Crepe myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. With less sunlight, blooms will not be as prolific and their colors may be diminished. These plants are not demanding about the pH of their soil, though neutral or slightly acidic soils are best. Grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. Red-tinged immature leaves turn dark green, then orange-red in fall. The mottled and light brown bark is spectacular.