Notice the article's correct spelling of CrApe myrtle. :-)

Crepe myrtle is as good a spelling as any.

_Crape_ and _crepe_ are like the two common pronunciations of the word _pecan_--six to one, half dozen to the other. Where one needs to be careful of one's spelling is with the Latin form--_Lagerostroemia indica_. (Sp.?) Of course, my alma mater, SC's Moo U, is going to use the more common form, _crape_, on its Website.

As an old friend used to say, "whatever floats yer boat"!

The original spelling was with an "e", as the wrinkled texture of the flowers is reminiscent of crepe-de-chine, a wrinkly-textured silk fabric.

_Crepe_ is certainly a common, old familiar spelling in this part of the South. We frequently pronounce the word as if it's spelled _quirt_--"quirtmyrddle"--slurred together and musicalized.