Crepe-myrtle

Crepe-myrtle is a deciduous flowering tree or large shrub native to Southeast Asia particularly China Korea and Japan it is widely cultivated in warm climates around the world for its long-lasting and vibrant summer blooms which appear in shades of pink purple red and white the name crepe-myrtle comes from the delicate crinkled texture of its petals which resemble crepe paper and the tree is also admired for its attractive mottled bark that peels away to reveal a smooth multicolored surface beneath the foliage consists of simple oval leaves that are dark green during the growing season.

And may turn shades of yellow orange or red in the fall depending on the variety crepe-myrtle typically blooms in mid to late summer and the flowering period can last for several weeks the flowers grow in large showy panicles that cover the canopy with a spectacular display often attracting bees butterflies and other pollinators after blooming the plant produces small round seed capsules.

That persist into winter adding visual interest even after the leaves have fallen crepe-myrtle thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and it is highly tolerant of heat humidity and drought once established it is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care apart from occasional pruning to remove dead wood or shape the canopy regular pruning also encourages new growth and more abundant flowering in the following season due to its versatility and beauty crepe-myrtle.