Crepe Myrtle ‘Enduring Summer’
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia hybrid 'Enduring Summer'
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree / large shrub
Overview
‘Enduring Summer’ lives up to its name with months of vibrant bloom followed by brilliant autumn colour and attractive, gently peeling bark for winter interest. Bred for heat, sun and powdery-mildew resistance, it’s a top performer in South Australian gardens—perfect as a compact feature, flowering hedge or statement pot specimen.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 2-3 m H x 1.5-2 m W (upright, compact habit)
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Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Glossy mid-green; autumn tones of orange, red and burgundy
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Flowers: Showy crepe-textured panicles in rich pink–red tones (colour intensity varies by selection within the series)
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Seasonal Interest: Summer–autumn flowers → vivid autumn foliage → decorative bark in winter
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Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and butterflies; bird-friendly
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Tolerance: Heat and drought once established; light frost; excellent mildew resistance
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9-16 m² (3-4 m apart), depending on mature canopy; flowering hedge 1.5–2.0 m centres
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Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun (essential for heavy flowering and compact growth)
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Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
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Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light shape prune in late winter; tip-prune or deadhead after the first flush to encourage re-bloom; feed in early spring
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Lifespan: 25-50 years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
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Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if free-draining)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Compact feature tree for courtyards, lawns and front gardens—big bloom impact without the bulk
- Flowering screen or informal hedge along fences and driveways; clip lightly after bloom for a neat, blooming barrier
- Show garden in pots: thrives in large containers on patios and poolside; pair with ornamental grasses for a modern, drought-smart look
Why You Will Love It
This is the crape myrtle that just keeps flowering—a long, reliable show from mid-summer well into autumn with minimal fuss. Add in the fiery autumn colour and handsome bark, and you get an investment plant that looks designer-level 12 months of the year. Tough, disease-resistant and sun-loving, ‘Enduring Summer’ gives you maximum colour for minimal maintenance.
