The bloom brilliance of a crepe myrtle
Few trees earn their place in the garden quite like crepe myrtle. In summer, it’s crowned with generous clusters of crinkled blooms in shades of pink, white, red and mauve, held above smooth, sculptural branches. As the flowers fade, the handsome mottled bark, peeling to reveal soft cinnamon and grey tones that become a feature in its own right.
A tree for every season
Its deciduous nature is part of its charm. The foliage often turns glowing shades of amber, orange and crimson in autumn before falling, allowing the warming winter sun to filter through bare branches. In summer, the leafy canopy provides welcome shade for courtyards and outdoor living areas.
Easy care, lasting impact
Crepe myrtle responds beautifully to pruning (which is one of our autumn garden tasks), so you can trim it back firmly each year to maintain its size if you like, it will bounce back with a fresh, flower-laden canopy. Newer varieties like ‘Plum Magic’ offer rich plum-toned foliage for added drama. These varieties are in garden centres now, so take a look and find your favourite.
