Queen Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia speciosa
Queen Crape Myrtle
Urban Forest Tree Walk
Scientific Name
Lagerstroemia speciosa
Location
The Queen Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa) lives up to its regal name with its towering form, lush foliage, and bold, vibrant flower clusters that crown the tree in summer. Native to tropical Asia—including India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines—this majestic flowering tree has found a welcome home in South Florida, where its beauty and tropical charm make it a favorite in large landscapes and public plantings.
Reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet, the Queen Crape Myrtle boasts smooth, mottled bark and broad, glossy leaves that turn golden before falling in late winter. But its true showstopper quality comes in summer, when it bursts into bloom with massive clusters of crinkly, orchid-like flowers in shades of lavender, pink, or purple. These blooms can last for several weeks, often drawing bees, butterflies, and admiring glances from passersby.
Unlike its smaller cousin (Lagerstroemia indica), the Queen Crape Myrtle prefers tropical climates and performs best in South Florida’s heat and humidity. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and offers year-round interest—from flowers and foliage to bark and form—earning its title as royalty in the world of flowering trees.
Fast Facts
Crowned in Color
Its name isn’t just for show—this tree produces some of the largest and showiest flower clusters of any crape myrtle species. The crinkled petals and vivid hues make it look like it’s been dressed in royal robes.
Hometown
Queen Crape Myrtle is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It thrives in warm, humid climates and feels right at home in South Florida’s subtropical conditions.
Bark with Beauty
As the tree matures, its bark begins to exfoliate, revealing smooth, patterned layers beneath. Even when it's not in bloom, the Queen Crape Myrtle remains a standout thanks to its sculptural trunk and branching form.