Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a deciduous woody plant prized for its long summer bloom period and striking, smooth bark. Native to Asia, this genus thrives across the Southern and Mid-Atlantic United States, making it a defining feature of warm-climate landscapes. White varieties offer a sophisticated, versatile alternative to the more common pinks and reds, providing a crisp, clean aesthetic that integrates seamlessly into any garden design. Selecting the perfect white crape myrtle requires understanding the specific traits of each cultivar.
Key Characteristics for Selection
Choosing the appropriate crape myrtle requires considering three primary traits that determine its success. The mature size and growth habit is the most important factor, ranging from miniature shrubs under three feet tall to trees exceeding 30 feet. Selecting a cultivar that naturally fits your space prevents the need for excessive pruning later.
Disease resistance is another significant trait, particularly against powdery mildew, a common fungal issue. Modern hybridization efforts, often involving the mildew-resistant species Lagerstroemia fauriei, have produced cultivars with superior natural defenses. Also evaluate the flower quality and the color of the bark, which provides year-round visual interest and can range from tan to cinnamon-red.
Top White Crape Myrtle Varieties
Tree and Large Shrub Varieties
The standard for large white cultivars is ‘Natchez,’ a hybrid known for its exceptional performance. This variety matures into a stately tree reaching 20 to 30 feet tall with a beautiful vase-shaped structure. ‘Natchez’ is valued for its abundant, pure white blooms that last up to four months, and its distinctive cinnamon-red exfoliating bark that peels away to reveal smooth, mottled underlayers.
‘Fantasy’ offers a tall, upright form that can exceed 25 feet, making it an excellent shade specimen. Another option, ‘Glendora White,’ grows to a manageable 20 to 25 feet and is noted for its strong resistance to powdery mildew. Its long-lasting white blooms are complemented by an attractive golden-yellow fall foliage display.
Semi-Dwarf Varieties
Semi-dwarf cultivars are ideal for smaller yards, property line hedges, or planting near structures. The variety ‘Acoma’ typically reaches 7 to 10 feet and is admired for its unique weeping or cascading branch structure. Its pure snow-white flowers drape gracefully, and it exhibits excellent disease resistance.
Another medium-height cultivar is ‘Kiowa,’ which grows to approximately 6 to 8 feet, offering a dense, shrub-like form that can be trained into a small tree. These intermediate selections add substantial summer color without overwhelming the landscape. Selecting this size class ensures the plant remains proportional to the available space, eliminating the need for aggressive annual pruning.
Dwarf and Groundcover Varieties
Dwarf white crape myrtles provide maximum floral impact in a compact form, suitable for container gardening, foundation plantings, or massing along borders. ‘Petite Snow’ is a reliable, small shrub that grows only 3 to 5 feet tall, producing profuse, snow-white, frilly flower panicles. This variety is highly mildew resistant and works well in garden beds or large patio pots.
‘Pixie White’ is an excellent choice for groundcover, reaching only about 2 to 3 feet. These miniature varieties are valuable for gardeners in colder regions, as their size makes them easy to protect or grow in containers that can be overwintered indoors. The ‘Enduring White’ cultivar also fits this size range, reaching 3 to 5 feet with a compact, mounding habit.
Essential Landscape Placement and Care
Crape myrtles require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure abundant summer flowering and minimize mildew risk. Planting in less sun results in sparse blooms and weaker growth. Proper soil preparation is also important; the plant needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot, though it tolerates various soil types once established.
During the first growing season, newly planted crape myrtles need consistent, deep watering to encourage a strong root system. Water thoroughly once or twice a week, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between applications. Once mature, the tree is highly drought-tolerant and requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of heat and dryness.
Pruning should focus on shaping the plant and removing dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Avoid the practice known as “Crape Murder,” which involves severely topping the main stems, as this results in weak, unattractive growth and a loss of the tree’s natural, graceful form. Instead, maintain the natural height and shape by selectively thinning the canopy to improve air circulation.