stowe, NC) Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Firecracker' Form (Stowe, NC) Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Near East' Flowers Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Near East' Flower Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Tightwad Red' Flower Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Lagerstroemia indica 'Black Diamond' form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Carolina Beauty' Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Dallas Red' Flower and Leaves Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Glendora White' Bark Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Glendora White' Flower Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Carolina Beauty' Bark Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Dallas Red' Bark Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Flower Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Black Diamond Red Hot' Form Full Form CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 'Black Diamond' Mixed Plantation Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Infinitini® Flowers Close-up (Warren County,NC) Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0 'Pocomoke' Flower buds (Buncombe County, NC) Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 'Pocomoke' Flowers (Buncombe County, NC) Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 'Pocomoke' Flower and leaves (Buncombe County, NC) Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 'Pocomoke' Flower and branch (Buncombe County, NC) Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 'Pocomoke' Flowers and stem (Buncombe County, NC) Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 Bark - Fall - Buncombe Co., NC Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 Multrunk Form - Fall - Buncombe Co, NC Randy Harter CC BY 4.0 Seed Pods Closeup - December - Warren Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Flowers - Summer - Wake Co., NC Cathy DeWitt CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
- 'Acoma'
14 to 16 feet tall, white flowers - 'Biloxi'
25 feet tall, pink flowers, mildew resistant - 'Black Diamond Red Hot'
- 'Carolina Beauty'
'Catawba'
dark purple, blooms July to fall, mildew resistant, 12 ft. tall - 'Centennial Spirit'
- 'Cherokee'
red flowers, 10-12 ft. tall - 'Dallas Red'
very cold hardy, large panicles of deep red flowers, 20 ft. tall - 'Firecracker'
- 'Glendora White'
White flowers - Infinitini®
- 'Muskogee'
hybrid, lavender flowers, long bloomer, tan-medium brown bark, mildew resistance, over 20 ft. tall - 'Natchez'
hybrid, 30 feet tall, pure white flowers, resistant to aphids - 'Near East'
- 'Peppermint Lace'
deep pink flowers with white edges, candy striped appearance, 20 ft. tall - 'Petite Plum'
dwarf - 'Pocomoke'
- 'Powhatan'
purple flowers, 14-20 ft. tall - 'Tightwad Red'
- 'Tuscarora'
hybrid, coral pink flowers, 16 ft. tall'Whit IV'
brilliant cherry-red flowers
- Attributes: Genus: Lagerstroemia Species: indica Family: Lythraceae Uses (Ethnobotany): The crape myrtle has been used for medical disorders, and environmentally as animal food, and fuel. Life Cycle: Woody Recommended Propagation Strategy: Seed Stem Cutting Country Or Region Of Origin: Central Himalaya to S. China and Indo-China, Philippines, Japan Distribution: Native: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Introduced: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and the United States--Al, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NC, OH, SC, TX, UT, and VA. Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators. Play Value: Attractive Flowers Attracts Pollinators Wildlife Food Source Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems): This tree is resistant to damage by deer. Dimensions: Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in. Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
- Whole Plant Traits: Plant Type: Perennial Shrub Tree Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Habit/Form: Dense Multi-stemmed Multi-trunked Vase Growth Rate: Rapid Maintenance: Medium Texture: Medium
- Cultural Conditions: Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) Soil Texture: Clay High Organic Matter Loam (Silt) Sand Shallow Rocky Soil pH: Acid (<6.0) Alkaline (>8.0) Neutral (6.0-8.0) Soil Drainage: Good Drainage Moist Occasionally Dry Occasionally Wet Available Space To Plant: 12-24 feet NC Region: Coastal Mountains Piedmont USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
- Fruit: Fruit Color: Brown/Copper Display/Harvest Time: Fall Winter Fruit Type: Capsule Fruit Length: < 1 inch Fruit Width: < 1 inch Fruit Description: This plant produces 6-valved dehiscent capsules that are brown and 1/2" wide. They persist through winter, and the disc-shaped seeds are 3/8" in diameter and winged. The capsules split open and release the seeds.
- Flowers: Flower Color: Pink Purple/Lavender Red/Burgundy White Flower Inflorescence: Panicle Flower Value To Gardener: Good Cut Long-lasting Showy Flower Bloom Time: Summer Flower Shape: Irregular Flower Petals: 6 petals/rays Flower Size: > 6 inches Flower Description: Flowers are numerous, irregular, and 1"-1 1/2" wide. They are anthocyanin-pigmented. They commonly have 6 petals, are clawed, and cristate. The petals look like crepe paper. There are 6 staminodes, similar to the style. They grow on a terminal panicle on the current year's growth and are rose to red on the species. The panicles measure 6 to 18 inches long. Cultivated varieties have blooms of either white, pink, red, or purple. Flowering occurs from July to September.
- Leaves: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Leaf Color: Green Leaf Feel: Glossy Leathery Smooth Leaf Value To Gardener: Showy Deciduous Leaf Fall Color: Gold/Yellow Orange Red/Burgundy Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Opposite Whorled Leaf Shape: Elliptical Oblong Obovate Leaf Margin: Entire Hairs Present: No Leaf Length: 1-3 inches Leaf Width: 1-3 inches Leaf Description: The leaves are initially green with red tinges, and by summer, they appear dark green, smooth, and leathery with entire margins. They measure 1 to 2.75 inches long and 0.75 to 1.5 inches wide. They are simple, and opposite, and the upper leaves appear alternate to sub-opposite or in whorls of three. They are oblong to elliptic to obovate, acute to obtuse, broadly cuneate, and have stipules. They are sessile or have a very short petiole. Leaves are yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
- Bark: Bark Color: Light Brown Light Gray Surface/Attachment: Exfoliating Peeling Smooth Bark Description: The bark is thin, smooth, pale brown to gray, peeling, and exfoliating.
- Stem: Stem Color: Brown/Copper Green Stem Is Aromatic: No Stem Cross Section: Square Stem Surface: Smooth (glabrous) Stem Description: Stems are green to brown, slender, often almost squarish, with prominent wings. Older stems are smooth and exfoliating.
- Landscape: Landscape Location: Container Lawn Recreational Play Area Landscape Theme: Asian Garden Butterfly Garden Children's Garden Cottage Garden Pollinator Garden Winter Garden Design Feature: Accent Flowering Tree Hedge Screen/Privacy Specimen Street Tree Attracts: Butterflies Pollinators Resistance To Challenges: Deer Drought Pollution Problems: Frequent Disease Problems Frequent Insect Problems
The foliage of the tree adds depth and texture to the overall appearance of the tree, making it a visually appealing addition to any landscape. Another reason why the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is a popular choice among gardeners is its ability to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the vibrant indigo blooms of this tree, making it a great choice for anyone looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden. One of the best things about the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is that it is relatively low-maintenance. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and is resistant to many common diseases and pests. Additionally, it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for gardeners in areas with limited water resources. Overall, the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is a stunning and versatile tree that can add a pop of color and beauty to any landscape. With its vibrant indigo blooms, attractive foliage, and ability to attract pollinators, it is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers. Whether planted as a standalone tree or used in a group planting, the Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle Tree is sure to be a show-stopper in any garden..
Reviews for "Indigo Magic Crape Myrtle and Its Alluring Blue Blooms: What You Need to Know"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Indigo magic crape myrtle tree that I purchased. The color was not as vibrant as I had expected, and the blooms were smaller than I imagined. Additionally, the tree struggled to grow and didn't thrive in my garden as I had hoped. I would not recommend this particular variety to other gardeners.
2. John - 1 star - I regret choosing the Indigo magic crape myrtle tree for my backyard. The tree failed to produce the abundant blooms that were promised, and it looked quite sparse and unimpressive. Despite my efforts to provide proper care, the tree showed signs of struggling and eventually died within a year. I will not be purchasing this variety again.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The Indigo magic crape myrtle tree did not live up to my expectations. The foliage was lackluster and didn't provide the vibrant contrast I was hoping for in my garden. Moreover, the tree seemed to attract pests and required regular attention and treatment. I found it to be high maintenance and not worth the effort. I would recommend exploring other crape myrtle varieties before settling on this one.
4. Michael - 3 stars - While the Indigo magic crape myrtle tree did grow in my garden, I found it to be underwhelming in terms of its appearance. The flowers were not as showy or abundant as I had anticipated, and the overall aesthetic of the tree was not very pleasing. I had higher expectations for this variety, and I would advise gardeners to consider other options for a more visually appealing crape myrtle tree.