The height range is from 10 to 30 feet, and width range is 15 to 25 feet. Old specimens can reach 40 feet at maturity. The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. Bloom time varies, depending on the cultivar.
Large clusters appear on the tips of new branches beginning in early summer and continue into fall.
After flowers fade and fall from the tree, fruit remains in the form of small brown capsules. These fruit remain throughout the winter. The attractive, exfoliating bark peels away to expose a trunk which ranges in color from many handsome shades of brown to gray. This bark is especially noticeable in the winter months when the tree is leafless. When leaves are present, lower branches can be removed to show off the handsome bark.