Although crape myrtle may remind you of the South, it’s also a perfect choice for your Long Island garden. In fact, many hardy varieties will thrive here. Simply plant in full sun, and over time, enjoy the changing beauty of its bark, foliage, and flowers.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Black Diamond® Red Hot™
Introducing a new crape myrtle, Red Hot, featuring stunning black foliage and vibrant red blooms. Additionally, it blooms from early summer through fall. Whether used as a hedge or specimen, it makes a bold statement. Plus, it matures to 10 feet tall by 8 feet wide, fitting many garden spaces.
Moonlight Magic™
This exceptional crape myrtle has dark maroon foliage, resistant to leaf spot and mildew. Moreover, its upright growth resembles a small ornamental tree. In late July and August, it blooms with white flowers. Over time, it matures to 8-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, offering beauty and structure.
Purple Magic™
This shrub-form crape myrtle bursts with deep purple flowers in early summer. In addition, new growth emerges with a reddish tint, maturing to lush green. It grows to 6-10 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal choice for borders or as a focal point.
Tuscarora
This crape myrtle delights with coral-pink flowers in mid-summer. As the season changes, its leaves turn to vibrant shades of orange and bronze. Furthermore, its peeling bark adds winter interest. It grows quickly, maturing to 15 feet tall and wide.
Natchez
This versatile crape myrtle features smooth, cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark that adds texture year-round. During summer, it blooms with white flowers, and in fall, its leaves turn orange-red. Eventually, it matures to 20 feet tall and wide, perfect for a bold display.
Muskogee 
Muskogee offers soft lavender-pink flowers against glossy green foliage. In the fall, its leaves turn red, creating vibrant seasonal color. Additionally, its cinnamon-colored bark peels to reveal shiny gray bark. It matures to 15-20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, a graceful addition to any landscape.
Tonto
This compact crape myrtle shines with red to purple blooms in mid-summer. As fall approaches, the foliage turns orange-red, offering cool-season interest. In addition, its smooth bark reveals colorful layers year-round. It grows fast, maturing to 8 feet tall and wide, ideal for small spaces.
Dynamite®
Dynamite crape myrtle features striking fire-red flowers throughout summer. Moreover, its peeling bark provides visual interest all year. As fall sets in, vibrant orange-red foliage completes the seasonal color show. It matures to 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, making it perfect for group plantings.
Cherry Dazzle®
This compact crape myrtle begins with bronze leaves that mature to dark green. In summer, masses of brilliant red flowers bloom. As fall arrives, the foliage turns red-purple, adding striking color. It matures to 3-5 feet tall and wide, ideal for smaller garden spaces.