Crepe myrtle is the common name for the genus Lagerstroemia. It has around 50 species of shrubs, evergreen, and deciduous trees. They are found across the world in a variety of countries and locations. We are lucky to have them in the United States. In the spring and summer, they add lovely flowers and variety to landscapes across Northern Virginia.

Flowers

Lagerstroemia flowers come in a variety of colors. Red, purple, pinks, and white are common in many areas.  The trees produce clusters of small flowers. The petals look like crepe paper. The flowers are showy and last for several weeks. Natural growth patterns produce the most flowers.

Scientific info

Scientific name: Lagerstroemia

Order: Myrtatles

Rank: Genus

Kingdom: Plantae

Higher classification: Lythraceae

Bark & Leaves

Crepe myrtles have attractive stems and bark. Numerous stems originate from a central location. The branches are curved, which creates some character. The bark on crepe myrtles is a smooth grey or light brown and peels off in various sized sheets. Once it peels away, it leaves a smooth, pinkish-brown inner bark. The leaves are leathery and deep green. They produce dense foliage.