Overview
Crape myrtle is a deciduous flowering tree from Asia that performs well in Tampa and throughout Central Florida. It is valued for long summer bloom, smooth exfoliating bark, attractive branching, and dependable heat tolerance. Cultivars offer white, pink, red, or purple flowers and a wide range of mature sizes.
Mature Size and Habit
Standard cultivars often reach 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. Dwarf selections stay below 6 feet, while larger tree forms exceed 25 feet. Most develop several trunks and an upright, spreading crown. Choose the cultivar by mature size so repeated size-control pruning is unnecessary.
Best Landscape Uses
Use crape myrtle as a flowering specimen, small parking-area tree, courtyard accent, or repeated tree along a broad drive. The canopy works near one-story buildings when adequate clearance is provided. Place large cultivars away from roofs, overhead utilities, narrow walks, and locations where fallen flowers or seed capsules create unwanted cleanup.
Sunlight, Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Full sun supports the strongest flowering and best canopy structure. Crape myrtle accepts sandy and loamy soils when drainage is good. Water the root ball deeply and consistently during establishment. Established trees tolerate drought, though occasional deep irrigation during prolonged dry periods improves growth and flowering. Avoid constantly wet soil and heavy nitrogen, which encourages soft growth and fewer flowers.
Best Planting Season for Tampa
Plant from late fall through early spring for lower heat stress and easier establishment. Container-grown trees also establish during the warm season when irrigation is reliable. Keep the root flare at or slightly above surrounding grade and spread mulch over the root zone without piling it against the trunks.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune in late winter before spring growth. Remove crossing limbs, basal suckers, and weak branches while preserving the natural canopy. Never top mature trunks. Severe topping creates weak shoots, ruins the branch structure, and increases long-term maintenance. Watch for aphids, sooty mold, powdery mildew, and bark scale on susceptible cultivars.
Wildlife Value
Flowers attract bees and other insects. The tree offers less habitat value than a Florida native species, so pair it with native shrubs and flowering perennials when wildlife support is a design goal.
Toxicity, Thorns, Roots, and Invasive Concerns
Crape myrtle has no thorns and is not generally treated as a major toxicity hazard. Roots are fibrous and less aggressive than those of many large shade trees, but every tree needs adequate soil volume and distance from pavement and foundations. The species is not classified as invasive in Florida landscapes. Learn more from UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.