New shoots with buds will quickly appear, and you will get a second bloom. When plants are small remove spent flower heads in late autumn or winter to keep them tidy. As well as being long flowering, crepe myrtles offer a large range of flower colours. It seems they will be a classic favorite for many years to come. Selecting the Right Crepe MyrtleSeeing a crepe myrtle in its full summer splendor sends some of us running to the garden shop to buy a plant the same color. If you're in the Upper South, you should also look for selections that are extra cold-hardy. In recent years, several ranges of new Crepe Myrtles have been developed. There is an Australian native crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia archeriana), which grows to around 7m (20′) tall and has pinkish mauve flowers. The South's love affair with crepe myrtles is undeniable. They are native to eastern Asia and are hardy in most parts of Australia. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Also, remember that crepe myrtles love sun. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. In severe frost areas they may require a sheltered position. Crepe myrtle or crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a shrub or tree you may love or you may hate. They are generally not prone to other pest or disease problems. If Crepe Myrtles suffer damage to their roots or trunk, they may sucker. This will help it take up water after planting. Crepe myrtles are available at nurseries. Hardy in most parts of Australia, Crepe Myrtles prefer a full sun position, in a well drained soil. However, the downside of this annual pruning is that it creates an ugly, butchered looking plant. Find a Green Gardening Professionals member. They grow so easily and bloom so long that we love them like family members—except in late winter and spring, when they are routinely chopped down to thick, ugly stumps (a crime known as "crepe murder"). Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as Crepe Myrtle has been a classic favorite of gardeners for many years. They are native to eastern Asia and are hardy in most parts of Australia. Because... Rivendell Flower Show Sydney begins tomorrow morning! We give you all the answers. Lord & Willis (1982) Shrubs and Trees for Australian Gardens (5th ed.) Unpruned crepe myrtles develop beautifully coloured, smooth, mottled trunks. It is important to be mindful of roots and trunks when whipper-snippering or mowing around them (as can sometimes be seen when residents have gotten a little too close to their Crepe Myrtle street trees with the mower). Crepe myrtles range in size from dwarf selections that grow less than 3 feet tall to several that reach upwards of 30 feet. A big reason people do this is because they'll buy a crepe myrtle only for its color without checking how big their plant will get. Flemings Nurseries (2015) Indian Summer Crepe Myrtle. Also remove low growth to develop a smooth, attractive trunk. How to Trim a Crepe Myrtle Bush. Nothing says summer in the South like crepe myrtles. Be sure to choose the right size for your needs. To stop suckering problems avoid damaging the roots or lower trunk, mulch to prevent weeds or grass growing under the tree, and keep plants well watered in dry periods. Can you produce many fruit and vegetables in a small garden? The new varieties of Crepe Myrtle, however, have been specifically developed to be resistant to powdery mildew, so this is now much less of a concern. http://www.flemings.com.au/indian_summer.asp, There is always something that makes a plant less than perfect but until I discovered the seeds of Melia azedarach were toxic to humans and other…, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaCiNizT_BM Although the disease may keep the trees from blooming when it becomes severe, most trees aren't permanently damaged. Named by the famous botanist and forefather of botanical nomenclature Carl Linnaeus, Lagerstroemia indica was given to him by the merchant Magnus Von Lagerström in the 1700’s. In areas of higher humidity or less air flow, this has been more of a problem. Pay attention to the plant's tag. Mulch to conserve moisture and keep down weeds. If left to self-shape, generally Crepe Myrtles will still reward you with a great show of flowers, as well as an elegant, attractive form. Crape Myrtle Shrubs Select a variety below to get all the details, more pictures and prices If you love crape myrtles, also spelled crepe myrtles or crapemyrtles, but just don't have the space for the larger growing tree types, say hello to the low growing dwarf crape myrtle shrubs and invite them into your smaller garden space. Varieties shown were: ‘Acoma’ (white flowers and a weeping habit), 3m (10′) ‘Tonto’ (rich pink flowers), 3m (10′) ‘Zuni’ (mauve flowers), 3m (10′) ‘Sioux’ (carmine pink flowers) 4m (12′) ‘Yuma’ (pale pink flowers) 4m (12′) ‘Tuscarora’ (rose red flowers) 6m (18′) ‘Natchez’ (white flowers) 6m (18′). With the recent introduction of new varieties, the Crepe Myrtle can now be used in even more applications, giving it an entire new legion of fans, and confirming it’s place as one of the most popular deciduous trees in Australian gardens and landscapes. Blooms vary from shades of pink, to red, purple, mauve, lilac and white. Selecting the Right Crepe Myrtle Seeing a crepe myrtle in its full summer splendor sends some of us running to the garden shop to buy a plant the same color. Each cultivar is named after an American Indian tribe, and they range in size from around 3-6m (10-18) fully grown. ).Sydney: Readers Digest (Australia). How to Prune Crepe Myrtles for More FlowersOnce crepe myrtles have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed. Lagerstroemia indica can be susceptible to powdery mildew. If Crepe Myrtles suffer damage to their roots or trunk, they may sucker. Description: A deciduous, vase-shaped tree about 6-8m (18-25′) tall. But don't buy impulsively. Where to Plant Crepe MyrtlesCrepe myrtles have many landscape uses. Grab your stationery and stamps—someone's getting hitched! All rights reserved. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Alternatively select one of the mildew-resistant varieties. So when it inevitably blocks the upstairs windows, out comes the pruning saw. Melbourne: Lothian. Make sure that it is not only the exact color that … The amount of flower production is greatly reduced in light shade, and full shade can prevent blooming altogether. Maree Kiefer has a degree in horticulture and has worked in retail nurseries and revegetation and with landscape designers. A pretty, mottled exfoliating bark in silver, pink and brown tones makes a really great winter attraction. In late summer, the Crepe Myrtle bears trusses of very attractive, bee-attracting crepe-like flowers, originally pink but now also available in variations of pinks, whites and mauves. Regular watering will be key to the survival of your crepe myrtle once planted. Readers Digest (1999) The Readers Digest Gardeners’ Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (1st ed. You can prevent this problem by planting a mildew-resistant selection. It also offers a great variety of flower colours, ranging from white to pinks, to lavender and almost reds. Keep an eye out for these trees, and avoid them at all costs, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. It is often severely pruned and grown as a shrub 3-4m (10-12′) tall. Planted together, they make a large deciduous hedge or screen. http://www.flemings.com.au/indian_summer.asp. 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. Apply a fertilizer such as Schultz Starter Plus Transplanting Solution or Vigoro Starter Fertilizer as recommended on the label. The dwarf selections look great in large containers, foundation plantings, and even incorporated into perennial beds. For susceptible types, spraying the foliage at first sign of disease with Funginex, Immunox, or summer horticultural oil will keep the powdery mildew from spreading; repeat sprays are necessary. The larger types need room to grow without encroaching on buildings, power lines, or walkways. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew plant in an open, sunny garden situation with good air circulation. Many local councils are choosing Crepe Myrtles as street trees, due to their size, attractive form, great show of flowers and hardiness once established. Few plants can match their combination of spectacular summer flowers, colorful autumn foliage, and handsome sculptural trunks. Crepe myrtles can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers. Melbourne: Lothian. Trusses of white, pink, mauve or purple blooms appear in late summer. © 2018 CTC Productions | All rights reserved. At around 1 metre high, these varieties, available in many colours, provide an opportunity to use Crepe Myrtles in even more garden and landscape situations. The Indian Summer series have good cold tolerance. No worries, this is a common question we get and by the end of this article you'll understand how to prune your crepe myrtle trees without making the same mistakes you've seen your neighbors make. Keep well watered through summer. The new varieties are more disease-resistant and can be used in even more applications within the landscape. That works too, but watering well during the summer months is crucial to transitioning it into your garden. If you're thinking of adding one or more crepe myrtles to your landscape this season, the following tips will help you make a good decision. Make sure the roots stay moist as long as it's warm. A white powdery fungus called powdery mildew sometimes attacks the leaves of many older selections of crepe myrtles. Lagerstroemia indica is a small to medium tree, usually in the range of 4-6 metres. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. In some areas, you see them on practically every street--and for good reason. In autumn, the small oval leaves put on a great show with a mix of yellow, orange and red tones, which can vary depending on variety. A hedge or boundary should be in keeping with the frontage of a property. Thank you. Medium-size selections that will grow from 12 to 15 feet are perfect for a small courtyard or garden home. In autumn the mid-green leaves turn yellow, orange or red (depending on the variety) before falling. Crepe Myrtle's pretty flowers and favourable height its suitable for most gardens. If the temperatures stay warm into the fall and you continue to remove spent flowers, you may get a third or fourth. Make sure that it is not only the exact color that you want, but also the right size and look you hope to achieve. You might be wondering.. How should I prune my Crape Myrtles like the pros do. LAST DAY of the Rivendell Flower Show Today! Plants in 200mm (8″) pots cost about $20, but larger plants in 300mm or 25 litre (12″) pots are priced at around $65. A single tree can create a distinctive focal point, while a pair framing a front door greets visitors with a warm Southern welcome.

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