crepe myrtle flower

[9], Lagerstroemia is a common planting in South Atlantic States and is becoming an increasingly common shrub in Mid-Atlantic states all the way up through the coastal areas of Massachusetts. It grows up to 5 M. Lagerstroemia Indica is different from Lagerstroemia Speciosa. It is popularly called “crepe myrtle” in English-speaking countries, whence the confusion. When you plant your crepe myrtle, plant it in a hole that's 3 times as wide as the sapling's root ball. Lovely as it is, the crepe myrtle is no relation to the the myrtle described in your interesting text. Lagerstroemia indica, the crape myrtle (also crepe myrtle, crêpe myrtle, or crepeflower),[1]) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. Long, cool autumns yield the best leaf display; sudden frosts following warm, humid fall weather often freeze leaves while theyre still green, ruining the show. In the United Kingdom, Lagerstroemia indica has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[2][3]. [16], "Crape Myrtle - A Great Late Season Shrub", "Crape Myrtle Questions & Answers - US National Arboretum - USDA", "How to avoid hacking at your crape myrtle this spring", https://www.saiglobal.com/PDFTemp/Previews/OSH/AS/AS4000/4300/4373-2007.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lagerstroemia_indica&oldid=991700743, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Flora, The Gardeners Bible, ABC Publishing, Ultimo, NSW, Australia, 2005, This page was last edited on 1 December 2020, at 11:12. The crepe myrtles are among the most satisfactory of plants for the South: showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and (in many cases) brilliant fall color make them year-round garden performers. Crepe Myrtle is a shrub. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. The plant is not picky about soil type but does require good drainage to thrive. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent (hence the species epithet indica), and also to Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan. These photos are of the wrong plant. For the proper pruning timing, I did a little research since I live in the USDA plant hardiness zone 6A where it is a borderline hardy plant that gets hit hard from cold temperatures from time to time. The individual crape flowers are 1 or 2 inches across, with many petals, but they are clustered together into large heads up to 14 inches long, which form at the ends of the branches. As well as being long flowering, crepe myrtles offer a large range of flower colours. Crape Myrtles are adaptable to … It is an often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with a wide spreading, flat topped, rounded, or even spike shaped open habit. These photos are of the wrong plant. But a lot of folks buy and plant their crepe myrtle in summer because they select it while it is blooming. Lagerstroemia indica, the crape myrtle (also crepe myrtle, crêpe myrtle, or crepeflower), ) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. Try this lovely crape myrtle in a container. [11], In the Southern U.S. mildew and fungal diseases have traditionally posed problems for L. indica. Crape Myrtles are adaptable to any well-draining soils. 'Natchez' - will eventually reach about eight metres and it's got a clear, white flower as well as quite spectacular markings on the trunk. The underappreciated, ubiquitous, and indestructible tree of the south is not commonly considered cut flower material, the flowers only last a day or two, but the centerpiece above is beautiful nonetheless. thich, smooth, pinkish-gray and mottled, shedding each year. If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may turn yellow. If you have a crepe myrtle not blooming, it may be planted in a bad place that lacks sunshine. They emerge amidst the spring foliage of bold, red tinted new leaves, creating a brilliant display. Plant about 6 feet apart to provide some subtle privacy in spring, summer and fall. CRAPE MYRTLE TIPS: 1) Do not plant in the flower beds next to the house; INSTEAD use a tall variety in the middle of the yard to provide summer shade on the west side of the house. Wait until the flowers have finished and then cut it back at least 30 centimetres. Flowers, on different trees, are white, pink, mauve, purple or carmine with crimped petals, in panicles up to 9 centimetres (3 1⁄2 in). Just move your tree inside for winter. The crepe myrtle tree is also commonly known as ‘crape myrtle,’ ‘crepe flower,’ and ‘Indian crape myrtle.’ Botanically speaking, its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indica. [8] There are also dwarf cultivars of indica × fauriei cross-breeds and regular L. indica species, which grow 2–5 ft (0.61–1.52 m). The bark is thin and about 2mm. Once established it is also quite drought hardy, though it benefits from the occasional deep watering during the summer months. Crepe myrtles do something that few other blossoming trees do – they bloom in high summer.Native to southern and eastern Asia, they grow well in most parts of Australia, producing fabulous crepe-like flower heads in shades of pink, red, mauve, purple and white, through January and February. This is a deciduous plant that can be either a tree or a large shrub. They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single or multi-trunk specimens. [13], During the winter, gardeners will often lop off the branches of large specimens, to manage size and encourage more profuse summer bloom. The tree is a popular nesting shrub for songbirds and wrens. Indian Summer Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei) The Indian Summer range has been specially bred to resist powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can be seen on some older crepe myrtle varieties. Like the southern magnolia, the crape myrtle has come to symbolize the American South because of its extensive planting and ability to thrive in hot, humid summer climates with regular precipitation. To grow crepe myrtle, start by planting a crepe myrtle sapling in a sunny outdoor spot in late fall, winter, or early spring. A favourite and spectacular tree is the Lagerstroemia indica, or crepe myrtle. Planting, pruning and caring for it contributes to the beautiful blooming of crepe myrtle. Next, spread a layer of hardwood … That’s where we come in. It is popularly called “crepe myrtle” in English-speaking countries, whence the confusion. Luckily for me, my crepe myrtle flowers are self arranging. [14] Tree topping of crape myrtles is a common occurrence but is not recommended nor endorsed by many professional standards or arboricultural organizations. Crepe myrtle is an amazing ornamental summer-blooming shrub.. Key Crepe myrtle facts. Colours glow as Japanese maples turn fiery red, crimson and gold. Remember that crepe myrtles can be grown as a standard, a miniature, a low-growing spreading plant, a small shrub, a small tree and even a large tree. This species is more tree-like than the Common Crape Myrtle, but the flowers are white, with just a few plants showing a slight pink flush in the flower. Blooming Crape Myrtle Along a Walking Path. How to Plant Crepe Myrtles Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. While they are fairly hardy, there are problems that can arise if you don’t have suitable information on crepe myrtle care. These plants are low-growing and have been specially selected to grow as standards. In arid climates, it requires supplemental watering and some shade in the very hottest areas.The plant must have hot summers in order to flower successfully, otherwise it will show weak bloom and is more vulnerable to fungal diseases. The underappreciated, ubiquitous, and indestructible tree of the south is not commonly considered cut flower material, the flowers only last a day or two, but the centerpiece above is beautiful nonetheless. Clockwise from top left: Japanese maple, pin oak, azaleas, crepe myrtle. None of these insects are fatal to the plant and other predator insects are usually enough to resolve infestations; however applications of insecticidal soap can also be helpful. Since Crape Myrtles typically have several trunks, leave them intact, but remove suckers (extra limbs growing from beneath the ground). I chose it because of its versatility. Almost all depict the showy blossoms of the small deciduous tree Lagerstroemia, native to humid Southeast Asia. Nature has gifted different shades to the Black Crape Myrtle Trees. [5], Frequently L. indica is root hardy to Zone 5 (-10 °F/-23 °C), meaning it will be killed back during harsh winters but regrow from the roots and flower in summer. 2) Crape Myrtles are either single trunk or multi-trunked and it can take a long time to turn a … https://blog.davey.com/2020/09/do-i-have-a-crepe-myrtle-tree Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide. This is a great option for cooler zones. Sugiura compared the flowering season of L. indica, that keeps blooming and dropping flowers at the same time, with the vigor of ukiyo-e art, the setting of the manga. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. [10] Lagerstroemia also thrives in the Mediterranean and Desert climates of Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, and also in Australia as a street plant. Plant about 6 feet apart to provide some subtle privacy in spring, summer and fall. Try this lovely crape myrtle in a container. Most species of Lagerstroemia have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having barkthat sheds throughout the year. This was a major motivation for developing the L. indica × L. faueri hybrids, which show increased resistance to powdery mildew and fungus. It grows in a tropical climate. Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer blooms, colorful fall foliage and attractive winter bark. All varieties provide striking colour in summer, wonderful autumn foliage and in winter have beautiful, ornate bark. Crepe Myrtle's pretty flowers and favourable height its suitable for most gardens. For example the Dynamite Crape Myrtle will grow up to 20 feet in a warm region, but rarely reach more than 6 feet in colder areas. Another hybrid is 'Yuma' with its fantastic mauve flowers. Lovely as it is, the crepe myrtle is no relation to the the myrtle described in your interesting text. Keep reading for tips on growing crepe myrtle trees so you can enjoy these amazing plants year round. However this species is more cold-hardy and more resistant to powdery mildew than the Common Crape Myrtle, so it has been extensively used as a parent of hybrid varieties to produce plants able to grow well in colder zones. Since Crape Myrtles flower on new shoots they can be just as prolific flowering in colder areas, but they will stay smaller than the sizes listed for them. If you’re looking for a great value, small-to-medium deciduous tree, Sophie Thomson recommends a crepe myrtle. Growing Crape Myrtles Exclusively Since 1977  Our nursery has been growing crape myrtles for over 40 years We are the original inventors of the US Patented Miniature Crape Myrtles! 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