We are about halfway through our crepe myrtle blooming period.
We planted these three bushes over 10 years ago. My mom’s neighbors gave us some off shoots from their bush and they have thrived here on the east side of our home.
Crepe ( or crape) myrtle trees and bushes originate from China over 1000 years ago and have been cultivated here in the states for over a century. You can see that the flowers resemble crepe paper.
They are extremely popular in the southern United States. However crepe myrtle are becoming increasingly popular here in the Midwest. Crepe myrtle have a very long bloom time, often called “the tree of one hundred days”.
The same couple that gave us these bushes also have bee hives. They are only about a mile from me, as the crow flies. I have had the pleasure of enjoying the honey from their hives. One week ago, these bushes were buzzing with bees. I bet my bushes are helping to support these and other local hives!
❤️😊🐝🌸🍯