I have many Crape Myrtle plants in my flower garden. Two years ago, I noticed a large tree with similar flowers. When I came home and searched online, I found out that it was Queen's Crape Myrtle, also known as Giant Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa).
I brought a Giant Crape Myrtle from a local nursery and started caring for it. Now it's blooming in these rainy days, and I am in love with the color (you can see it in the cover picture of this article).
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know to successfully grow a giant crape myrtle flowering tree in your Florida garden.
The maximum height of a giant crape myrtle can be 25-60 feet tall, and I am serious. It can spread 20 feet wide.
If you love flowering plants, check this list: Best flowering plants to grow in Florida
When does the Giant Crape Myrtle bloom in Florida?
Queen's crape myrtle or giant crape myrtle blooms from late May to August.
The blooming time may extend into early September in warm, humid regions like South Florida. (Even they can start blooming a bit earlier in South Fl.)
I love to see the blooms when it is raining.
Growing and caring guide for Giant Crape Myrtle in Florida
They love full sun, so choose a sunny spot in your garden to plant this flowering tree.
Watering
Keep the soil moist in the first 3 months of plantation (2–3 times per week during the first 2–3 months).
When the tree is established, no need to water regularly. Just make sure the soil is not dry for more than three days.
In summer, I usually give it water once a week (deeply).
If you notice leaves are turning yellow, stop watering for a couple of days and let the soil dry.
Pruning
Pruning is the most important part if you don't want your queen's crape myrtle to spread like a wild animal.
Once the tree reaches about 6 feet in height, prune the lower branches to clear the trunk. This will create open space underneath so that you can move freely beneath the tree.
Best pruning time: Late winter to early spring (February to early March - before new growth starts)
Do not prune in summer or fall. It reduces blooms and weakens the tree before winter.
Fertilization
I recommend that you feed your Giant Crape Myrtle twice a year.
First dose: Early spring (February–March)
Second dose: Late spring or early summer (May–June)
Do not fertilize after late summer, as it can damage the new growth in cold weather. (Especially in North and some parts of Central Florida)
If you are not sure how much fertilizer you should apply, do not hesitate to contact me through the contact page of this website.
The amount depends on the size of your tree. You may send a picture of your tree. I will try to respond within 24 hours.
Do not forget to water properly after feeding this tree.
Propagation
I have done both seed propagation and semi-hardwood cutting propagation.
If you are a beginner gardener, buy a rooted cutting or a grafted tree from a local nursery.
If you are planning to grow it from seeds, collect seeds from mature seed pods in fall and sow them in spring.
This is what seed pods of Queen's or Giant Crape Myrtle look like:
It takes 2-4 weeks to germinate the seeds. Keep the seed sown in a warm and humid environment.
When the saplings reach 4 inches tall, transplant them into the ground or into a larger pot.
For cuttings, choose 7-9 inches of healthy semi-mature branches. Remove all the leaves except the top 2-3 leaves.
Dip the cut in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
Wait for 4-8 weeks to grow the new roots.
Note: The success rate of cutting propagation is near about 50%.
If you notice aphids, check this article: Get rid of aphids on mums
I have already talked about in my previous article: Growing Crape Myrtle in Florida, Queen's Crape Myrtle, and Crape Myrtle are not the same.
I love the purple colored queen's crape myrtle.
If you love this color, you may also consider growing orchid tree in Florida.
Here is the picture of a Queen's Crape Myrtle Tree
I love making growing guides for plants and trees for Florida gardeners. If you are from Florida, subscribe to this site to motivate me to write more for you.
