Crape myrtle is not hardy as a woody plant in central Kentucky. It will die back to the ground during most winters; it may occasionally retain some above-ground stems, but these are not likely to persist more than a few years depending on winter severity. You can grow crape myrtle, but it should be grown as a herbaceous perennial with the expectation that it will die to the ground each winter and regrow, and usually flower, the following spring and summer. In this regard, it does not matter what variety you select to grow. Those that are more compact will remain smaller in the landscape and might be good to use in flower beds. Those that are more vigorous will grow as small shrubs, reaching a height of perhaps 4-5 feet. But all will die back to the ground each year.

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