Beloved in the South, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a wonderful perennial deciduous shrub or small tree that provides landscape interest year around, requires minimal attention, and doesn't usually suffer from insects or disease. The long-blooming beautiful flowers appear in midsummer and last throughout the fall giving way to a colorful autumn show. As the leaves drop, depending on the variety, the plant displays its interesting exfoliating bark.
The crape myrtle has been planted in Dixie around homes and along roadways for decades. However, as new varieties have been developed, its range has grown as gardeners have incorporated it into landscapes in more northern climates.
Like many of our best loved plants, the crape myrtle is also a native of Asia. Small plants and cuttings found their way to England and then to the United States during the latter 18th and early 19th centuries.