Centennial spirit crape myrtle

The centennial spirit crape myrtle is an upright growing small tree developed by the Oklahoma State University in 1985. It is known for its elegant red wine flowers during the summer. Its leaves are a dark, glossy green about 2 to 3 in. long that turn a warm orange and red in the fall. Every summer the the centennial spirit exfoliates its graying bark to reveal a cream colored bark. They are somewhat resistant to powdery mildew and of course, heat and drought tolerant.