Crepe myrtle, also known as lagerstroemia, is abundant in North Carolina this time of year. The plant can be bush- or tree-like, depending on the owner's pruning. The flowers are crinkled, or crepe paper-like, hence the name crepe myrtle. In photos, they are beautiful; on the tree, they are even prettier. However, when they fall off in your yard, they can be as annoying as confetti on a wet day! Here we see our car just covered with the droppings after a rain.
Crepe myrtle has been cultivated in the US for over 200 years when the plant was first planted in Charleston, South Carolina. There are a number of cultivars and most do well, even in the heat of summer. In North Carolina people are inclined to prune crepe myrtles aggressively, sometimes leaving stubby trunks that are several inches thick. Although not recommended, plants usually rebound. Seeing that reflection on the car trunk qualifies us to participate in Weekend Reflection where it is all about the-- reflection.
Beautiful!
And I am afraid the car body is all sticky and dirt.
Posted by: Irina | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 05:54 AM
That colour is full of life and joy. Good focus.
Regards
Valery
[Barcelona Daily Photo]
Posted by: Valery | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 09:43 AM
We have lots of Crepe Myrtle here in So Cal too! They are vibrantly colorful and I am always ever-so glad the ones on our street are in the neighbors yards!
Posted by: Janis | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I agree that many tend to over-prune these beautiful trees. Apparently, this causes more flowers. When my husband over-trims ours, I get a little crazy.
Terrific shot, btw.
barb
pcadp
Posted by: barbara farr | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Great macro shot, even if the reflection is a little too blury to my taste... Thanks for this inspiring sharing...
Posted by: 'Tsuki | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 08:52 PM
It is such a pretty coloured flower!
Posted by: EG Wow | Saturday, August 07, 2010 at 09:01 PM