The Color of a Purple Sunset The awesome purple color that is splashed across the sky as the sun sets was the inspiration for naming the Twilight Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Twilight'). This tree's flowers are truly stunning! They are born in abundance '– crinkly clusters of rich purple that contrast beautifully against blue summer skies. Even after the blossoms fade and the leaves fall in autumn, the bare trunks of mature Twilight Crape Myrtle trees bring architectural beauty to the landscape with their mottled bark. 3 Outstanding Features Twilight Crape Myrtle is an outstanding performer in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, where it requires very little care to command attention in the landscape. 1. Low-maintenance. You won't have to fuss over this tree. Contrary to the widespread notion that you have to prune crape myrtles to keep them healthy and flowering each year, it's actually best to let them grow into their natural shape. Plant Twilight Crape Myrtle where it can grow to its potential 25-foot height and 15-foot spread without the need for pruning. 2. Drought-tolerant. Young, newly transplanted Twilight Crape Myrtle trees will need plenty of water to nourish their root systems and help them become established. But after the tree puts on a growth spurt and the roots take hold, you'll be pleasantly surprised at their tolerance to drought conditions. 3. Long-lived, prolific blooms. Unlike other flowering trees that produce a flurry of blooms that last only a short time, Twilight Crape Myrtle has one of the longest-lasting bloom periods of any flowering tree. From summer 'til fall, the flowers keep coming '– typically over a two-month period! A Landscape Designer's Dream When professional landscape designers choose plants, they look for specimens that are low-maintenance, which also provide multi-season interest. Twilight Crape Myrtle passes with flying colors! As a landscape staple in southern climates, this tree is a dazzling focal point in any sunny landscape. It's particularly showy when planted in triangular groups of threes. In a cottage garden, Twilight Crape Myrtle not only adds vertical interest, but it also provides striking purple color that blends with a surrounding flower palette of soft colors, such as purple, pink, and blue. Perhaps the most stunning presentation is planting a row of Twilight Crape Myrtles as a living fence on both sides of a front yard '– the curb appeal is incomparable!
