Dwarf Crape Myrtles for Planting Under Power Lines

Standard crape myrtles grow 20–30 feet tall, leading to the butchery known as "crape murder" when they're topped under utility lines. The solution is to plant naturally compact cultivars that stay under 7 feet at maturity—no annual hacking required.

Top Picks for Low-Growing Color

• 'Acoma' – pure white flowers, weeping habit, 6–7 ft.
• 'Hopi' – soft pink blooms, dense mound, 5–6 ft.
• 'Tonto' – vivid red flowers, upright to 6–7 ft.

All three are powdery mildew resistant and provide the same long summer bloom, exfoliating bark, and fall color as their larger cousins. For a complete list of cultivars with heights and flower colors, consult the Crape Myrtle Cultivar Guide from the National Arboretum or your state Extension service.