With such a wide array of sizes available, crape myrtle can be used as either a bush or a tree. “Varieties that can reach at least 15 to 20 feet are the best to tree form,” Tracy advises.

I work with crape myrtles several days per week, and I’ve also noticed that growers tend to like types that grow faster even if they have a few blemishes. Natchez has frozen to the ground in the ...

Medium-sized crape myrtles grow to 10 to 20 feet and are extremely useful in today's smaller urban landscapes, whether for as an accent for an entryway or as the focal point near a backyard patio.

Take a look at eucalyptus, crape myrtle, our native Sonoran palo brea and Arizona sycamore. They all have beautiful bark colors and textures that give them unique, year-round interest and appeal.