Do you want to avoid mildew on your crepe myrtles? Lagerstroemias are beloved for their showy flowers, striking foliage, and sometimes even their bark. One recurring concern with these otherwise charming plants, however, is powdery mildew. This frustrating fungal disease can mar their beauty, particularly in humid climates. Thankfully, there are mildew-resistant options that combine striking aesthetics with robust health. Here, we explore four exceptional mildew-resistant crepe myrtles—Canopy™, Grande Red™, Pinky Pink™, and Slender Black™ crepe myrtles—each offering unique features to enhance gardens and urban spaces alike.
Canopy™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM02’ PBR
Canopy™ Lagerstroemia is a magnificent option for those seeking shade with a burst of colour. With abundant, vibrant pink flowers and lush burgundy foliage, this variety can be trained as a medium tree, pruned as a hedge, or left to grow as a bushy shrub. Reaching a height of 3 to 4 metres, it forms a canopy in small spaces that provides cool relief in summer while allowing sunlight to shine through during the winter months, especially in cooler climates where more foliage will fall by winter.
Canopy™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM02’ PBR
Key Features of Canopy™ Lagerstroemia
- Low-maintenance beauty:Canopy™ crepe myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade and is both drought and cold-tolerant. Minimal annual pruning will help maintain its dense structure.
- Versatility:Ideal for hedges, driveways, paths, or as a feature tree—it fits seamlessly into formal and informal landscapes.
- Powdery mildew resistance:Unlike many crepe myrtles, Canopy™ crepe myrtle holds its own against this pervasive issue, ensuring unblemished beauty throughout the season.
Grande Red™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM01’ PBR
For bold colour and resilience, look no further than the Grande Red™ Lagerstroemia. This variety captivates with its profuse, bright red flowers set against striking dark burgundy foliage. Growing up to 4 metres tall, it can also be pruned for a more compact appearance, making it perfect for urban spaces.
Grande Red™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM01’ PBR
Key Features of Grande Red™ Lagerstroemia
- Resistant to mildew:Grande Red™ remains healthy and vibrant, even in wet or humid conditions.
- Toughness:It thrives in full sun and adapts well to diverse climates across Australia, including frosty and drought-prone regions.
- Landscaping uses:Whether planted as a solitary feature tree, a hedging plant, or a street tree, its dramatic flowers and foliage create immediate impact.
Pinky Pink™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM03’ PBR
The charming Pinky Pink™ Lagerstroemia is a compact option for gardens needing a pop of colour in a smaller footprint. Adorned with bright fuchsia pink flowers and medium-toned burgundy foliage, it is both eye-catching and versatile. This ultra-compact shrub reaches just 1.2 metres in height, making it perfect for small gardens and courtyard spaces.
Pinky Pink™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM03’ PBR
Key Features of Pinky Pink™ Lagerstroemia
- Compact and dense:Its controlled growth habit makes it ideal for tight spaces, border planting, or as a contrast shrub in cottage gardens.
- Easy care:Annual pruning to maintain shape, combined with modest watering, encourages healthy, vibrant growth.
- High tolerance:Resistant to drought, frost, and humidity, as well as mildew, Pinky Pink™ is a reliable performer in nearly all weather conditions.
Slender Black™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM04’ PBR Intended
For a dramatic yet refined aesthetic, choose the Slender Black™ Lagerstroemia. Its dark almost black foliage contrasts perfectly with its soft pink flowers, creating a striking visual appeal. With a narrow but bushy growth habit, this variety reaches heights of approximately 1.5 metres and is ideal for narrow spaces between footpaths and front fences or bold statement planting.
Slender Black™ Lagerstroemia spp. ‘CM04’ PBR Intended
Key Features of Slender Black™ Lagerstroemia
- Distinctive foliage:The near-black older leaves pair beautifully with the vibrant burgundy of new growth, setting it apart as a striking feature plant.
- Design potential:Its bushy, fastigiate form works well along borders, driveways, or as an informal hedge.
- Resilience:Tolerating frost, dry conditions, humidity, and even heavier soils (provided drainage is adequate), Slender Black™ is a versatile solution for difficult conditions.
- Mildew resistance:Unlike many dark foliage crepe myrtles, it resists powdery mildew, ensuring a clean, polished appearance.
Why Choose Mildew-Resistant Crepe Myrtles?
Crepe myrtles have beautiful flowers and a durable nature, but powdery mildew can make them appear unsightly. The varieties showcased here—Canopy™, Grande Red™, Pinky Pink™, and Slender Black™ crepe myrtles—have been specifically bred to resist mildew, making them reliable and beautiful choices for gardens across Australia.
Whether you’re designing a formal landscape, softening hardscape edges, adding seasonal interest, or creating a standout feature, these four mildew-resistant crepe myrtles deliver on every front. With low maintenance needs, high performance in diverse climates, and show-stopping aesthetics, they ensure gardens remain vibrant and healthy without unsightly fungal pathogens. Add one (or all) of these stunning varieties to your landscape palette and never use fungicides again.