Crepe myrtles offer remarkable versatility in landscape design. Their range of sizes, colours, and growth habits means they can fill almost any role in the garden, from compact border plants to towering feature trees. This guide explores creative ways to incorporate crepe myrtles into your Australian landscape, helping you achieve the look you want while capitalising on these trees' natural beauty.
Feature Specimens
Perhaps the most common use of crepe myrtles is as a standalone feature or specimen tree. Positioned as a focal point, a well-chosen crepe myrtle draws the eye and creates a stunning centrepiece, especially during the summer flowering season.
Choosing a Feature Variety
For maximum impact, select varieties with:
- Strong flower colour: Tuscarora (coral-pink), Dynamite (red), or Natchez (white)
- Interesting bark: Natchez and Tuscarora have particularly ornamental bark
- Good form: Allow the tree to develop its natural vase shape
Placement Tips
- Position where it can be viewed from main living areas and entertainment spaces
- Allow enough space for the mature canopy to develop fully
- Consider the backdrop: the tree will show better against a simple background
- Underplant with low groundcovers or leave lawn for clean visual impact
Multi-Trunk vs Single Trunk
Feature crepe myrtles can be grown as single-trunk or multi-trunk specimens. Single-trunk trees have a more formal appearance and show off the bark better. Multi-trunk trees appear more natural and can create a dramatic architectural effect.
Flowering Hedges and Screens
Crepe myrtles make outstanding flowering hedges, providing privacy and seasonal colour in one package. Unlike many hedging plants, they don't require constant clipping to maintain their shape.
Best Varieties for Hedging
- Zuni: Lavender flowers, 2-3m, excellent density
- Tonto: Fuchsia-red flowers, 2-3m, compact habit
- Sioux: Hot pink flowers, 4-5m for taller screens
Planting Distances
- Formal hedge: Plant 1.5m apart for dense coverage
- Informal screen: Plant 2-2.5m apart for natural look
- Mixed hedge: Alternate colours or varieties for interest
Remember that crepe myrtle hedges are deciduous, so they won't provide privacy in winter. If year-round screening is essential, consider combining with evergreen plantings or positioning where winter visibility isn't a concern.
Avenues and Driveways
Few sights are more spectacular than a crepe myrtle avenue in full bloom. Lines of trees along driveways, pathways, or property boundaries create stunning visual corridors and add significant property value.
Design Considerations
- Spacing: 4-6m apart for large varieties, 3-4m for medium
- Symmetry: Plant matching varieties for formal effect
- Height clearance: Choose varieties that won't impede vehicles or pedestrians
- Consistency: Use the same variety throughout for unified appearance
Recommended Avenue Varieties
- Natchez: Classic white, large size, stunning bark
- Tuscarora: Coral-pink, excellent form and disease resistance
- Muskogee: Soft lavender, perfect for long avenues
Key Takeaway
For the best avenue effect, choose a single variety and maintain all trees the same way. Mixing varieties or maintenance styles creates a chaotic rather than elegant appearance.
Street and Verge Plantings
Crepe myrtles are ideal street trees. Their non-invasive roots, drought tolerance, and compact canopy make them suitable for nature strips and verges where other trees might cause problems.
Benefits for Streetscapes
- Roots don't lift pavements or damage pipes
- Thrive with minimal irrigation once established
- Provide summer shade without overwhelming the footpath
- Beautiful flowers enhance neighbourhood character
Check with your local council before planting on verges, as approved species lists and requirements vary between municipalities.
Mixed Borders and Garden Beds
Crepe myrtles work beautifully in mixed borders, providing vertical interest and a spectacular summer highlight among lower perennials and shrubs.
Companion Planting Ideas
- Spring: Bulbs like daffodils and tulips provide early colour while crepe myrtle is dormant
- Summer: Salvias, penstemons, and agapanthus complement flowering crepe myrtles
- Autumn: Ornamental grasses extend the display as crepe myrtle foliage turns
- Year-round: Evergreen groundcovers like mondo grass or liriope provide consistent structure
Colour Coordination
Consider how your crepe myrtle's flower colour will interact with surrounding plants. Hot pink crepe myrtles may clash with red or orange flowers nearby. White varieties are the most versatile, complementing any colour scheme.
Courtyard and Small Garden Solutions
Even the smallest outdoor space can accommodate a crepe myrtle with the right variety choice. Dwarf varieties bring full-sized beauty to compact areas.
Small Space Strategies
- Containers: Pocomoke and Petite varieties thrive in large pots
- Corner plantings: Use a single specimen to soften hard corners
- Espaliered: Train against a wall for minimal footprint
- Multi-stem: Multi-trunk dwarf varieties create interest without bulk
Poolside Plantings
Crepe myrtles are excellent pool companions. Their non-invasive roots won't damage pool infrastructure, and they provide filtered shade without dense leaf drop that clogs filters.
Pool Area Benefits
- Flowers drop petals rather than whole leaves
- Deciduous nature means more winter sun
- Heat tolerance suits hot pool surrounds
- Bright flowers create resort-style atmosphere
Commercial and Public Spaces
Beyond residential gardens, crepe myrtles excel in commercial landscapes, parks, and public spaces. Their low maintenance requirements and spectacular appearance make them cost-effective choices for municipal plantings.
- Shopping centres: Provide shade and colour in car parks and entry areas
- Parks: Large specimens create stunning focal points
- Schools: Hardy and safe for play areas
- Business parks: Professional appearance with minimal maintenance
Whatever your landscaping goals, there's a crepe myrtle and design approach to match. These versatile trees reward thoughtful placement with years of spectacular beauty, making them invaluable additions to Australian landscapes of all sizes and styles.