Yup, if you do a search of this forum there are several threads on crape myrtle. Here's one and here's the list when I did a search for just crape. There might be some under crepe since it's sometimes spelled that way.

I'm a BIG fan, but Cape Cod is zone 7, so we have a few more choices - especially if a little risk isn't a problem.

I do have a new CM story, though ... We had a septic contractor come to the house this spring, to start the process of replacing an old, failed system. We went into the back yard, which is quite small. I said: Everything is on the table - the garage can be knocked down, the in-ground pool can go - I just really want the new system, as soon as possible. The contractor walked around for a few minutes, and then pointed towards my favorite crape - it's about 20 feet tall, and a brilliant salmon pink in bloom. He said: How about over here? I replied: Let's go look in the front yard. And that's what we're doing ... the tree cost about $25, about 15 years ago, and putting the new system in the front yard is probably going to double the cost, vs putting it in the back. Regrets? Nope!

I like your priorities, DtD - "the garage can be knocked down, the in-ground pool can go", but the crape myrtle is off the table.

Makes sense to me.

Claire

LOL! Great story - and while the rest of the world may think you are crazy, here, we completely understand - and see the logic in your decision! I mean, really, what choice did you have? ;)

Gorgeous, Bill!

Thanks Babs. It started blooming again this week. I like that it's in bloom when most other perennials are finished. I have the Crepe myrtle, Knockout roses, Clerodendron, Hydrangea, daylilies, lavender, ice plants, phlox and red yucca blooming now.

Here are some pics from Zone 7/6b.

what a difference a zone ,or even a half a zone makes. Great pics

"what a difference a zone ,or even a half a zone makes. Great pics"

That's true. There really is something to those long-time established gardening zones. Also, some plants are just really good indicators for a zone (e.g,, Crapes and Southern Magnolias serve as pretty firm indicator plants for for Zone 6b/7 climate. And if the woody tissue above ground does not die off, each year the plant wants to be more of a tree. But remember, the cold zonal system is supplemented with a system of zones based on HEAT (and both Crapes and M. grandiflora are both summer heat lovers as well). The Crape in the first picture is actually supposed to be a 'dwarf' (Dwarf Hopi) but I think it's dreaming of being a tree). P.S., I was bad today, went shopping and ended up with two more crape myrtles..., both purple-leaved varieties (Black Diamond and Plum Passion..., gotta love the names!)

Oh, almost forgot. If you wanna grow Crapes in cooler zones, make sure your is one of the "fauriei" hybrids! Will make a big difference.