Description
Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia indica
Description:
-
Appearance: Crepe Myrtles are deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or small trees known for their vibrant and profuse summer blooms. They typically grow to a height of 3 to 20 feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
-
Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptical, with a glossy green appearance during the growing season.
-
Flowers: Crepe Myrtle flowers are the standout feature of the plant. They produce large, showy clusters of crinkled, crepe-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of white, pink, purple, and red. These blossoms typically appear in summer and can continue into early fall.
-
Bark: The bark of Crepe Myrtle trees is smooth and exfoliating, often revealing attractive mottled patches of gray, brown, or reddish-brown as it peels away.
-
Fruit: After the flowers fade, Crepe Myrtle plants may produce small, round seed capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds.
-
Growth Habit: Crepe Myrtles are known for their multi-stemmed growth habit, and they often have a graceful, arching form. They can be pruned to maintain a desired shape.
-
Hardiness: These plants are commonly found in warm to temperate regions and are well-suited to zones 7-10 in the United States. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Crepe Myrtles are cherished for their lovely blossoms, which attract butterflies and other pollinators. They are often used as ornamental shrubs or small trees in gardens, landscaping, and along streetscapes due to their exceptional summer display and striking bark patterns in the winter. There are many different cultivars available, offering a variety of sizes and flower colors to suit different preferences and growing conditions.