Hi there,
I am in Louisville- zone 6 we have crepe myrtles that do very well! One at my Mom's house has been there a LONG time- over 20 years at least- she added another a few years ago and I have a miniature called "Hopi"- we got these at Lowe's hardware- no special hardy variety that I know of...

also, they are very, very easy to start from seed....If she would like to try it, I will be glad to collect some of the 3 colors we have...

I think she would have excellent results with crepe myrtle- one of my favs, because they bloom later in the season when so many summer favs have faded, and the blooms last a long time.

just let me know...
best wishes,
Linda in Louisville

If I remember correctly, the Indian named varieties are the hardier ones....I planted one in Meriden, CT and it croaked. I went to school in Williamsburg and worked for CW, so I can appreciate her liking the long and late bloom time.

They are starting to become very popular in Cincinnati. It seems many landscape centers are starting to carry them. Here in Cincinnati, with the exception of the hardy varieties like 'Hopi' and 'Zuni', crape myrtles will most likely suffer dieback for a few years until the roots are fully established. They are also in peak bloom right now, so there are easy to spot.

Good Seed in Adams Coubty near Peebles has several for $25.

Mike G

Here is a link that might be useful: Their web page