The Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Muskogee’) is a popular ornamental tree celebrated for its long-lasting summer color and graceful structure. This hybrid cultivar offers a low-maintenance option that provides year-round visual interest. Its deciduous nature means it sheds its leaves in the winter, revealing attractive, peeling bark that adds texture to the cold-weather landscape. The tree’s vigor and adaptability make it a favored choice across a wide range of growing zones.
Distinct Characteristics of Muskogee Crape Myrtle
The ‘Muskogee’ cultivar is one of the larger Crape Myrtles, typically reaching an upright, vase-shaped height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. This size makes it suitable for use as a small shade tree or a prominent specimen in the landscape.
The tree is known for its abundant clusters of light lavender or purple flowers that bloom profusely from mid-summer through early fall, often lasting up to 120 days. Its smooth, multi-toned bark exfoliates in patches, creating a striking pattern of gray-tan and reddish tones that provides exceptional winter appeal. This hybrid is highly resistant to powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that plagues many other Crape Myrtle types.
Optimal Planting and Establishment
The tree requires a location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily; full sun exposure is necessary for prolific blooming and to minimize disease risk. While the tree is adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, ideally with a pH range between 5.0 and 6.5.
When planting, dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Backfill the hole with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets, and then water thoroughly. Apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark, to conserve moisture and regulate temperature. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to rot and pest issues.
Newly planted trees require consistent watering to establish a strong root system. For the first few months, deep watering one to two times per week is recommended, especially without rainfall. After the first year, the ‘Muskogee’ becomes highly drought-tolerant. However, it benefits from deep soaking during prolonged dry spells in the summer.
Ongoing Seasonal Care and Pruning
Once established, the ‘Muskogee’ Crape Myrtle is a low-maintenance tree, but seasonal care encourages the best performance. Fertilization should be done in early spring before new growth begins, utilizing a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mixture. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this encourages excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning is the most important long-term maintenance task, and it should be performed in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges. The goal of pruning is to develop a strong, upright structure and improve air circulation within the canopy, which helps to prevent disease. Begin by removing all suckers growing from the base of the trunk and all small, twiggy growth along the main trunks.
Structural pruning involves removing branches that cross or rub against one another, and any branches growing inward toward the center of the tree. The practice of severe topping, sometimes called “Crape Murder,” is highly discouraged because it disfigures the tree’s natural form and encourages weak, whiplike branches. Instead of topping, shorten the previous year’s growth by a maximum of 12 inches, always cutting back to a strong outward-facing bud or a lateral branch.
Common Issues and Solutions
While ‘Muskogee’ is disease-resistant, it can still experience pest issues, primarily aphids and Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS). Aphids are sap-sucking insects that excrete honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold. CMBS appears as white or gray felt-like insects clustered on the trunk and branches. For minor aphid infestations, use a strong blast of water or horticultural oil sprays. Systemic insecticides applied as a soil drench in the spring can control both pests.
If the tree fails to bloom, the issue is often related to environmental factors or incorrect care practices. Lack of sufficient sunlight is a primary cause of poor flowering. Over-fertilization with high-nitrogen products will suppress blooming in favor of excessive foliage growth. Improper pruning, such as cutting too late in the spring, can also remove the new wood on which the flowers develop, delaying or preventing summer color.