Everybody loves crepes. Wait. Not those crepes, but rather Crape Myrtles. One of the most recognizable and beautiful signs of summer in Dallas, is the dispersion of color across the city in the form of Crape myrtle trees. Often used and taken for granted, the Crape Myrtle is one of the best ornamental trees you can find. An absolute perfect scale and form for residential gardens, Crape Myrles, (Lagerstroemia indicia), are a deciduous tree with a cane like branching and a multi-trunk base. Mature sizes can range anywhere from a low, shrub form of 2-3' high up to a mature tree size of well over 30' in height.
Crape Myrtle blooms have a delicate, lacy texture and can be found in dozens of different colors including but not limited to white, pink, coral, lavender, purple and red. Here are a few of our favorites. See if you can take notice of the wide range of colors around town.
Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite'
Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite' - A vibrant and deep red color blooms.
Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee'
Crape myrtle 'Muskogee' is a wonderfully subtle and elegant lavender color.
A closer view of the blooms of the 'Muskogee' Crape Myrtle.
Crape Myrtle 'Centennial Spirit'
'Crape Myrtle 'Centennial Spirit' has a pinkish-red color bloom.
Crape Myrtle 'Dallas Red'
Probably the most used around town is the Crape myrtle variety 'Dallas Red'
Crape Myrtle 'Potomac'
Crape Myrtle 'Potomac' has a soft, light pink color.
Crape Myrtle 'Pink Velour'
'Pink Velour' Crape Myrtle has a hot pink bloom color.
Crape Myrtle 'Natchez'
Another popular variety is the 'Natchez' Crape Myrtle with its elongated branching and white blooms.
A grouping of 'Natchez' Crape Myrtles along the lakes at Vitruvian Park in Addison.
A 'Natchez' Crape Myrtle in a single trunk or standard form.
These are just a few of the many different varieties to choose from. Check out these great links from Aggie Horticulture and the US National Arboretum for more information on the different cultivars and details or visit the Dallas Arboretum to see one of the most notable examples of mature Crape Myrtles.
The Crape Myrtle Allee at the Dallas Arboretum - via Gayle Nicholson
