Interesting question, Tricia. I bought 2 at the end of last summer. Didn't get one into the ground, and I think it bit the dust. The other one is sending up about 8 stems from the bottom of the trunk - all the old branches were dry and brittle so I cut them off yesterday.
I only knew of one other Crape Myrtle in our area (before yesterday) and it usually blooms towards the end of summer.
BUT... yesterday I drove through a different part of town and saw a house with the entire property lined with these trees and every single one was in full bloom!!!
So, now I'm more confused than ever!