Large crape myrtle trees bring vibrant summer color, striking bark, and enduring structure to landscapes across the United States. This guide highlights five prominent options that can contribute substantial height and seasonal beauty, along with a practical buying guide to help you select varieties that fit your climate, space, and maintenance preferences. Each choice includes a direct Amazon link for easy reference and a snapshot of key features to compare at a glance.
| Product | Size / Maturity | Notable Features | Shade / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Pack – Red Flowering Crape Myrtle Trees | Red blooms; matures to 20+ ft | Exfoliating bark; Southern climate suitability | Accent tree; showy summer color |
| 2 Red Crape Myrtle Trees – 6-12″ Tall | 6-12″ tall at sale | Bareroot; drought-tolerant; bright blooms | Uplifts small to medium spaces over time |
| Tonto Crape Myrtle | 8-10 ft tall and wide (mature) | Fast-growing; dark watermelon red blooms | Privacy hedge or focal specimen |
| Purple Crape Myrtle Tree | 6-12″ tall; quart pot | Vibrant purple blooms; low maintenance | Border plant or focal color pop |
| Black Diamond Crape Myrtle Tree | 3 gal. container; mature height varies | Crimson red blooms; note shipping restrictions | Lends bold color with vertical interest |
Red Flowering Crape Myrtle Trees — Lagerstroemia
This collection features red-flowering crape myrtles in quart-size containers, advertised as capable of reaching 20+ feet tall as they mature. The trees are noted for distinctive exfoliating bark that provides texture and year-long visual interest beyond the flowering period. Shipping restrictions indicate limitations to certain Western states, which can influence availability. As a large flowering tree option, it is well suited for southern climates where heat and humidity support robust bloom cycles. The red blossoms offer a high-contrast display against dark green foliage, creating a strong focal point in yards or streetscapes.
2 Red Crape Myrtle Trees — 6-12″ Tall
This option provides a compact start with two red crape myrtle trees sold as bare-root plants about 6-12 inches tall. While they ship without leaves, the variety promises a vivid bloom season throughout summer and requires relatively low maintenance once established. The drought-tolerant nature supports garden setups in warmer regions, and the two-tree pack offers an economical way to create a more prominent display as they mature. Expect steady growth as the trees reach multiple feet in height over several seasons, delivering a bright, long-lasting color addition to landscapes.
Tonto Crape Myrtle
This dwarf yet fast-growing varietal is described as maturing to 8-10 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller yards or urban landscapes. The foliage and flowers provide a strong summer-to-fall display, with dark watermelon red blooms offering a striking contrast to the green canopy. As a compact option, Tonto Crape Myrtle can function effectively as a privacy hedge or a decorative focal point, delivering year-round structure with a bold flowering period. Consider spacing and sun exposure to maximize bloom density and growth rate.
Purple Crape Myrtle Tree
The purple crape myrtle is a small to mid-sized tree sold in a quart pot, typically 6-12 inches tall at purchase. It offers a vivid purple bloom throughout the growing season and is promoted as low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. This variety can serve as a colorful accent in borders or entryways, providing a seasonal highlight without requiring a large footprint. Its compact nature makes it a practical option for container planting or smaller garden beds where color is prioritized alongside ease of care.
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle Tree
The Black Diamond crape myrtle presents crimson blooms and is offered in a 3-gallon container. A note in the listing mentions shipping restrictions to certain states due to agricultural laws, which can affect availability. While the product is a larger, showy option, potential buyers should consider climate compatibility and local regulations before ordering. The bold red flowers combined with dark, glossy foliage contribute to a striking vertical accent for yards, driveways, or boulevards.
5 Pink Crape Myrtle Trees — 6-12″ Tall
Though not part of the “large” category in the traditional sense, pink crape myrtles at 6-12 inches tall are included here to illustrate the range of starter sizes available that can eventually scale into prominent landscape features with adequate space and care. The group features five bareroot plants with a promise of summer blooms and drought tolerance, offering a phased approach to building a substantial color display in the garden over time.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Large Crape Myrtles
- Climate suitability: Large crape myrtles thrive in warm, sunny regions with long growing seasons. Southern climates often yield the best bloom density and growth. Check regional restrictions and notes about shipping to your state.
- Size and mature height: Consider whether you want a bold focal tree or a smaller, more controlled specimen. Species labeled to reach 8-10 ft, 12-20 ft, or more will shape your landscape for years, so verify expected mature dimensions and spacing needs.
- Soil and water: Most crape myrtles prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment. Drought tolerance improves after establishment, but initial watering and mulching help poor soils.
- Bloom color and season: Crape myrtles come in red, purple, and other shades, with blooming periods extending through summer and into fall in many varieties. Choose colors that complement your home exterior and surrounding plantings.
- Bark texture and winter interest: Exfoliating bark adds winter interest, a notable virtue of many large cultivars. This feature contributes to year-round aesthetics even when not blooming.
- Care and pruning: Moderate pruning after flowering is common to maintain shape and encourage strong blooms. Some varieties respond better to pruning than others; follow variety-specific guidance for best results.
- Availability and shipping: Some listings mention state shipping restrictions. Plan ahead for pickup or alternative retailers if your preferred selection is unavailable in your region.
- Container vs. in-ground planting: For smaller yards or container gardens, select dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties that are easier to manage in limited spaces while still delivering color and structure over time.
In selecting a large crape myrtle, balance immediate visual impact with long-term growth, climate compatibility, and maintenance requirements. The options above provide a spectrum—from bold red statements to lush purple accents and compact growth—so you can tailor your landscape to your local conditions and design goals.