What is the scientific name for a crape myrtle tree?
Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is an upright, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree in the loosestrife family. The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia species) is native to China and Korea but has been so embraced by Southerners and has become a dominant landscape plant throughout the South.Don’t plant Crape Myrtles in shade. Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look.All parts of Crape Myrtle plants are safe, including the foliage, bark, flowers, berries, and seed pods.Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Crape Myrtle Crape myrtles grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, where they can enjoy long periods of sunlight and warmth. They thrive in Texas’ hot climate, and their drought tolerance and minimal maintenance make them a favorite among Texas gardeners and landscapers.
What is the difference between crepe myrtle and crape myrtle?
Crape or Crepe? The traditional Southern spelling is Crepe Myrtle (because the delicate flowers resemble crepe paper). However, across the US, it is more commonly found as Crape Myrtle. In The Shade Crepe myrtles like full sun. While they will tolerate a few hours of shade per day, they need at least six hours of sunlight and are very heat tolerant, perfect for the hot Southern climate. Without the sun they need, they may not have many or any blooms.While crepe myrtles are typically outdoor plants due to their size and sunlight requirements, you can start them indoors from seeds or cuttings. They should be moved outdoors as they grow larger and if you’re looking for them to thrive.Invasive Roots Some larger Crepe Myrtle varieties have vigorous root systems that can spread widely or become invasive, potentially damaging sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. Careful selection and placement of the plant can mitigate these risks.Damage – The crapemyrtle aphid is the only significant insect pest of crepe myrtles in the Southeast. Because it feeds on the lower surface of crepe myrtle foliage, it is inconspicuous except for the copious amounts of honeydew that it excretes.
What is the lifespan of a crape myrtle?
Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme heat. Crepe myrtle bushes tend to grow shorter with a shrubby form. They often have several stems growing from the base. These are great as ornamental shrubs, border plants, or in group plantings. Crepe myrtle trees, on the other hand, grow upright.From regular suckers that need to be trimmed regularly to a vigorous root system that makes it nearly impossible to get rid of, there are many hidden downsides of growing a crepe myrtle tree. As a nonnative, crepe myrtles also aren’t the best choice for gardeners who want to attract birds and pollinators to their yard.Lifespan – When planted in full sun and fertile soil, Crepe Myrtles can live well beyond 50 years. In fact, dotted along the southeastern landscape, it is common to come across specimens over 100 years old.Crepe myrtles can be grown as either a shrub or small tree and are often used in groupings to create privacy hedges. Their average height is between 15 and 25 feet and they can grow fast – up to 2 feet in 1 year!Crape myrtles planted in winter, spring, and fall should manage well with just one deep watering per week, but if you choose to plant in summer, you may need to add an extra weekly watering if there are heatwave or drought conditions.
What are the uses of crape myrtle?
Certain species of crape myrtle are used in landscaping and gardening as screens, lawn specimens, shrub borders, and container plants. Since crape myrtles are found in many places, opinions differ as to how to cultivate them in landscaping. Find a Sunny Location First, you need to decide where in your garden the crape myrtle should go. They need full sun and good air circulation for the best blooms. Six hours of sun a day is the minimum requirement. It will grow in most soil as long as there is good drainage.Choosing a Planting Location Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose a bright sunny spot for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.
What are the disadvantages of crepe myrtles?
Some larger Crepe Myrtle varieties have vigorous root systems that can spread widely or become invasive, potentially damaging sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. Careful selection and placement of the plant can mitigate these risks. Susceptibility to Certain Pests and Diseases Despite the availability of resistant cultivars, some Crepe Myrtles are still susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. These issues can detract from the plant’s beauty and health if not managed properly.Luckily, Crepe Myrtles are non toxic, including to humans, dogs, and cats. For a very long time, people have used the berries of Crepe Myrtles for therapeutic purposes and have even used them in different meals.