Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee' ~ Muskogee Crape Myrtle

Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a large rounded deciduous shrub with smooth exfoliating cinnamon bark with light grey inner bark.  The foliage is a glossy emerald green that turns red with fall, while the large lavender-pink panicles bloom on new wood in summer.  Flowers give way to round seed capsules that persist through winter.  Best color in full sun and rich well-drained soil.   Type:  Shrub Height:  10' - 20' Spread:  10’ - 15' Spacing:  12' USDA Hardiness Zone:  6 - 9 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Pink Season of Interest:  Summer, Fall MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  Water Regularly.  Prune back in spring before bloom to promote flowers.  It can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew.  Watch for aphids and scale. LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Urban Gardens, Foundation Planting, and Hedges. COMPANION PLANTS:  Lilyturf, Indian Hawthorn, Magnolia IMAGES: Photo by David J. Stang, Lagerst