Crape-myrtle

                                                                                
                            CRAPE-MYRTLE                                
      (Lagerstoemia)

Crape Myrtles come in many colors including a deep purple

Mid-summer brings a spectacular display of color when Crape-Myrtle shrubs come into bloom. Clusters of flowers in pink, purple, white, red, blue and even bi-color varieties add incredible color to yards, gardens and on road sides.

Many have a gold center and they can be found with more then
one color on the flowers.

 

Originally from China and the tropics, Crape-Myrtles have been popular in the south as far north as Baltimore for many years. These subtropical plants were not able to survive our winters until recent years. Now with more hardy hybrids available they are quickly becoming standard for gardeners in the northeast.

Careful pruning helps develop an elegant plant that
can be enjoyed all year.
  
Crape-Myrtle are deer resistant, 

attracts butterflies and are easy to care for.  

Planted in full sun you should plan on enjoying
 your new shrub for many years to come. 

The biggest problem with Crape-Myrtles is 
deciding which color to choose.

The incredible bark would make Crape-Myrtles popular even if they didn't bloom  

When the leaves drop in autumn, the beautiful exfoliating bark adds interest to the garden all winter long.  

Crape-Myrtles bloom in early summer on 'new wood', so when pruned in the early spring they produce more flowers. 

Pruning is best done in March or early April to keep the shape and size in check.  Actually crape-myrtles benefit from a "heavy" pruning every few years.

A heavy pruning every few years helps create more flowers which
blooms on new wood.
Caution: this type of drastic pruning should not be done every year. 

A good time to buy your Crape-Myrtle is when they are in bloom so you are guaranteed the color you want. Keep your new plant in the pot until planting in September when the heat breaks.  Be sure to mulch it well after planting and give it extra tender care the first year.

Blooming at the same time as Rose-of -Sharon , Crape Myrtle does not have the
"volunteer seedling" problems that Rose-of-Sharon has.

Be patient in the spring because Crape-Myrtle break dormancy long after most other plants, usually when Dogwood are blooming.  Give them time and you will be rewarded with summer color when few other shrubs are flowering.

Happy Summer,
James