How To Grow A Japanese Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Fauriei)

30.11.2023 - 11:50 / gardeningknowhow.com / Teo Spengler

A great tree for multi-season interest, Lagerstroemia fauriei adds a decorative flourish from summer to winter. The Japanese crepe myrtle, as it is also known, is a deciduous tree with gorgeous fall color. This crepe myrtle also develops beautiful summer blossoms and attractive peeling red and brown bark.

Its flowers, foliage and appealing bark contrasts make this crepe myrtle a stunning year-round tree to grow. Charming yet low maintenance, its smaller size means it is perfect for limited spaces, as well as Oriental themed plots. Here’s how to get the best from this highly ornamental tree.

With its bright and showy blossoms, the Japanese crepe myrtle tree looks like a prima donna plant. Luckily, this crepe myrtle variety (also called Japanese crape myrtle, depending on where you live) requires little maintenance. However, if you plant and care for Lagerstroemia fauriei appropriately, it has a better chance of flourishing and flowering year after year.

Japanese myrtle trees need a site with at least six hours of sunshine a day. If you plant these summer-flowering trees in the shade, you are not likely to see the abundant flowers that make it so special. 

Although Lagerstroemia fauriei trees are drought tolerant, they do best with regular irrigation. When irrigating trees, just take care not to overwater. These trees don’t require fertilizer to thrive.

Lagerstroemia trees thrive in a wide range of hardiness zones, from 6 through 10. They do not do well in cold winter climates, but they’re tolerant plants and accept some humidity.

A Lagerstroemia fauriei will accept clay, sandy or loamy soil, as long as the drainage is excellent.  However, they do best with rich soil that has a high organic component.

When it comes time to plant