Sioux Crape Myrtle. In mid September, when a nursery group was in Athens, Dr. Michael Dirr took us to the peach farm to look at some of his plant trials. Of all of the Crapemyrtle varieties at that time of year, all of us picked 'Sioux' as our favorite selection. David Byers, one of the leading Crapemyrtle producers in the country says of this plant, "This great cultivar may make my all-time list." Its bright pink flower heads begin showing in late June to early July and last until late September. The new growth is a good burgundy and its fall color is an excellent maroon. Its mature height looks to be between 14 to 20 ft. Its habit is very upright to start with before it starts to canopy out. Fall color is not particularly outstanding. Bark is a smooth grayish-tan. Plant in full sun with good drainage. We have had no mildew or aphid problems with this selection. Zones 7-9
