We Southerners share certain memories--the smell of a freshly mowed lawn, the high-pitched cry of cicadas on sweltering days, the juicy taste of sweet watermelon, and the vision of huge crepe myrtles bent low by the weight of their blooms.
Although native to China, crepe myrtles have set deep roots in our Southern soil, becoming a part of both our landscape and our traditions. During warmer months, they dress up historic cities such as New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston, South Carolina. They also grace many of our own private gardens, a sign of their enduring popularity.
And why not? These easy-to-grow trees possess many outstanding features. Sinewy and strong, crepe myrtles have gray, tan, or cinnamon-hued branches that bear glorious clouds of colorful, long-lasting blooms starting in June. In the fall, they dependably produce radiant foliage in reds, oranges, and yellows. Winter reveals their exfoliating bark, which makes their naturally sculpted trunks look like living works of art.
Crepe myrtles boast year-round appeal, but in the heat of summer they show their true colors, from
red and pink to lavender, purple, and white. Widely available, they can be found at most any nursery or garden center, and the summer is a great time to purchase them because you can see exactly what color you're getting. Just remember, if you plant them now, give them lots of water to help them adjust to the garden and promote new root growth.
