Gardening Ideas Our Favorite Crepe Myrtle Varieties By Steve Bender Steve Bender Steve Bender is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with 38 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living magazine. Known as The Grumpy Gardener, he shares his horticultural wisdom with with Southerners and garden enthusiasts across the country. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 30, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Ralph Anderson You'll find lots of crepe myrtles out there. These are some of our favorites. 01 of 05 Catawba Photo: Ralph Anderson Upright, small tree growing up to 15 feet tall and wide; deep purple blooms; orange-red fall foliage. 02 of 05 Osage Photo: Ralph Anderson Arching, open small tree growing up to 15 feet tall; light pink, long bloomer; beautiful chesnut brown bark; red fall color. 03 of 05 How To Prune Crepe Myrtles Learn how to properly prune your crepe myrtles with these tips straight from the Grumpy Gardener. 04 of 05 Natchez Photo: Ralph Anderson Vase-shaped tree growing up to 30 feet tall and wide; beautiful chesnut brown bark; longest bloomer; orange-red fall color. 05 of 05 Miami Photo: Ralph Anderson Upright, small tree growing up to 25 feet tall; beautiful chesnut brown bark; orange-to-russet red fall foliage. Find out everything you need to know about crepe myrtles with our ultimate Guide to Crepe Myrtles Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit