Here's a breakdown:
Crape Myrtle "Bush"
* Smaller in stature: Typically reaches heights of 4-8 feet, sometimes even lower depending on the cultivar.
* More compact and rounded: They have a bushier, more rounded growth habit, often with multiple stems branching out from the base.
* Easier to manage: Due to their smaller size, crape myrtle bushes are easier to prune and maintain.
* Suitable for smaller spaces: They are excellent choices for smaller gardens, containers, or even as a hedge.
Crape Myrtle "Tree"
* Larger in stature: They can grow to heights of 15-30 feet or even more, depending on the cultivar.
* Single trunk: They generally have a single main trunk that branches out higher, creating a more tree-like form.
* Larger impact: Their size and upright form create a greater visual impact in the landscape.
* Require more space: Crape myrtle trees need more space to grow and spread, making them suitable for larger gardens.
Pruning Practices
* Bush form: To maintain a bush form, you would prune the crape myrtle regularly, removing any branches that grow too tall or try to establish a dominant trunk. This will encourage a denser, more compact growth habit.
* Tree form: To encourage a tree-like form, you would prune the crape myrtle selectively, removing branches that compete with the dominant trunk and shaping the canopy. This will allow the tree to develop a strong central trunk and a more open structure.
Important Note: The term "crape myrtle bush" and "crape myrtle tree" are somewhat subjective. Ultimately, the distinction depends on the specific cultivar and the way it's pruned. You'll find some cultivars naturally grow as a shrub while others are inherently tree-like, regardless of pruning.
