A crepe myrtle in full summer bloom is undeniably spectacular, but even the most beautiful tree benefits from thoughtful companion planting. The right combination of underplanting and surrounding plants transforms a single tree into a cohesive garden vignette, providing interest throughout the year and creating a more visually compelling landscape.
Choosing companion plants for crepe myrtles in Australian conditions requires understanding the unique microclimate these trees create. The filtered shade beneath a mature crepe myrtle, the competition for water during dry summers, and the deciduous nature that allows winter sun to reach underplantings all influence which plants will thrive alongside your crepe myrtle and which will struggle.
Understanding the Planting Zone
Before selecting companions, it helps to understand the distinct planting zones around a crepe myrtle. Each zone presents different conditions that favour different plant types, allowing you to create a layered landscape with maximum visual impact.
The innermost zone, directly beneath the canopy, receives dappled summer shade and full winter sun due to the deciduous nature of crepe myrtles. This area experiences the most competition for water from the tree's fibrous root system. Plants here must tolerate both conditions while remaining compact enough not to interfere with the tree's structure.
The middle zone, around the drip line where the canopy edge meets the ground, receives more direct summer sun while still benefiting from some shade during the hottest part of the day. Root competition is moderate here. This zone offers the most flexibility for planting options and creates a natural transition from tree to garden bed.
The outer zone beyond the canopy receives full sun throughout the year but benefits from the visual backdrop the crepe myrtle provides. Taller shrubs and perennials work well here, creating layers that complement without competing with your crepe myrtle.
Key Considerations for Companion Planting
- Choose drought-tolerant plants that can handle water competition
- Select plants with similar soil pH preferences (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Consider bloom times to extend seasonal colour interest
- Avoid aggressive groundcovers that might climb the trunk
- Leave space around the trunk for air circulation
Australian Native Companions
Australian natives make excellent companions for crepe myrtles, sharing similar drought tolerance and thriving in our challenging summer conditions. Many natives also attract beneficial insects and birds, adding ecological value to your planting scheme.
Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a natural partner for crepe myrtles. Its silver-grey foliage and compact, rounded form create beautiful contrast with the crepe myrtle's smooth bark and bright flowers. Westringia tolerates dry conditions once established and can be lightly pruned to maintain shape. Position it in the middle to outer zone where it receives adequate sun for best flowering.
Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush) provides textural contrast with its strappy, grass-like leaves. This tough-as-nails native handles anything Australian conditions throw at it, from drought to occasional flooding. Several improved cultivars like 'Tanika' and 'Lime Tuff' offer more compact, well-behaved forms perfect for underplanting. The soft green foliage looks particularly striking beneath pink or white flowering crepe myrtles.
Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily) thrives in the dappled shade beneath crepe myrtles. Its blue-green strappy leaves and delicate blue flowers add subtle colour, followed by ornamental blue berries that persist through autumn and winter. This native groundcover spreads gently without becoming invasive and requires minimal care once established.
For a splash of colour that complements rather than competes with your crepe myrtle's summer display, consider Scaevola aemula (Fan Flower). These low-growing spreading plants produce masses of purple-blue flowers from spring through autumn. They tolerate heat and drought while filling gaps between larger plantings with cascading colour.
Flowering Perennials
Perennial flowers extend the colour season beyond the crepe myrtle's summer bloom period, providing spring and autumn interest while complementing summer displays. Select perennials that share similar growing conditions and won't require excessive water during summer dormancy periods.
Salvias are perhaps the perfect crepe myrtle companions. Available in colours ranging from blue and purple to red and coral, salvias bloom prolifically from late spring through autumn, overlapping beautifully with crepe myrtle flowering. They're heat-loving, drought-tolerant once established, and attract butterflies and bees. Try Salvia 'Hot Lips' (red and white bicolour) beneath white or pale pink crepe myrtles for a stunning combination.
Agapanthus works wonderfully in the outer planting zone, where its strappy foliage provides year-round structure and summer flowers echo the vertical thrust of the crepe myrtle's blooms. Blue-flowering varieties create a cool contrast to warm pink or coral crepe myrtle flowers, while white agapanthus pairs elegantly with any crepe myrtle colour. Choose compact varieties like 'Baby Pete' or 'Storm Cloud' for smaller spaces.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) brings airy texture and soft purple-blue flowers from mid-summer through autumn. Its silvery foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom, and the plant laughs at heat and drought. Position Russian Sage in the middle zone where it can billow naturally without shading lower plantings.
Key Takeaway
The most successful crepe myrtle companion plantings combine plants with different bloom times and complementary foliage textures, ensuring your garden remains interesting throughout the year rather than relying solely on summer flower colour.
Groundcovers and Low Growers
Groundcovers play a crucial role in completing the look of any crepe myrtle planting while serving practical purposes like suppressing weeds, retaining soil moisture, and preventing soil compaction from foot traffic or heavy rain.
Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle) thrives in the partial shade beneath crepe myrtles. Its bronze or burgundy foliage provides year-round colour that complements virtually any crepe myrtle flower colour. In spring, spikes of blue flowers appear before the crepe myrtle leafs out fully, adding early season interest. Ajuga spreads steadily but is easily controlled by removing runners that venture too far.
Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) is an Australian native groundcover that handles extreme heat and drought with ease. Its small, bright green leaves create a dense carpet, and tiny white flowers appear in spring. This tough groundcover is excellent for covering larger areas around crepe myrtles and tolerates some foot traffic.
For a more formal look, consider Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum). This non-flowering groundcover forms a dense, even carpet of small, glossy leaves. It tolerates both sun and shade, handles drought once established, and requires only occasional trimming to maintain neat edges. The dark green foliage provides an elegant backdrop for the crepe myrtle's colourful blooms.
Sedum species offer succulent foliage in various colours and textures, from the blue-grey of Sedum 'Blue Spruce' to the red-tinged leaves of Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'. These drought-loving plants thrive in the challenging conditions at the base of crepe myrtles and add interesting textural contrast to softer companion plants.
Shrubs for Structure
Medium-sized shrubs planted in the outer zone provide structure and year-round interest while creating a layered landscape that showcases your crepe myrtle as the star attraction.
Abelia x grandiflora offers elegant arching branches covered in small, fragrant flowers from spring through autumn. The bronze-tinged new growth and semi-evergreen habit provide multi-season interest. Compact varieties like 'Kaleidoscope' or 'Little Richard' suit smaller spaces while maintaining the graceful character of the species.
Nandina domestica (Sacred Bamboo) contributes fine-textured foliage that changes colour through the seasons, from bronze new growth to green in summer and brilliant red in winter. The compound leaves create a lacy effect that complements the crepe myrtle's smooth bark and bold flowers. Choose compact varieties like 'Nana' or 'Gulf Stream' for positions closer to the tree.
Raphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthorn) is a tough, reliable shrub with glossy evergreen leaves and pink or white spring flowers followed by blue-black berries. Its dense, rounded form provides solid structure that grounds more informal plantings. Raphiolepis handles coastal conditions, drought, and heat, making it suitable for challenging positions across most of Australia.
Colour Coordination Tips
Match your companion plants to your crepe myrtle's flower colour for cohesive design. Cool colours (purple, blue, white) complement pink and red crepe myrtles, while warm colours (yellow, orange, coral) pair beautifully with white crepe myrtles. Silver and grey foliage works with any flower colour and adds sophistication.
Putting It All Together
Creating a successful companion planting scheme involves more than simply choosing plants that survive in the same conditions. Consider the mature size of each plant, ensuring you leave adequate space for growth without crowding. Plan for different heights, placing taller plants toward the back or sides and lower growers at the front for a layered effect.
Remember that your crepe myrtle's root zone extends well beyond the visible drip line. Avoid planting too close to the trunk, which can create disease-promoting moisture around the bark and makes maintenance difficult. A clear zone of 30-50cm around the trunk, mulched but unplanted, allows for good air circulation and easy access for inspection.
Consider maintenance requirements when selecting companions. Grouping plants with similar water and fertiliser needs simplifies care and prevents over or under-treating any single plant. Similarly, match pruning schedules where possible so companion plants remain tidy as your crepe myrtle changes through seasons.
The best companion plantings evolve over time. Start with a few well-chosen plants and observe how they perform through a full growing season before adding more. This approach allows you to learn what works in your specific conditions and creates a more natural-looking garden than filling every space at once.
Looking for the perfect crepe myrtle to start your planting scheme? Use our Variety Finder Quiz to discover which variety suits your space, then explore our landscaping ideas guide for more design inspiration. With thoughtful companion planting, your crepe myrtle becomes the centerpiece of a garden that delights year-round.