Plant/Flower of the Week: Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia)

Crape Myrtle is a gorgeous flower tree that grows approximate between 10-25 feet, depending on the variety. It has very showy bunches of flowers that can grow from 1-4 inches across. The flower colors range from white to pink, lavender and purple. You will notice this particular specimen because it gets packed of colorful flowers in summertime and it is quite impossible to miss it.

In the fall, however, the tree goes through two different changes.  First, the leaves turn from green to orange, yellow and red before the tree loses all its leaves. Then, right after that, it peels the light brown or gray bark from the trunk, revealing a pinkish inner bark that will stay exposed for you to enjoy all winter long.  My photos reveal some of these changes. I have several Crape Myrtle trees in my property and definitely enjoy the show that Mother Nature offers for free.