Crape Myrtles for South-Facing Walls in South-Central Kansas

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) love heat and sun—making them ideal for reflected southern exposures in Kansas.

Why They'll Thrive

• Heat tolerant (unlike weigelas that scorched).
• Bloom on new wood—no bud loss from winter dieback.
• South-central Kansas (zone 6b/7a) is warmer than KC area where they succeed.

Establishment Protocol

1. Water deeply weekly (1" per week) in summer.
2. Mulch 3" with straw, bark, or leaf mold.
3. Fertilize: Composted manure spring & midsummer, or flowering shrub spikes.
4. Soil pH: Kansas alkalinity tolerated; organic matter buffers.

Cultivar Suggestions

'Hopi' (pink, 10'), 'Plum Magic' (purple, 6–8')—both powdery mildew resistant.

With irrigation and mulch, crape myrtles will outperform weigelas in that brutal spot.