Muskogee Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are great plants for warmer areas and over the years many different varieties have been produced by plant breeders. They make beautiful small trees that can be controlled by pruning and they will produce large bunches of colorful flowers in summer and through fall right up to the last frost. They are easy, drought-resistant, trouble-free plants that belong in every garden warm enough for them to grow in.

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is especially showy because its lavender-pink flowers begin to appear as early as spring and continue right into the fall, making to one of the longest blooming Crape Myrtles available. It has been specially bred to be resistant to the unsightly powdery mildew that often disfigures other Crape Myrtles and detracts from their beauty, so this plant will be gorgeous all the time.

Growing Muskogee Crape Myrtle Trees

If you live in cooler areas and have always admired the Crape Myrtles of the South, this tree can also be grown in the warmer parts of zone 6. There it will die back to the roots in winter but it will rapidly re-sprout in spring and by summer be at least 6 feet tall and covered in blooms. It can be grown behind other flowering Perennial plants and will flower with Phlox and other late-flowering Perennials.

Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a rapid-growing plant that can grow as much as 10 feet a year from an established plant. Newly planted bushes will grow 3 to 6 feet in their first year. Crape Myrtle is known for its drought-resistance and ability to flourish in hot, dry, exposed places and even in spots with only a little soil available. It has no important pests and it is also deer resistant, so it can be planted anywhere.

Size

Muskogee Crape Myrtle will usually grow as a tree with a single trunk rather than the multiple trunks seen with smaller Crape Myrtles. So if you are looking for a specimen tree that really looks like a tree this plant is a great choice. It will grow to 35 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet broad, making it the ideal Crape Myrtle if you want a larger tree.

Colors and Appearance

The large bunches of lavender-pink flowers are produced for almost 6 months of the year, giving a continuous display. The leaves are thick and leathery and grow about 4 inches long, which is larger than those of most other Crape Myrtles. In fall the leaves turn orange and red and Muskogee makes a particularly beautiful fall display, since some other varieties just turn yellow.

Muskogee also has especially beautiful mottled gray to tan-brown bark which falls in strips (‘exfoliates’) to reveal fresh bark beneath. In zone 6 most of the top-growth will die over the winter, but strong new shoots will grow up from the base and form a 6 to 10 foot shrub, which will flower in summer and into the fall.  Once new shoots are seen in spring, you should remove the dead branches back to those new shoots.

Planting Location

Choose a sunny spot for your Muskogee Crape Myrtle. It should be planted in well-drained soil and not in a low-lying area of your garden. It will grow in all kinds of soil as long as they are not regularly wet and it has some salt-resistance so it can be planted close to a road. It is perfectly hardy in zones 7 to 9 and will grow in zone 6 too, although the branches will die in winter, so it will obviously not grow so tall and be shrub-like in that region.

It is important when planting Crepe Myrtles not to plant any deeper than the containers they are in and not to cover the roots with a lot of soil. So dig a hole two or three times wider than the pot, but no deeper. Place your plants in the hole, replace most of the soil and firm it well down. Then water thoroughly and replace the rest of the soil, being careful not to cover the roots with any extra soil.

History and Origins of the Muskogee Crape Myrtle

The common Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) was first brought to Charleston, South Carolina around 1790 from its natural home in China and Korea. It thrived in the warm climate there and has long been a symbol of summer in the South, with its vivid blooms. There have been many color forms produced by plant breeders, but the problem of mildew has always been an issue for gardeners.

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a hybrid between the common Crape and another species, Lagerstroemia fauriei. It was released in 1978 and is the product of a program at the National Arboretum, Washington D.C. to breed new Crape Myrtles with resistance to mildew. All these plants were named after Native American Tribes and the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is another hardy, mildew-resistant plant from this program that is smaller if the Muskogee Crape is too large for your needs.

Buying Muskogee Crape Myrtles at The Tree Center

Muskogee Crape Myrtle is such a special plant that only the exact plant will have the right color and growth rate. So, it must be produced directly from trees absolutely known to be right. Our trees are grown the correct way, from branch cuttings of these special trees. That way every tree we offer is identical to the original one. However, these take longer to produce, so avoid cheaper, seedling trees that will only be a disappointment.

We sell only trees that are true to the original form and we have a wide range of sizes to give you the best plant for your purpose. However we are constantly renewing our stock so our customers get fresh, healthy plants, so supplies of this tree may be limited. To avoid disappointment order now.

What is the best time of year to prune a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

The best time to prune a Muskogee Crape Myrtle is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows the plant to direct its energy towards producing new growth and flowers. However, be careful not to over-prune, as this can lead to fewer flowers and a less attractive shape.

How often should I water my Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a drought-tolerant plant, so it doesn’t require frequent watering. However, during the first year after planting, it’s important to water it regularly to help establish its root system. After that, you should water it deeply once a week during dry periods.

What type of fertilizer is best for a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

A slow-release, balanced fertilizer is best for a Muskogee Crape Myrtle. Look for a fertilizer with a ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K) close to 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Can Muskogee Crape Myrtle be grown in a pot?

While it is possible to grow a Muskogee Crape Myrtle in a pot, it may not reach its full potential size due to the restricted root space. It’s important to choose a large pot and use a high-quality potting mix. Regular pruning will also be necessary to maintain a smaller, manageable size.

Is the Muskogee Crape Myrtle susceptible to any pests or diseases?

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is resistant to many common pests and diseases, including powdery mildew and deer. However, like any plant, it can still be affected by poor growing conditions or stress. Regular care and monitoring can help keep your Muskogee Crape Myrtle healthy and vibrant.

What is the lifespan of a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

With proper care and optimal growing conditions, a Muskogee Crape Myrtle can live for several decades. Its fast growth rate allows it to reach maturity quickly, and it can provide beauty and interest in your garden for many years.

Can the Muskogee Crape Myrtle tolerate frost?

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle can tolerate mild frost, but it may suffer damage in colder climates. In zone 6, the branches may die back in winter, but the plant will re-sprout in spring. If you live in a region with harsh winters, it’s best to plant your Muskogee Crape Myrtle in a protected location or provide it with winter protection.

What are the best companion plants for a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

Muskogee Crape Myrtle pairs well with a variety of other plants. Consider planting it with other perennials that bloom at the same time, such as Phlox, for a stunning display. It also looks great with ornamental grasses, which provide contrast in texture and form.

How can I propagate a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

The best way to propagate a Muskogee Crape Myrtle is through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy branch, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location. With proper care, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into the garden.

What is the significance of the Muskogee Crape Myrtle’s name?

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is named after the Muskogee tribe, one of the Native American tribes in the United States. This is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and history of the region where these beautiful plants thrive.