About Crape Myrtle
A graceful small to medium tree famous for its long-lasting clusters of crinkly, crepe-paper-textured flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Its smooth, peeling bark reveals a patchwork of gray, tan, and cinnamon tones that add year-round visual interest. A popular ornamental worldwide, it blooms profusely during the Philippine dry-to-early-rainy season. Crape Myrtle belongs to the Lythraceae family and originates from China, Korea, and Japan. The related Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba or Queen's Flower) is native to the Philippines..
While the smaller Lagerstroemia indica is the internationally popular Crape Myrtle, Filipinos are more familiar with its big relative Lagerstroemia speciosa — the Banaba tree — whose large purple flowers and medicinal leaves (for blood sugar management) are a part of Philippine traditional medicine. The ornamental Crape Myrtle is gaining popularity in Philippine subdivision landscaping and parks for its profuse flowers and manageable size. Available at upscale nurseries and landscape suppliers. Its drought tolerance makes it well-suited to the Philippine dry season.
Also known as: Crepe Myrtle, Banaba (related species).
Popular Varieties
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' (white flowers, cinnamon bark)
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Dynamite' (bright red flowers)
- Lagerstroemia indica 'Muskogee' (lavender flowers, large tree form)
- Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba / Queen's Flower, Philippine native, much larger tree)
How to Plant Crape Myrtle in the Philippines
Crape Myrtle can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, air layering. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings during early rainy season.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 15-20 cm cuttings from pencil-thick, semi-hardwood branches.
- Step 2: Remove leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting.
- Step 3: Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Step 4: Plant in well-draining potting mix (50% sand, 50% compost).
- Step 5: Keep moist and in bright indirect light.
- Step 6: Roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Transplant to larger pot or ground after new growth appears.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6 hours direct sun for prolific flowering). Position your crape myrtle where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Moderate watering; 2-3 times per week during dry season. Drought-tolerant once established but blooms better with regular moisture. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (heat-tolerant; Lagerstroemia indica handles Philippine lowland heat well). Moderate — adapts to Philippine humidity but needs good air circulation The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing crape myrtle outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) at the start of growing season. Phosphorus-rich feed (10-30-10) promotes more blooms.
Pruning
Prune heavily in late dry season (February-March) before new growth. Remove seed pods, dead wood, and crossing branches. Avoid 'crape murder' — do not top-cut main trunks.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Powdery mildew on leaves and buds
Cause: Poor air circulation, especially during humid months
Solution: Ensure open planting with good airflow. Spray with fungicide or baking soda solution (1 tsp per liter water) at first sign.
Sooty mold (black coating on leaves)
Cause: Honeydew secreted by aphids or scale insects
Solution: Control the underlying insect problem with neem oil. Sooty mold will wash off with rain once insects are gone.
Poor flowering
Cause: Insufficient sunlight or pruning at wrong time
Solution: Move to full sun location. Prune only during dormant period; flowers form on new growth.
Bark peeling
Cause: Normal and desirable — this is a feature, not a problem
Solution: No action needed. The exfoliating bark is one of Crape Myrtle's best ornamental features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Crape Myrtle in the Philippines?
Crape Myrtle needs full sun (minimum 6 hours direct sun for prolific flowering). Water moderate watering; 2-3 times per week during dry season. drought-tolerant once established but blooms better with regular moisture.. Feed with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) at the start of growing season. phosphorus-rich feed (10-30-10) promotes more blooms.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (heat-tolerant; Lagerstroemia indica handles Philippine lowland heat well) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Crape Myrtle?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings during early rainy season. Take 15-20 cm cuttings from pencil-thick, semi-hardwood branches. Remove leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting.
Is Crape Myrtle toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Crape Myrtle grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Crape Myrtle grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Crape Myrtle?
Common issues include: Powdery mildew on leaves and buds (caused by poor air circulation, especially during humid months — ensure open planting with good airflow. spray with fungicide or baking soda solution (1 tsp per liter water) at first sign); Sooty mold (black coating on leaves) (caused by honeydew secreted by aphids or scale insects — control the underlying insect problem with neem oil. sooty mold will wash off with rain once insects are gone); Poor flowering (caused by insufficient sunlight or pruning at wrong time — move to full sun location. prune only during dormant period; flowers form on new growth).
Growing crape myrtle in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!