DISCOVER THE PERFECT CRAPE MYRTLE FOR YOUR GARDEN

Every landscape needs a crape myrtle (or several) to show off beautiful, long-lasting blooms throughout summer.  Whether you have a small garden or a large yard, there is a crape myrtle for you! 

In this post, we will tell you how we classify crape myrtles, and we will share some of the most popular varieties in each classification.  

If you search the internet, you will find almost as many size classifications for crape myrtles as you will find crape myrtle varieties.  At Marcum’s Nursery, we have adopted four distinct categories for crape myrtles based on their final mature size.  We classify crape myrtles like this:

1. Miniature/Weeping Crape Myrtles: These sizes are perfect for small spaces and container gardening.  Varieties in this category typically grow up to 3′ tall.  Though small, miniature and weeping crape myrtles add a splash of color to patios, balconies, small gardens, and even landscape bed borders.
2. Dwarf Crape Myrtles: These compact beauties usually reach heights between 3′-8′.  They are great for borders, hedges, as accent plants in the garden, and they don’t get too tall to be planted close to a standard eave.
3. Intermediate Crape Myrtles: Growing between 8′ to 15′ tall, these varieties are ideal for creating a stunning backdrop in larger gardens or for use as a small ornamental tree.
4. Standard Crape Myrtles: Standard varieties reach heights of over 15′.  These size crape myrtles make a bold statement in the landscape, and they can even provide a bit of shade as well.  Who says a tree can’t be ornamental and provide utility?