Crepe Myrtles Becoming A Favorite Of Mine

Crepe myrtle trees are everywhere in the south and I love them! 

I just returned from a short trip to Dallas to see my 3-week old great nephew (he’s so cute!) and once again confirmed that my system just isn’t well-suited for humid, hot temperatures!  But evidently it’s the perfect environment for crepe myrtles.

Aren’t these gorgeous?  Crepe myrtles are available in dark red, coral pink, light pink, white, lavender and many other shades and colors that just pop against the green leaves.  And they bloom so profusely.

Crepe myrtles are a standard landscaping plant in the south for residential lawns, commercial property, the median areas between four lane highways, and common areas leading into subdivisions – they’re everywhere!  (I took this picture of a parkway lined with crepe myrtles leading into my niece’s neighborhood.)

Most varieties just don’t like extended periods of very cold temperatures in the winter.  Crepe myrtles thrive in lots of sun, good draining soil, and extended summer heat found in Zones 7, 8, and 9.  There are a few varieties that will make it in my Zone 5 but they sure don’t get as big as these trees in Dallas.  (Of course, you know what they say about the size of everything in Texas…)

Evidently, there is a bit of controversy about the correct spelling of crepe myrtles.  Is it “crepe” or “crape”?  I’m going with “crepe” because each one of the little flowers remind me of crinkled up, folded crepe paper.  Works for me!  What do you think?