Crape Myrtle

This deciduous shrub is native to the tropical areas between Asia and Australia, and is known best for its blooms in mid-summer to early fall. The crape myrtle 'Apalachee', is a mildew-resistant hybrid created by the U.S. National Arboretum, in Washington, DC. It is mainly grown as trees in warmer areas but shrubs in colder areas due to increased death rates and below-ground resprouting, as it cannot tolerate the colder temperatures as well. It has dark green leaves that turn dark red and orange in the fall, gray bark that exfoliates with age, and long panicles of flowers. These trees are best suited for average, well-drained, loamy clay soils in full sun, and benefit from slow-release fertilization to prevent susceptibility to winter injury, along with the applications of a winter mulch.