Purple Crape Myrtle

The Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is the undisputed “Queen of the Summer Garden,” famous for providing explosive color when most other flowering trees have wilted in the heat. Native to Asia but deeply embraced by warmer climates worldwide, this deciduous beauty is best known for its massive, crinkled flower clusters that resemble delicate crepe paper. These blooms come in a vibrant spectrum of watermelon red, soft lavender, snowy white, and hot pink, lasting from mid-summer well into autumn. Even when the flowers fade, the Crape Myrtle remains a visual masterpiece thanks to its exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal a smooth, cinnamon-colored trunk that looks like a living sculpture in the winter landscape.

The benefits of the Crape Myrtle extend far beyond its striking appearance. It is a champion of heat and drought tolerance, thriving in the intense sun and humidity that many other ornamental trees simply can’t handle. Modern cultivars have been bred for incredible mildew resistance, making them a low-stress choice for gardeners who want maximum beauty with minimal chemical intervention. Because they come in sizes ranging from dwarf shrubs to 30-foot-tall trees, there is a variety for almost every space. Furthermore, their brilliant fall foliage—turning shades of fiery orange and burnished gold—ensures they provide multi-season interest long after the summer party ends.

In the landscape, the Crape Myrtle is the ultimate multi-tool. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit makes it a perfect specimen tree to anchor a front yard or frame a doorway. They are frequently used in allée plantings along driveways or property lines to create a dramatic, flowering tunnel effect. Smaller, shrub-like varieties are excellent for mass plantings or as vibrant accents in a mixed perennial border. Because they respond well to pruning, they can even be trained as “standard” single-trunk trees for tighter urban spots. Whether you’re looking to boost your curb appeal or create a heat-proof privacy screen, the Crape Myrtle is a reliable, show-stopping investment.