Poplar Bluff Garden Club

Crepe Myrtles

In 2000, the Poplar Bluff Garden Club commenced on a new, very large project with the expectations of making Poplar Bluff recognized for its Crepe Myrtles. They are asking their residents to plant "Red" crepe myrtles where ever and as many as they can. (If this color is not available, any color will do). They actually prefer our poor soil and will thrive in our sunny, rocky environment. They need Full Sun and good drainage. When established, they are drought resistant (good for our hot, dry summers) and do not need to be fertilized. Do not fertilize them when you plant.

The crepe myrtle is a long flowering summer shrub. In 2000, the Poplar Bluff Garden Club commenced on a new, very large project with the expectations of making Poplar Bluff recognized for its Crepe Myrtles. They are asking their residents to plant "Red" crepe myrtles where ever and as many as they can. (If this color is not available, any color will do). They actually prefer our poor soil and will thrive in our sunny, rocky environment. They need Full Sun and good drainage. When established, they are drought resistant (good for our hot, dry summers) and do not need to be fertilized. Do not fertilize them when you plant. (Misc. Crepe Myrtle Project Photos)

The crepe myrtle is a long flowering summer shrub and is fairly hardy in SE Missouri. If you stick with the varieties listed below you will have more success with not getting mildew, the one thing to which they are susceptible. Insects don't bother them.

The flowers grow on this years growth, so go ahead and cut them back hard in the spring and if they die back to the roots, from a hard winter, don't worry, they'll pop back from the roots.

Best time to plant? In the fall, at least 8 weeks before the soil temperature falls to 40 degrees or in the spring before the long hot, dry summer, so their roots will have time to establish.

They are named after their crinkly leaves, like crepe paper and their botanical name is Lagerstromia Indica because they are native to India or were first discovered there.