Skip to main content

Crepe Myrtle

There are two commonly grown species of Crepe Myrtle, the Common Crepe Myrtle also spelled Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) and the Japanese Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei). Crepe Myrtle is native to Asia, India, and Australia. Crepe Myrtles are small to large shrubs or small trees grown mostly for their showy summer flowers. Many varieties are typically multi-trunked unless pruned into single trunk. Some varieties also produce great fall color and have an exfoliating bark characteristic (similar to Sycamore trees) that provides winter interest.  The common name of this plant is Crepe Myrtle because the flowers have crinkly petals that resemble the crepe paper.


The smaller varieties are ideal for planting close to the house

or near walls or in borders.


Crepe Myrtles are available in a variety of colors including purple,


white,


pink,


and red.


Crepe Myrtles are best grown in full sun and well drained soils with regular water.


Flowering may be reduced if planted in areas with substantial shade. Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia fauriei) are hardy to USDA zone 7 and 6 respectively and may show damage if the winter is unusually cold. Crepe Myrtles are not poisonous, so they will not harm your pets.

Contact Trees That Please Nursery for more information about varieties and pricing.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Question: How close to my house can I plant a Cottonwood tree?

Cottonwoods grow to be immense trees attaining dimensions of up to 40 - 50 feet tall and wide with a root system to match. Cottonwoods have a surface root system that can heave sidewalks, crack walls and home foundations if planted too close. Cottonwoods should be planted a minimal distance from structures of at least 25 feet if not further. Trees That Please Nursery carries two varieties of cotton-less, Cottonwood Trees. Please contact us or stop by the store for more information.
Post a Comment
Read more

Afghan Pine

The Afghan Pine ( Pinus eldarica ) is also known as Desert Pine, Eldarica Pine or Mondell Pine. Afghan Pine is native to low rainfall areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and southern Russia . In fact, when planted in areas of high rainfall (> 20” per year), it becomes susceptible to a number of diseases and rapidly declines. This problem has occurred in East Texas.   The Afghan Pine thrives in heat, wind, and tolerates drought. Afghan Pine must be planted in soils with good drainage like sand. It is not suitable for poorly drained heavy clasy soils. Afghan Pines are generally pyramidal or Christmas tree shaped in form when young   becoming more oval or irregular with age. The leaves of the Afghan Pine are evergreen needles usually found in groups of 2 per fascicle or sheath. Needles are shed after several years and make excellent mulch as they fall around the trees base.   It has attractive trunk bark that becomes dark and furrowed with...
4 comments
Read more

All About the Shantung Maple!

             The Shantung Maple ( Acer truncatum ) is also known as the Purple Blow Maple due to the color of its newly emerging leaves which are red-purple (see photo below). These young expanding red-purple leaves change to green as they mature. Leaves are small, about the size of Japanese Red Maple leaves, perhaps 3’-4’ wide at maturity.    The Shantung Maple grows 1′-2′ annually reaching 25″ tall and wide.    This is our tree for all planting situations. This Maple does well in heavy clay, sandy soils, full sun, or part shade. It can be planted in a lawn or next to a hot asphalt street (see photo below). It seemingly is a happy tree enjoying life wherever it is placed.    One place we would not recommend planting this tree is in a rockscape which is just too hot and inhospitable to support this beautiful tree.               A smaller tree, the Shantung Ma...
Post a Comment
Read more