With dozens of crepe myrtle varieties available in Australia, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. From tiny dwarf cultivars perfect for pots to towering specimens suitable for large properties, the range of sizes, colours, and characteristics is vast. Understanding the differences between varieties helps you select the perfect tree for your specific situation.
This guide breaks down the main categories of crepe myrtles and highlights some of the best varieties available in Australia, helping you make an informed choice that you'll be happy with for years to come.
The Botany of Crepe Myrtles
Crepe myrtles belong to the genus Lagerstroemia, which contains around 50 species native to Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and northern Australia. The ornamental varieties grown in gardens are primarily derived from two species:
- Lagerstroemia indica: The original garden crepe myrtle, native to China. Known for beautiful flowers but susceptible to powdery mildew.
- Lagerstroemia fauriei: A Japanese species with excellent bark and disease resistance, but less showy flowers.
Many modern cultivars are hybrids between these two species, combining the best traits of both: spectacular flowers, beautiful bark, and excellent disease resistance. These hybrids are generally the best choice for Australian gardens.
Size Categories
Crepe myrtles are typically grouped into four size categories. Choosing the right size for your space is the most important decision you'll make.
Dwarf Varieties (Under 1.5m)
Perfect for containers, small garden beds, and borders. These compact varieties bring crepe myrtle beauty to the smallest spaces.
- Pocomoke: The ultimate dwarf at just 60cm-1m. Deep rose-pink flowers. Excellent for pots.
- Petite Series: A range of dwarfs in various colours, all staying under 1.5m.
- Cherry Dazzle: Compact with cherry-red flowers, reaching about 1m.
Container Growing Tip
Dwarf varieties are specifically bred for container growing. Choose a pot at least 40cm diameter with good drainage. These compact varieties still produce abundant flowers despite their small size.
Semi-Dwarf Varieties (1.5-3m)
Ideal for smaller gardens, hedging, and where space is limited. Large enough to make an impact but compact enough to manage easily.
- Zuni: Lavender-purple flowers on a 2-3m plant. Excellent for hedges.
- Tonto: Rich fuchsia-red flowers. Compact and disease-resistant.
- Acoma: White flowers with semi-weeping habit. Reaches about 3m.
Intermediate Varieties (3-5m)
The sweet spot for most suburban gardens. Large enough to serve as a feature tree but not so large as to overwhelm standard-sized gardens.
- Sioux: Vibrant hot pink flowers. Reaches 4-5m.
- Dynamite: True cherry-red that doesn't fade. Reaches 4-5m.
- Pink Velour: Striking magenta-pink with near-black bark. Reaches 3-4m.
- Catawba: Deep purple, the darkest of the purples. Reaches 3-4m.
Large Varieties (5m+)
Substantial trees for larger properties, parks, and street plantings. These create impressive specimens with spectacular flower displays.
- Tuscarora: Coral-pink flowers, beautiful mottled bark. Reaches 4-6m.
- Natchez: Pure white flowers, cinnamon bark. The largest at 6-8m.
- Muskogee: Soft lavender flowers on a large frame. Reaches 6-8m.
- Red Rocket: Bright cherry-red on a tall, upright form. Reaches 5-7m.
Key Takeaway
Always check the mature size before purchasing. A tree that seems small in a pot can quickly outgrow its space. It's much easier to choose the right size from the start than to fight against nature for years.
Colour Options
Crepe myrtles are available in a remarkable range of flower colours, allowing you to match your garden's colour scheme.
Pink Shades
The most traditional and popular colour family, ranging from soft blush to hot pink.
- Coral Pink: Tuscarora (the quintessential crepe myrtle colour)
- Hot Pink: Sioux, Lipan
- Magenta: Pink Velour
- Rose: Pocomoke, Hopi
Red Shades
Bold and eye-catching, red varieties make strong statements.
- True Red: Dynamite (holds colour best in heat)
- Cherry Red: Red Rocket, Enduring Red
- Fuchsia-Red: Tonto
White
Elegant and sophisticated, white varieties light up evening gardens.
- Pure White: Natchez, Acoma
- Cream White: Moonlight Magic (with dark foliage)
Purple/Lavender
Unique and distinctive, purple varieties add regal elegance.
- Light Lavender: Muskogee
- Medium Purple: Zuni
- Deep Purple: Catawba (darkest available)
Special Features
Disease Resistance
If powdery mildew is a problem in your area, choose varieties with proven resistance. The best disease-resistant varieties include Natchez, Tuscarora, Muskogee, and most modern hybrids derived from Lagerstroemia fauriei.
Bark Interest
Some varieties have particularly ornamental bark that provides winter interest when leaves have fallen. Outstanding bark varieties include:
- Natchez: Stunning cinnamon-brown peeling bark
- Tuscarora: Mottled grey, tan, and brown
- Pink Velour: Near-black bark for dramatic contrast
Autumn Colour
While all crepe myrtles offer autumn colour, some are particularly spectacular. Catawba and other purple-flowering varieties often produce intense red-orange autumn foliage.
Use Our Variety Comparison Tool
Visit our variety comparison tool to compare features side-by-side and find the perfect crepe myrtle for your garden. You can filter by size, colour, and use case.
Choosing the Right Variety
Consider these factors when selecting your crepe myrtle:
- Available space: Measure your planting area and check mature dimensions
- Purpose: Feature tree, hedge, container, or street planting
- Colour preference: Consider existing garden colours
- Climate: Some varieties perform better in specific regions
- Maintenance level: Larger varieties may need more management
When in doubt, visit local nurseries to see specimens in person, or look for mature examples in your neighbourhood. There's no substitute for seeing a variety at its full potential before committing to planting one in your garden.