Autauga Purple Crape Myrtle

Botanical Name:
Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Autauga’

Common Name:
Autauga Purple Crape Myrtle

Mature Height and Width:
20–30' tall × 15–20' wide

Growth Habit:
Large upright vase-shaped tree with strong vertical trunks and a broad rounded canopy. More tree-like and open than many indica selections.

Foliage Description:
Medium green foliage with good disease resistance inherited from fauriei parentage.

Flower Description:
Soft lavender-purple panicles with a slightly airy texture compared to saturated indica cultivars. Blooms appear lighter and more pastel than Muskogee or Twilight.

Bloom Time:
Mid to late summer

Fall Color:
Orange-red to burgundy (variable)

Bark Characteristics:
Excellent exfoliating bark revealing tan, cinnamon, and gray tones — strong winter interest.

Light Requirements:
Full sun

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 7–10 (performing best Zone 7+)

Notable Landscape Uses:
Street tree; large specimen; shade tree; commercial plantings; disease-resistant alternative to older indica types.

Deer Resistance:
Moderate to high once established