Crape Myrtle

See why Southerners—and everyone else—loves crepe myrtle. Crepe myrtle is a deciduous flowering tree that is widely admired for its stunning blooms and attractive bark. Native to Asia, crepe mrtyle shrubs and trees have become popular in many regions, particularly in the Southern United States, where it thrives in warm climates. Crepe myrtle trees can range in size from small shrubs to medium-sized trees, depending on the cultivar. They are known for their colorful, crepe-paper-like flowers that appear in large clusters during the summer months, offering shades of white, pink, red, lavender, or purple. Crepe myrtle trees also feature exfoliating bark, perfect for adding winter interest. While crepe myrtles really thrive in Zones 7 through 10, where they won't experience a hard frost, some can handle zones as cold as 6.