Crape Myrtles for Florida Yards: Varieties, Uses & Care
Best Crape Myrtles for Northeast Florida Landscapes
If you’re looking to add long-lasting color, sculptural beauty, and heat-tolerant performance to your Florida yard, crape myrtles are your go-to flowering trees. Known as the “lilac of the South,” crape myrtles are a staple of Southern landscapes—and for good reason.
With vibrant summer blooms, striking bark, and a wide range of sizes, crape myrtles are among the most versatile and low-maintenance trees for Northeast Florida. Whether you’re planting a feature tree in the front yard, lining a driveway, or adding color to a small courtyard, there’s a crape myrtle that fits your vision.
Where to Use Crape Myrtles in the Landscape
Crape myrtles aren’t just pretty—they’re practical. Here are a few of the best ways to use them in your yard:
- As a Focal Point: Frame an entryway or highlight a landscape bed with a large, single-trunk crape myrtle.
- In Rows: Plant mid-sized varieties along driveways or fences for a colorful and structured look.
- In Containers or Courtyards: Compact and dwarf cultivars provide all the beauty in smaller, more manageable forms.
- As a Flowering Privacy Screen: Taller varieties can create a beautiful backdrop or soft privacy barrier with year-round interest.
Why Gardeners Love Crape Myrtles in Florida
Crape myrtles are beloved for being:
- 🌞 Heat-tolerant
- 💧 Drought-resistant once established
- 🌿 Low-maintenance
- 🌸 Long-blooming—from mid-summer to early fall
- 🍂 Seasonally stunning, with fall foliage and unique winter bark
Plus, they’re easy to shape with light pruning and available in a wide range of colors, from white to deep red and purple.
From Classics to Contemporary:
Traditional Varieties with a Storied History
Some of the most widely planted crape myrtles in the South include:
- Tuscarora – Vibrant coral-pink blooms
- Muskogee – Lavender flowers and fast growth
- Natchez – Pure white flowers and beautiful cinnamon-colored bark
These classic varieties were developed by the U.S. National Arboretum and named after Native American tribes, paying homage to their deep connection to the Southeastern landscape. Known for their exceptional bloom time and disease resistance, they’ve set the standard for crape myrtle performance.
New and Unique Crape Myrtle Varieties for Northeast Florida
Looking for something bold and different? These newer cultivars offer exciting features like deep foliage color, compact growth, and intense bloom colors:
Crape Myrtle ‘Black Diamond’
- Dark burgundy foliage
- Bright red, pink, or white blooms
- Great for bold contrast
Crape Myrtle ‘Center Stage™ Pink’ (Proven Winners)
- Large hot pink flowers
- Deep black foliage
- High-impact curb appeal
Crape Myrtle ‘Dynamite’
- Vivid red blooms
- Upright habit
- A long-time Southern favorite
Crape Myrtle ‘Fire Magic’ (First Editions®)
- Bright flower clusters
- Rich green foliage
- Tidy and compact
Crape Myrtle ‘Radiant’
- Bold color
- Smaller size, great for yards with limited space
Crape Myrtle ‘Thunderstruck’
- Striking foliage and intense blooms
- Adds dramatic energy to the garden
LANDSCAPE SPOTLIGHT
Inside Matt’s Garden Shed
Welcome to Matt’s Garden Shed! Crape Myrtles are known for their stunning summer blooms, but they can still fall victim to a handful of pests and diseases—from aphids and bark scale to powdery mildew and leaf spot. That’s where Ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Systemic Drench comes in. This easy-to-use treatment delivers long-lasting protection right through the roots.
Gardening Pro Tip: To Prune or Not to Prune?
Avoid the mistake known as “crape murder”—severely chopping back branches in winter. Crape myrtles don’t need heavy pruning to bloom! Instead:
- Remove crossing limbs, seed pods, or suckers
- Maintain the tree’s natural shape
- Let its sculptural form shine year-round
Services
- Landscape Design & Installation
- Paver Patios, Paver Walkways, Paver Driveways
- Firepits, Retaining Walls , Seat Walls,
- Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
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General Services Areas
Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee
Location
GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Hours
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Sunday 10-5
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July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day