|
Form
Large shrub or small, often multi-trunked tree of variable outline.
Usually grown with open, rounded crown atop an expanse or bare ornamental
trunk.
Leaves
Simple leaves are opposite or may be whorled or alternate on
rapidly growing stems. They are elliptical to oval and 1" –
2 3/4" long and 3/4" – 1 1/2" wide. The medium
to dark green, often shiny leaves have entire margins and very short
petioles. The leaves generally have a red or bronze color as they
initially open.
Fall Color
Yellow, orange or red with all colors often occurring on the
same plant.
Stem/Buds/Bark
When young the slender stems are greenish brown, angled and
often winged. With age they become smooth and tan to brown. Small,
solitary, oblong buds are closely pressed to the stem. Smooth, tan
to gray bark peels to expose shades of brown to gray or pinkish
underbark. Mature branches and stems often have a muscled appearance.
Flowers
Clusters, 6" – 8" or more in length and 3"
– 5" wide, are borne at the end of current season’s
growth. Individual flowers, 1" to 1 1/2" wide, have six
crinkled petals and color ranges from white to shades of pink, purple
and red; showy.
Flowering Time
July through September, one of the showiest woody plants during
the summer.
Fruit
A round, tan capsule, 1/2" wide, which usually splits into
six parts, each holding a small winged seed.
Landscape Uses
Crape myrtle is used as a specimen or may be planted in groups.
The smaller cultivars can serve as deciduous screens, hedges and
massings. The ornamental bark has year-round interest, especially
when crape myrtle is planted with an evergreen background and/or
ground cover. The summer bloom is very showy and long lasting.
Major Landscape Features
Small to large shrub or small tree; specimen or screen; heat
and urban tolerant; very showy flowers and bark.
|
|
Hardiness Range
(6) 7 – 9
Native Habitat
China, Korea
Height 2 – 25 feet
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Spread 1 – 15 feet
Exposure Sun
Culture
Crape myrtle grows best in moist, well-drained soil high
in organic content, although it is drought tolerant and adaptable
to various soils. Suited to sunny, hot locations; such sites
also discourage the growth of powdery mildew. Prune for size
and shape in very early spring before new growth begins. Keep
deadwood and sucker growth removed but do not flat-top as
this drastic shearing results in poor shape development. Remove
spent flowers whenever possible before the fruit develop to
encourage some reblooming. Crape myrtle responds to supplemental
fertilization.
Pest Problems
Insects – Japanese beetle, aphids.
Diseases – Powdery mildew, black spot, tip blight, leaf
spot, root rot.
Abiotic – Stem winterkill in western Virginia.
Cultivars
All of the following are National Arboretum introductions:
"Catawba" – Mildew-resistant, abundent dark
purple flowers, orange-red fall color, rounded medium habit
(6’ – 8’ tall and wide). "Cherokee"
– Mildew-resistant, bright red pyramidal blooms, compact
12’ growth. "Conestoga" – Broad, open
habit, 10’ tall, lavender flowers. "Muskogee"
– Mildew-resistant, large shrub or small tree (20’
tall and 15’ wide), exfoliating brown bark, red autumn
color, large and prolific lavender flower clusters. "Natchez"
– Mildew-resistant, large shrub or small tree (20’
high and wide), develops very ornamental trunk at 5 years,
large white flower clusters. "Potomac" – Tree-like
form to 16’, mildew-resistant, large pink bloom. "Powhatan"
– Mildew-resistant, 10’ tall, abundant purple flowers.
"Seminole" – Medium growth (8’ tall and
6’ – 7’ wide), high mildew-resistance, many
pink flowers open over a 6 – 8 week period. "Tuscarora"
– Mildew-resistant, ornamental light brown bark, large
coral-pink flowers with recurrent bloom, grows to 15’
high and wide. Many additional cultivars exist including dwarfs
and plants with multicolored flowers. Generally a cultivar
is available for any size property and for any landscape use.
|
|
