Crape Myrtle - Plant of the Week

During the long, hot months of summer, long after the cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and magnolia trees have lost their bloom, one tree provides abundant color to our landscapes from late spring until early autumn; the Crape Myrtle.  The length of their bloom are not the only reason Crape Myrtles are such a staple in landscapes in the DC Metro area. These hardy, drought tolerant trees come in such a variety of sizes and colors that they compliment any landscape. When selecting a crape myrtle, think about the flower color and ultimate size first. With so many cultivars to select from, it isn’t difficult to find the flower color you want in the size and shape that will fit your planting site. Consider the impact of the autumn leaf color and the color of the beautiful exfoliating bark that is so prominent in the winter landscape.