Crape myrtles are hands down the mainstays of the Southern summer landscape. Though the Colonial-era trees and shrubs are sometimes referred to as the “lilac of the South” most folks believe they flat out out-bloom their Northern counterparts, even without the cloying fragrance of true lilacs.

Whether you spell it crape or crepe (keep in mind that the Crape Myrtle Society of America uses the “a” which is what I prefer as well), or play it safe with the universal Latin name Lagerstroemia, the versatile shrubs and trees are sturdy backbone plants that provide both lush summer flowers and striking winter texture; many have intense orange, yellow, or red fall colors as well.
Four-Season Beauties

The plants come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, from statuesque trees 30 or more feet tall, to low-growing mass-groundcovers that stay under three or four feet. Different varieties can be naturally rounded or upright and vase-shaped, and are easily pruned to accentuate either.

Some self-appointed horticultural tastemakers are critical of those who prune crape myrtles, calling it unnatural and distasteful (they call it “crape murder”), though if done properly this stylistic choice actually does not harm the trees.

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