Crape Myrtle Tree Colouring

Crape myrtles are flowering trees and shrubs from warm parts of Asia, especially China, Korea, and nearby regions. Gardeners now grow them in many sunny places around the world. Depending on the variety, a crape myrtle may remain a compact shrub or become a small tree about 3 to 9 metres tall. A well-cared-for tree can live for many decades. Its smooth trunk often sheds thin pieces of older bark, revealing attractive patches underneath. The leaves are simple and oval, and the flowers grow in large clusters. Each petal has a wrinkled edge that looks a little like crape paper, which explains the common name. Summer is the star season for this tree. Long days and warmth bring clouds of blossoms that may be pink, purple, red, or white. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, while small birds can rest safely among the branches. The monarch butterfly and robin on this page help show how one garden tree can offer food, shelter, and a lookout place. In autumn the leaves of some crape myrtles turn yellow, orange, or red before falling. The tree grows best with sun and space around its roots. Children should admire insects gently and leave pruning or climbing to an adult because branches and garden tools can be unsafe. The picture shows a crape myrtle in full summer bloom. Notice the many flower clusters, peeling patterns on the trunks, butterfly, and perched robin. Begin by choosing one main flower colour, then use a lighter and darker version across different clusters. Colour the leaves fresh green and make the new leaf tips slightly lighter. The bark can combine cream, tan, cinnamon, and pale grey in separate patches instead of one flat shade. A monarch butterfly is famous for orange wings with black lines and small white spots, while the robin may have a warm orange breast, brown back, and yellow beak. Use blue for the sky, several greens for the grass, and a quiet brown or white fence so the blossoms remain the focus. Broad circular strokes work well inside the flower clusters; shorter strokes suit leaves and bark patches. Leave a few tiny paper-white highlights in every cluster to make the summer tree feel bright.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Make it an activity

Choose a favourite colour palette
Add a simple background
Display the finished artwork

Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.