Crepe Myrtle vs Kale

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Lythraceae · trees

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Crepe Myrtle (Zones 7-10)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Crepe Myrtle	Kale
Scientific Name	Lagerstroemia indica	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Lythraceae	Brassicaceae
Category	trees	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	25'	2'
Spread	15'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, White, Purple	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Crepe Myrtle

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Crepe MyrtleProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Crepe Myrtle and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Crepe Myrtle grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

Do Crepe Myrtle and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Crepe Myrtle needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Crepe Myrtle or Kale?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Kale at 2'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Crepe Myrtle and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Crepe Myrtle and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Crepe Myrtle or Kale?

Both Crepe Myrtle and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Crepe Myrtle	Kale
Scientific Name	Lagerstroemia indica	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Lythraceae	Brassicaceae
Category	trees	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	25'	2'
Spread	15'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, White, Purple	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Crepe Myrtle and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Crepe Myrtle grows in USDA zones 7-10, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 10.

Do Crepe Myrtle and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Crepe Myrtle needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Crepe Myrtle or Kale?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Kale at 2'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Crepe Myrtle and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Crepe Myrtle and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Crepe Myrtle or Kale?

Both Crepe Myrtle and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.