All About Crape Myrtle
The crape myrtle, often used as a popular landscaping tree, is also known under its scientific designation, Lagerstroemia, and has over 50 species variations. Hardy with beautiful flowers, this myrtle was originally cultivated in warmer climates, such as Southeast Asia and India. In addition to being a popular landscaping choice, the wood produced from the crape myrtle is used in commercial construction capacities. They are very versatile for landscaping needs, and that is their chief use. Serving in roles as various as border-enhancing hedges to street lining or yard trees, the crape myrtle is a tree that is hard to go wrong with.
Varieties and Selection
If you are thinking of using a crape myrtle (or several) in your landscape design, you may be confused as to where you should begin. After all, the various subspecies produce different colored flowers and grow to varying sizes. When you are at the nursery or store, the employees should be able to help you decide. Versions such as the Acoma manifest as spreading shrubs, for example, with white flowers, while the Choctaw grows in tree form up to a magnificent 30 feet tall and has vibrant pink flowers.
Suitable Environments
Although crape myrtles can grow in relatively chilly environments, they really reveal their glory in warmer, sunnier climes. They are popular varieties in the Southern states, for example, where they do very well. Much of the adaptability of the crape myrtle, however, is dependent on the individual species that is being used, and your local nursery should only stock versions that are well suited to your area. If you live in a northern climate, there are measures you can take to successfully grow crape myrtles, such as avoiding too much watering in the fall, as this can force growth that won't be able to survive the winter.
