Is Crape myrtle hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Crape myrtle toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Crape myrtle toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Crape myrtle be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Crape myrtle flower?

Flowering: July–September, pink, purple, red, white.

How much water does Crape myrtle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Crape myrtle cost?

It sells for roughly €25 to €140 in local shops, depending on size.

Crape myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €25.

Illustration of Crape myrtle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A heat-loving flowering shrub or small tree that blooms from midsummer into autumn, with crinkled flower clusters, good autumn colour and smooth, peeling bark. Give it full sun, well-drained soil and a warm, sheltered spot, because the branches can be killed back in a hard winter. Mulch the base in the first years; if the top is frosted, cut it back in spring and it resprouts from the base and still flowers on the new shoots that year.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness is marginal in Central Europe: branches are damaged below about -18 °C and the whole top can die back to the ground around -20 °C. The roots survive more than that and resprout, but the plant then stays shrub sized. Flowering is poor in cool, short summers. It is prone to powdery mildew, especially in still, partly shaded spots, and aphids are common.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, pink, purple, red, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	1.8–9 m × 1.8–9 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, pink, purple, red, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €25

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
100-125 cm	approx. €140
size not stated	approx. €25 – €27

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to cats Shrubs for pollinators Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour