The Most Beautiful Crape Myrtle: A Ranking of Stunning Varieties
Voting rules: Choose the Crape Myrtle you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Nov 17, 2023 05:39
Step into the enchanting world of Crape Myrtles and make your voice heard in our search for the most beautiful Crape Myrtle! At StrawPoll, we've curated an exquisite collection of these captivating blooms, showcasing the vibrant hues and mesmerizing forms that have made them a beloved favorite among gardening enthusiasts. Now, it's your turn to help us crown the ultimate Crape Myrtle champion by casting your vote or suggesting a missing contender. Will it be the fiery Dynamite, the elegant Natchez, or perhaps a hidden gem waiting to be discovered? Unleash your inner horticulturist and join our thriving community in this captivating quest for botanical beauty. The fate of these alluring blooms lies in your hands - vote now and let the most resplendent Crape Myrtle prevail!
What Is the Most Beautiful Crape Myrtle?
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173votesNatchez is considered one of the most beautiful crape myrtle cultivars and is known for its white blossoms, which are long-lasting and fragrant. It has a fast growth rate, making it a popular choice for landscaping.DescriptionThe Natchez Crape Myrtle is a stunning variety of Crape Myrtle tree known for its exceptional beauty and versatility. It is highly regarded for its large clusters of pure white flowers, long blooming period, and attractive bark throughout the year. This particular cultivar was introduced by the National Arboretum's Crape Myrtle Research program in the early 1980s.
- Flower color: Pure white
- Blooming period: Long blooming season from early summer to fall
- Mature height: Up to 20-30 feet
- Mature width: Up to 15-20 feet
- Bark color: Smooth, cinnamon-brown bark that peels off in thin sheets to reveal a beautiful mottled pattern
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235votesTuscarora is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its stunning pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a larger crape myrtle and can grow up to 25 feet tall.DescriptionThe Tuscarora Crape Myrtle, also known as Lagerstroemia indica 'Tuscarora', is a stunning flowering tree that showcases vibrant pinkish-red blooms in summer. Its brilliant display of color and attractive foliage make it one of the most sought-after Crape Myrtle varieties.
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet
- Mature Spread: 12-20 feet
- Bloom Color: Pinkish-red
- Blooming Period: Summer
- Foliage: Dark green, changing to orange-red in fall
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323votes
Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Dr. Donald EgolfMuskogee is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its stunning lavender-pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a larger crape myrtle and can grow up to 25 feet tall.DescriptionThe Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering tree known for its vibrant lavender-pink blooms and graceful, upright growth habit. It is a cultivar that was created by Dr. Donald Egolf at the United States National Arboretum.- Bloom Color: lavender-pink
- Growth Habit: upright
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet
- Mature Width: 10-20 feet
- Blooming Period: summer to fall
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422votes
Dynamite Crape Myrtle
Dr. Donald EgolfDynamite is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its bright red flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionThe Dynamite Crape Myrtle is an exceptionally beautiful flowering tree known for its stunning red blooms and attractive foliage. It is a popular choice among gardeners for its vibrant color and year-round visual interest. The tree reaches a moderate height and forms an upright, vase-shaped crown, making it suitable for various landscape designs. The Dynamite Crape Myrtle is a true showstopper that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or outdoor space.- Bloom Color: Red
- Foliage Type: Deciduous
- Mature Height: 15-20 feet
- Mature Width: 10-15 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
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524votes
Tonto Crape Myrtle
Dr. Donald EgolfTonto is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its bright pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionThe Tonto Crape Myrtle is an exceptionally beautiful small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is known for its stunning display of vibrant red flowers during the summer months. The tree has an upright, vase-shaped habit and a moderate growth rate. It is a popular choice for adding color and beauty to landscapes and gardens.- Blossom color: Deep red
- Mature height: 10-15 feet
- Mature spread: 8-12 feet
- Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Sun exposure: Full sun
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612votes
Sioux Crape Myrtle
National ArboretumSioux is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its deep pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionSioux Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering tree known for its vibrant red blooms and unique bark texture. It is highly appreciated for its exceptional ornamental value and ability to attract pollinators. The tree features an upright, vase-shaped growth habit and can reach a mature height of 10-12 feet. Its dark green foliage adds to its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season. Sioux Crape Myrtle is a popular choice for landscaping and garden enthusiasts looking to add a splash of color to their outdoor space.- Bloom Color: Bright red
- Bloom Time: Summertime
- Bark Texture: Exfoliating, cinnamon-colored
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Growth Habit: Upright, vase-shaped
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77votes
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Dr. Carl WhitcombRed Rocket is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its bright red flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionThe Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering tree known for its vibrant red blooms and graceful appearance. It is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful Crape Myrtle cultivars available. The tree attracts attention with its showy flowers, which bloom in clusters during the summer months, creating a spectacular display of color in gardens, parks, and landscapes.- Bloom Color: Bright red
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Mature Height: 15-20 feet
- Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
- Foliage Color: Dark green
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84votesCatawba is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its beautiful deep purple flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a larger crape myrtle and can grow up to 25 feet tall.DescriptionThe Catawba Crape Myrtle, also known as Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba', is a stunning flowering tree that originated in southeastern Asia. It is highly regarded for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms, making it one of the most beautiful varieties of Crape Myrtle available.
- Size: Medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
- Shape: Upright, spreading crown with multiple branches
- Flower Color: Rich magenta-purple blooms
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, continues to bloom sporadically throughout the summer
- Foliage: Dark green leaves with a glossy appearance, turning orange-red in the fall
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97votes
Acoma Crape Myrtle
Dr. Carl WhitcombAcoma is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its stunning white flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionThe Acoma Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering shrub known for its striking white flowers and compact growth habit. It is a popular choice for landscaping projects due to its ability to add beauty and elegance to any garden or outdoor space. The Acoma Crape Myrtle was created by Dr. Carl Whitcomb, a renowned horticulturist, who aimed to develop a smaller and more disease-resistant version of the traditional Crepe Myrtle tree.- Flower Color: White
- Mature Height: 4-6 feet
- Mature Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Habit: Compact
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
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105votesTwilight is a popular crape myrtle cultivar known for its stunning dark purple flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a smaller crape myrtle that typically grows up to 10 feet tall.DescriptionThe Twilight Crape Myrtle is a stunning flowering tree that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any landscape. Its vibrant and captivating blooms, coupled with its unique foliage, make it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts. The tree blooms in various shades of twilight, ranging from soft purples and pinks to deep magenta, creating a mesmerizing display of color throughout the summer months.
- Mature Height: 10-20 feet
- Mature Width: 10-15 feet
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Bloom Color: Various shades of twilight (purple, pink, magenta)
- Foliage Color: Green, with hints of burgundy
Missing your favorite Crape Myrtle?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful Crape Myrtle
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Flower colorCrape Myrtles come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and lavender. The vibrancy and appeal of the flower color can be a significant factor in determining beauty.
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Form and shapeCrape Myrtles have various growth habits, ranging from dwarf forms suitable for containers to large, tree-like specimens. Consider the overall form and shape of the plant and how it contributes to its beauty.
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FoliageSome Crape Myrtle varieties have stunning foliage that adds to their overall attractiveness, such as varieties with dark red or maroon leaves.
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Disease resistanceBeautiful plants need to be healthy. Look for Crape Myrtle varieties that are resistant to common diseases like powdery mildew and sooty mold, ensuring that the plant remains attractive throughout the growing season.
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Bloom durationSome Crape Myrtles have a longer blooming period than others, which can add to their overall beauty. Look for varieties that have extended bloom times or that bloom more frequently throughout the summer.
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Mature sizeConsider how large the Crape Myrtle will grow and whether it's a suitable size for your location. A beautiful Crape Myrtle in the wrong place can become a maintenance nightmare.
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FragranceSome Crape Myrtle varieties have a pleasant fragrance, which can add another dimension to their beauty.
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Landscape useChoose Crape Myrtles that complement other plants in your landscape or those that can be used as focal points or specimen plants.
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Climate suitabilitySelect Crape Myrtle varieties that are well-suited to your climate, as this will ensure that the plant remains healthy and looking its best. For example, some varieties are more cold hardy, while others are more heat tolerant.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Crape Myrtle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Crape Myrtle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1750 views
- 212 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Crape Myrtle once every 24 hours. The rank of each Crape Myrtle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful crape myrtle
Crape myrtles are one of the most beloved flowering trees in the southern United States. With their gorgeous, showy blooms and stunning fall foliage, it's no wonder they're a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. These trees can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red. The most common crape myrtle species is the Lagerstroemia indica, which is native to China and Korea. In addition to their beauty, crape myrtles are also relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of soil types and climates. With so many stunning varieties to choose from, it's no wonder that crape myrtles are a popular choice for landscaping and home gardens.
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