Crape Myrtle Muskogee – Lagerstroemia ‘Muskogee’ (Lavender Flowering Tree, Live Starter Plants)

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Muskogee’) is one of the largest and fastest-growing crape myrtles you can plant. This vigorous deciduous tree forms an upright, vase-shaped canopy. In summer, it fills with big, crepe-papery clusters of soft light-lavender flowers. Better still, the color keeps coming for an incredible 120 days, from early summer well into fall. Then, as the flowers fade, the glossy green leaves turn brilliant red-orange. In winter, the smooth cinnamon bark peels to a mottled light-gray surface. The U.S. National Arboretum bred this variety for excellent mildew resistance. So when you want a full-sized flowering tree fast, the Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a go-to choice.

Why Grow a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?

• Months of lavender color – soft light-lavender blooms last up to 120 days, one of the longest bloom periods of any crape myrtle.
• Fast-growing & large – quickly reaches 20–30 feet for shade, privacy, and bold vertical presence.
• Four-season interest – summer flowers, red-orange fall color, and smooth peeling cinnamon bark in winter.
• Disease-resistant – one of the original and best National Arboretum hybrids, bred to resist powdery mildew.
• Tough & pet-friendly – heat- and drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Looking for more flowering trees and color? Browse our Flowering Plants and Trees collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Lagerstroemia ‘Muskogee’ (crape myrtle, crepe myrtle)
• Plant type: Large, fast-growing deciduous flowering tree (upright, vase-shaped)
• Plant family: Lythraceae (the loosestrife family)
• Mature size: about 20–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide
• Flowers: Large clusters of light lavender to lavender-pink blooms for up to 120 days, early summer to fall
• Foliage & bark: Glossy green leaves turning red-orange in fall; smooth cinnamon bark that peels to light gray
• Notable traits: Fast-growing; mildew-resistant; heat- and drought-tolerant; deer-resistant; pet-safe
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 7–9

Muskogee Crape Myrtle Care & Growing Guide

Crape myrtles are tough and rewarding. Give them sun, and they will thrive. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential. The more sun it gets, the more abundant the bloom. In too much shade, flowering drops off sharply.
• Water: Water regularly to establish a strong root system. After that, water only occasionally, since it is quite drought-tolerant once mature. During long dry spells, water more deeply.
• Soil: It adapts to most soils. However, it prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic ground with good air circulation.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 7–9.
• Pruning: It blooms on new wood. So prune lightly in late winter or early spring, before growth begins. Also avoid hard “topping” (so-called crape murder), because it ruins the natural form.

Ways to Use Muskogee Crape Myrtle in the Landscape

• Large specimen or fast-growing shade tree
• Street tree and driveway-lining allée
• Privacy screen or row planting
• Group plantings for a bold summer display
• Vertical accent in larger landscapes

It pairs beautifully with other crape myrtles for a long-blooming display. For example, gardeners often combine it with deep-purple Twilight Crape Myrtle, fuchsia-red Tonto Crape Myrtle, or white Natchez Crape Myrtle.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Muskogee Crape Myrtle starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Muskogee Crape Myrtle FAQ