Crape myrtle: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Lagerstroemia indica, L. speciosa
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica, L. speciosa, family Lythraceae) usually lasts 4–7 days in a vase. In season: Summer. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: branch.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Crape myrtle
- Botanical name
- Lagerstroemia indica, L. speciosa
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Aliases
- crape myrtle, lagerstroemia
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- Pink, Purple, White, Red
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in summer
- Commercial supply
- Peak in summer
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 4–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Summer branches with crinkled flower panicles. Remove most leaves, split the stem and hydrate deeply; florets shed, so arrange close to delivery.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Branch in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Summer branches with crinkled flower panicles. Remove most leaves, split the stem and hydrate deeply; florets shed, so arrange close to delivery.
For florists
Try Crape myrtle in a client design
We fill in the brief from this page. No stock yet? Load the sample flowers — Crape myrtle included — and see a recipe, quote and preview image in about a minute. New shops get 30 free credits.
Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Summer branches with crinkled flower panicles. Remove most leaves, split the stem and hydrate deeply; florets shed, so arrange close to delivery.
- Crape myrtle is short-lived (about 4–7 days): when mixed with longer-lasting stems, deliver the same or next day.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ! | Lasts only about 4–7 days — make up the day before or on the day. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ! | Short-lived (about 4–7 days) — deliver the same or next day. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as crape myrtle and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
Substitutes
When crape myrtle is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bougainvillea | 4–7 days | Spring, Summer, Autumn | None | — |
| Purple-leaf plum | 5–10 days | Spring, Summer | None | — |
| False spiraea | 4–7 days | Summer | Light | — |
| Photinia | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
FAQ
How long does crape myrtle last in a vase?
Usually 4–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is crape myrtle in season?
In season in summer; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep crape myrtle fresh?
Summer branches with crinkled flower panicles. Remove most leaves, split the stem and hydrate deeply; florets shed, so arrange close to delivery.
What colours does crape myrtle come in?
Naturally in pink, purple, white, red (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of crape myrtle?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Bougainvillea, Purple-leaf plum, False spiraea, Photinia.
Related guides
In season at the same time
SunflowerHydrangeaChamomileAstrantiaLove-lies-bleedingBells of IrelandBupleurumSiam tulip (Curcuma)