Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia

Lythraceae

Crape myrtles are a tradition in the South that goes back generations. It's a graceful and colorful addition to any garden. And, for those fortunate ones who live in mansions with long, sweeping driveways flanked by crape myrtles, WOW! Crape myrtles get to be the size of small trees, topping out about 20 ft. without pruning. The plants have silvery-brown multiple trunks, sometimes with peeling bark, and small green leaves. The leaves have a slight reddish tint when they first appear. The flower clusters are profuse and long-lasting. All in all, this is one heck of a tree/shrub.

My cherry crape myrtles are planted three trees in a circle in the south garden area where I can see them frequently and enjoy them often. Last year I had them in three corners of the garden, however, this winter I rearranged the garden and planted them in the center, hoping they'll grow together into a single large tree over the years.

I've not read anything that says myrtles don't like to be moved and these three are doing well. They will be blooming soon. The miniature crape myrtles, which I planted from seed, look like small shrubs and are already blooming. I have those in white, lavendar, pink and red, and they are scattered throughout the east garden.

Miniature myrtles grow to about a foot in height and branch out sideways for about the same distance. Once they begin blooming, they will continue throughout the summer. They add bright spots in the garden. The lavendar and white are planted side by side. I didn't see blooms yet on the pink myrtle, but it's full of buds so it won't be long. I also have a red plant off to one side.