Basham's Party Pink Crape Myrtle

Basham’s Party Pink Crape Myrtle is a beloved ornamental tree known for its profuse, soft pink blooms that appear in large clusters all throughout the summer. With a broad canopy and graceful, arching branches, this variety is often used as a focal point or for shade in spacious landscapes. This tree grows 20 feet in height and 15 feet in height. Its foliage is green and turns golden in fall, adding seasonal interest.

• Deciduous flowering tree
• Fast growth rate with a wide, spreading form
• Soft pink flower clusters from summer through fall
• Light green foliage with golden fall color
• Attracts pollinators

Basham’s Party Pink Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's ideal for parks, large yards, or lining wide driveways. It handles Texas heat with ease and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. For best appearance, trim only to remove damaged or crossed limbs and enjoy the vibrant show all season long.

Basham’s Party Pink Crape Myrtle is known for its strong structure and dependable performance in hot climates. Once established, it is notably low-maintenance and thrives with minimal seasonal intervention. Here’s all it needs to thrive:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong, drought-resilient root system. Once established, it tolerates heat and dry conditions very well, though deep irrigation during prolonged drought supports sustained bloom production and overall canopy density.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter while dormant to remove weak, crossing, or inward-growing branches and to refine its natural shape. Avoid heavy topping, as preserving its natural framework encourages stronger flowering and maintains structural integrity.
• Fertilizing: Fertilizer is rarely necessary in average soils. If growth appears sluggish, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support steady development without stimulating excessive, soft vegetative growth.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to stabilize soil temperature and reduce moisture fluctuation. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent bark moisture issues and discourage pest activity.
• Winter Care: Established trees are cold-hardy within their recommended range and typically require no special protection. Young plants may benefit from light root-zone insulation during their first winters in colder regions.

Basham’s Party Pink Crape Myrtle is widely recognized for strong disease resistance, though environmental stress or minor pests may occasionally appear.

• Aphids: Sticky residue on leaves or surfaces below the tree may indicate feeding activity. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually controls light infestations effectively.
• Sooty Mold: Black film may develop on leaves as a result of aphid honeydew accumulation. Managing the aphid population eliminates the source and allows foliage to clean naturally over time.
• Cercospora Leaf Spot: Small dark spots may form on older leaves during extended humid conditions, sometimes leading to premature leaf drop. Removing fallen foliage and maintaining good air circulation reduces recurrence.
• Bark Sunscald: Young trunks may develop minor cracking from rapid temperature fluctuations. Protective wrapping during early winters helps reduce stress until bark thickens.