Crepe Myrtles: A Fragrant Experience Or Not?

Crepe myrtles, also known as Lagerstroemia, are beautiful flowering trees that are a popular choice for gardeners due to their vibrant blooms and graceful branches. But do they have a scent? The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. While some crepe myrtles have no noticeable fragrance, others offer a pleasant, sweet, and subtle aroma, reminiscent of lilacs, gardenias, or even tropical fruits. The intensity of the scent varies depending on the cultivar and environmental conditions, with some varieties known for their stronger fragrance, such as 'Apalachee', 'Near East', and 'Biloxi'. So, if you're looking to add a sensory experience to your garden, crepe myrtles with their enchanting fragrances might just be the answer.

Crepe myrtle varieties with a scent

Crepe myrtles are highly sought-after ornamental plants, valued for their colourful flowers, attractive bark, and foliage. While they are not typically known for their fragrance, some varieties are said to have a faint scent. Here are some of the crepe myrtle varieties that are noted for their pleasant scent:

Apalachee

The Apalachee variety is said to have a pleasing fragrance. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It is known for its colourful flowers, which can be white, pink, red, or purple, and its attractive bark that peels away to reveal a smooth, mottled surface.

Near East

The Near East variety is another crepe myrtle that is reputed to have a nice scent. It is a versatile plant that can be grown as a shrub or a small tree, with a maximum height of around 30 feet. It has showy, ruffled flowers in various colours and attractive bark that adds interest to landscapes, especially during winter.

White varieties

Some gardeners have noted that white crepe myrtle varieties tend to have a more noticeable fragrance than other colours. The large white blossoms can fill outdoor spaces with a wonderful scent.

Pink Velour

The Pink Velour variety is mentioned by a gardener as having a nice scent. It is not clear if this is due to the flowers or the foliage, but it is worth investigating if you are seeking a scented crepe myrtle.

In addition to these varieties, some crepe myrtles have been described as having a faint cinnamon scent, but this may be too subtle for most people to detect.

When choosing a crepe myrtle, it is important to consider not just the fragrance but also the size, growth habit, and hardiness zone suitability to ensure the plant will thrive in your garden.

Environmental factors influencing fragrance

The fragrance of crepe myrtles is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While the genetic makeup of each crepe myrtle variety plays a significant role in determining its scent, external conditions such as temperature, humidity, sunlight exposure, and wind can also have an impact.

Temperature and Sunlight:

• Warmer and sunnier climates tend to enhance the fragrance of crepe myrtles.
• The sun's warmth activates the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the flowers, resulting in a stronger fragrance on sunny days compared to cloudy or rainy days.

Humidity:

Humidity levels can influence the production and diffusion of the scent.

Wind:

High winds can disperse the scent, making it less noticeable.

Proximity to Other Plants:

The presence of nearby pollinator-friendly plants does not seem to affect honeybee visits to crepe myrtles, according to a study.

Age of the Flower:

Crepe myrtle flowers tend to have a stronger scent when they are freshly bloomed. As the flowers age, the fragrance becomes less intense.

Time of Day:

The fragrance of crepe myrtle flowers is typically most noticeable in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler.

Care and Maintenance:

• Proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, fertilisation, and pruning, can promote more fragrant blooms.
• Pruning in late winter or early spring encourages new growth and enhances the fragrance.

Placement in the Garden:

Planting crepe myrtles near seating areas or outdoor living spaces allows for a more enjoyable fragrance experience.

Cultivars with a strong fragrance

Crepe myrtles, also known as Lagerstroemia, are beautiful flowering trees that are a beloved addition to gardens and landscapes. While not all crepe myrtles have a noticeable scent, certain cultivars possess a pleasant fragrance that can enhance your sensory experience in the garden. Here are some cultivars with a strong fragrance:

'Biloxi'

The 'Biloxi' cultivar is a cross between Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia fauriei. It produces huge clusters of purple blooms with an overwhelming fragrance reminiscent of powerful lilacs. This variety is a favourite among crepe myrtle enthusiasts and is known for its amazing scent.

'Apalachee'

'Apalachee' is a Lagerstroemia fauriei variety that is known for its pleasing fragrance. It has light tan trunks and baby-pink flowers, making it a visually appealing addition to any garden.

'Near East'

The 'Near East' cultivar is another variety with a delightful fragrance. It has over a hundred big, white, fragrant flowers that fill the air with a slightly spicy character. The fragrance of 'Near East' is often compared to that of magnolias.

'Natchez'

'Natchez' is a popular cultivar known for its striking white flowers and a strong fragrance. Its scent is often described as sweet and delicate, adding a subtle touch to your garden. This variety is also highly resistant to mildew.

'Sioux'

The 'Sioux' variety boasts stunning pink flowers and a fragrance similar to cloves. The scent is quite strong and can be easily detected when you come close to the blooms.

'Acoma'

'Acoma' is a Lagerstroemia variety that produces clusters of pure white flowers with a sweet and noticeable fragrance. It adds an extra sensory element to your garden with its captivating scent.

How to enhance the scent of crepe myrtles

Crepe myrtles, also known as Lagerstroemia, are beautiful flowering trees that can fill your garden with their enchanting aroma. While not all crepe myrtle varieties have a noticeable scent, there are certainly steps you can take to enhance their fragrance. Here's how:

Choose a Scented Variety

Firstly, select a cultivar that is known for its scent. Look for cultivar names that include descriptors such as "fragrant" or "scented." Some of the most fragrant varieties include:

• Apalachee
• Near East
• Biloxi
• Natchez
• Acoma
• Catawba
• Sioux
• Hopi

Provide Optimal Growing Conditions

To maximise the natural fragrance of your crepe myrtles, provide them with optimal growing conditions:

• Plant them in well-drained soil.
• Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight.
• Provide adequate water and fertiliser, but be careful not to over-fertilise as this can reduce blooming.

Pruning

Avoid severe pruning in winter, as this can diminish the tree's appearance and health. Instead, limit pruning to thinning, removing suckers or unwanted long new sprouts, and removing spent flower heads. Removing spent flower heads throughout the summer encourages more blooms, which will enhance the overall fragrance of the tree.

Time of Day

The intensity of the scent can vary depending on the time of day and the age of the blooms. Crepe myrtle flowers that are just opening tend to have a stronger scent than those that are fully open, and the flowers tend to emit a stronger fragrance in the cooler temperatures of the evening or early morning.

Personal Preferences

Remember that individual perceptions of scent can vary. What one person finds pleasant, another may find overpowering. Take time to smell the flowers up close and determine which cultivars have a scent that appeals to you.

Scented crepe myrtle hybrids

Crepe myrtles, or Lagerstroemia, are beloved by gardeners for their vibrant blooms and easy care. While not all crepe myrtles have a noticeable scent, some cultivars do possess a pleasant fragrance. The intensity of the scent can vary depending on factors such as the cultivar, the age of the blooms, the time of day, and environmental conditions.

If you're interested in adding a scented crepe myrtle to your garden, look for cultivars known for their fragrance, such as the "Apalachee" and "Near East" varieties, which are said to have a pleasing fragrance. The "Pink Velour" cultivar is also known for its nice scent.

The "Acoma" cultivar is another option, offering clusters of pure white flowers with a sweet fragrance. The "Catawba" cultivar is a medium-sized crepe myrtle with vibrant purple flowers and a mild fragrance. For a stronger scent, consider the "Sioux" cultivar, which features stunning pink flowers and a fragrance similar to cloves. The "Natchez" cultivar is known for its striking white flowers and subtle, sweet scent, while the "Tuscarora" cultivar produces dark pink flowers with a light, pleasant fragrance.

To incorporate scented crepe myrtle hybrids into your garden, choose the right cultivar, find a suitable location, prepare the soil, plant the hybrid, and provide water and mulch. Regular pruning is important for maintaining the health and shape of your plant, but be cautious not to over-prune as this can reduce flower production.

Frequently asked questions