Have you ever walked through a garden, captivated by the vibrant colors and enchanting fragrances? The beauty of nature never fails to inspire and uplift our spirits. One such breathtaking wonder you may come across is the crape myrtle, a small ornamental tree or large shrub that flowers mid to late summer, with blooms that can last for weeks. Join me on a journey to explore the unique and fascinating aspects of the crape myrtle and discover why it is a beloved choice for ornamental gardens in the Southwest.
1. What’s Blooming? Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, botanical gardens and nature enthusiasts celebrate What’s Blooming? Wednesdays, where they showcase various plants, flowers, and trees that are in bloom. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about different species and appreciate the beauty of nature. In one such edition, the spotlight was on the crape myrtle, or Lagerstroemia indica, a stunning plant known for its magnificent blooms.
2. A Versatile Ornamental Tree
The crape myrtle offers many features, making it a versatile choice for ornamental gardens. It is available in single-trunk and multi-trunk specimens, allowing you to choose your preferred form. Numerous cultivars are available, each offering a unique color palette, including pink, white, purple, and red. This variety ensures a crape myrtle to suit every aesthetic preference.
3. Four Seasons of Interest
One of the most captivating aspects of the crape myrtle is its ability to provide year-round interest in your Garden. While it may be late to leaf out in the spring, this is where strategic planning comes into play. You can create a multi-seasonal masterpiece by planting evergreen or early spring blooming shrubs, such as lilac and mock orange, alongside your crape myrtle. This allows you to showcase the stunning ornamental bark of the crape myrtle while it is still dormant and then enjoy its magnificent blooms during the summer months. Some cultivars even surprise with brilliant fall colors, adding another dimension to their appeal.
4. From Accent Plants to Focal Points
Whether you want to add a touch of elegance to your Garden with an accent plant or create a bold statement with a focal point, the crape myrtle is perfect. The shrub form can be used as a beautiful hedge or accent plant, providing a vibrant backdrop to other garden elements. On the other hand, the tree form of the crape myrtle can serve as a summer or winter focal point, drawing attention and admiration from all who pass by. Its striking blooms and peeling bark create a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Imagine walking through a picturesque garden, with each step offering a new surprise and delight. With its exquisite beauty and versatility, the crape myrtle can transform any space into a wonderland. Now that we have uncovered the enchantment behind the crape myrtle let’s dive deeper into the art of growing and nurturing these stunning specimens.
To successfully grow your crape myrtle, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, choose a suitable location that provides ample sunlight. Crape myrtles thrive in full sun, so finding a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is essential for their growth and blooming. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile, as crape myrtles prefer slightly acidic soil conditions.
When planting your crape myrtle, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. This will allow the roots to spread out comfortably and establish themselves in their new environment. Be mindful of planting your crape myrtle too deep, hindering its growth and overall health.
Once your crape myrtle is planted, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Water your plant deeply and thoroughly, especially during dry spells or hot summer months. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and control weed growth. Consider applying a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to nourish your crape myrtle and promote healthy growth.
Pruning is another crucial aspect of crape myrtle care. While it may be tempting to prune your crape myrtle extensively, it’s important to remember that excessive pruning can hinder blooming. Instead, focus on light pruning during the late winter or early spring to remove damaged or crossing branches, allowing light and air to circulate within the canopy.
As you tend to your crape myrtle, don’t forget to appreciate its marvelous sights throughout the year. There’s something magical about watching the modest buds transform into vibrant blooms, bringing joy and color to your Garden. Take a few moments to sit back, relax, and relish in the beauty of nature.
The crape myrtle is a wonder of nature, with stunning blooms, ornamental bark, and year-round interest. It effortlessly adds charm and character to any garden, making it a beloved choice for both experienced gardeners and budding enthusiasts. So, why not consider adding a crape myrtle to your Garden? Explore the various cultivars, envision the endless possibilities, and embark on a journey of beauty and serenity.
Next time you find yourself strolling through a botanical garden or admiring a beautiful landscape, keep an eye out for the crape myrtle. Its remarkable presence will undoubtedly leave you in awe, igniting a newfound appreciation for the wonders of nature. And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create your botanical oasis, where crape myrtles dance in the wind and the beauty of What’s Blooming? Wednesdays are forever celebrated.
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Source Description
What’s Blooming? Wednesdays • Meet the crape myrtle: Lagerstroemia indica is a small ornamental tree or large shrub that flowers mid to late summer, and the blooms can last for weeks. It’s available in single-trunk or multi-trunk specimens, well known for its decorative, peeling bark. Many cultivars are in various colors, including pink, white, purple, and red. They are late to leaf out in the spring, so plant them with evergreen or early spring blooming shrubs like lilac and mock orange to create multi-season interest and highlight the ornamental bark while the crape myrtle is still dormant. The shrub form can be added as a hedge or accent plant, while the tree form serves well as a summer or winter focal point in the Garden. Some crape myrtle also features brilliant fall color! Four season interests in so many shapes, sizes, and hues make crape myrtle a versatile choice for ornamental gardens in the Southwest. Visit the Garden’s page to read more about how to grow your own; link in bio! Pictured: Dynamite crape myrtle “Whit II” near the entrance
