Crape myrtle shrub named `Whit III`

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, which is characterized by a dense shrub form that may reach eight to ten feet in height, leathery leaves which emerge ruby red and slowly change to purplish green, early and long flowering season that continues after seed head production, inflorescences which are six to twelve inches tall and four to eight inches wide, and flower petals that range from bright red-purple on hot summer days to less intense color on cooler or cloudy days.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Lagerstroemia indica, crape myrtle plant substantially as shown and described and partially characterized by a dense shrub form that may reach eight to ten feet in height, ruby red new leathery foliage that slowly changes to purplish-green then with age to dark green, ruby red flower buds, red-purple flowers, many seeds, yet an exceptionally long bloom period.