Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) Is a fast to reasonably fast growing shrub or small tree. Increasing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 12, crape myrtles experience and cause several problems in the landscape. To restrict challenges with this particular plant, selecting an appropriate species and site are significant considerations.
Colorful Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles display brightly coloured blooms with a crinkled, paper-like texture. Bloom colors vary in colour from white, light pink, dark pinkish-red, to purple. The blossom season lasts from July through October, with the summit showcasing in August and September. However, the blooms are just one part of the appeal of crape myrtles. During autumn, the leaves change in their green or bronze summer colour to shades of purple, purple, red and orange, depending on the variety. Leaves fall as the day length shortens, displaying the attractive bark more prominently. Crape myrtle bark may show numerous shades of gray, light brown, dark brown, white, cream and variations of these colours, depending on the cultivar.
Crape Myrtle Growth
Crape myrtles vary in size from a small tree into a small tree. Larger varieties may be trained to develop a single trunk or could be allowed to grow on several stems. Either way, the size of the back remains comparatively small compared with other trees. The small size of this genus lessens the danger of harm to concrete in the root system. Crape myrtles do not possess large surface roots that also makes them a safe choice for planting in the vicinity of concrete.
Site Selection
Even though crape myrtles may gain from some pruning, this care can be limited by selecting an appropriate site for planting. Finding a proper site will also reduce the danger of harm to existing structures, like concrete pathways or driveways. Crape myrtles could develop a bushy crown, so ought to be given sufficient clearance for this increase. To be safe, crape myrtles should be located at least 6 feet away from building bases and 4 feet apart from pathways and driveways.
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle
Choosing the correct species of crape myrtle is as important as selecting the proper spot in the landscape. Smaller varieties of crape myrtle are available for landscapes where clearance from concrete is not possible. “New Orleans” is a crape myrtle cultivar that simply reaches a 1 foot height and spread. Lagerstroemia indica “Monow” is a bigger tree variety which reaches 3 to five 5 high and 2 to 4 feet wide. Both these cultivars are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. A number of other varieties are available to accommodate space requirements and color preferences.