Key Plant, Key Pests: Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia)

Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia species) has become a dominant landscape plant in North and Central Florida and throughout the South. Breeding programs over the last 30 years have produced superior forms with a wide range of plant sizes and habits; improved flowering, new flower colors, ornamental bark, ornamental foliage, and disease resistance; and increased vigor. See Crapemyrtle in Florida for an overview and history of the many types of crapemyrtle available.

Contrary to popular belief, crapemyrtles do not require much pruning. Remove any poorly placed limbs as needed, but avoid what is commonly known as "crape murder." Learn more about proper pruning techniques in Crapemyrtle Pruning.

In 2025, as an administrative change, the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture was sunsetted. Faculty and staff were rehomed to other departments, primarily the Departments of Horticultural Sciences and Agronomy (turf), and the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (arboriculture).