Deciduous Trees – Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle

Rhapsody in Pink Crape Myrtle 

Botanical name: lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit VIII’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 12 ft in height and in spread 

Bloom time: summer-fall

Hardy zone: zones 7-10 

Flower color: pink 

Foliage color: green/red/purple

Growth rate: up to 3 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: specimen plant, foundation planting, borders, focal point 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: deer resistant, drought tolerant

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced slow release fertilizer once in the early spring and again in the early summer 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil 

Companion plants: boxwood, verbena, muhly grass, daylilies

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no