Where to buy a crape myrtle tree in Florida?
Moon Valley Nurseries' Crape Myrtle specimens offer mildew resistance and year-round color and beauty - perfect for Southwestern landscapes and sure to be a colorful addition to any garden and landscape design. Stop by your local Moon Valley Nurseries to see our massive selection of Crape Myrtle trees for sale.
Do crepe myrtle trees need a lot of water?
Water Requirements. Crepe myrtle likes a medium amount of water and prefers consistently moist soils where it can get it. However, once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and will subsist on a deep watering — to a depth of 6 inches or so — once or twice per month. Until the plant is established, however, keep its soil consistently moist.
Is a crape myrtle a deciduous or evergreen tree?
Crape myrtles are a group of deciduous trees and shrubs, while wax myrtles include evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs and trees. Evergreen wax myrtle foliage does not change color in the fall and the leaves emit a fragrance when crushed. Crape myrtles offer brilliantly-colored foliage in fall until the first hard frost of the season.
Can you find a crepe myrtle anywhere?
The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most beautiful and popular flowering trees in Florida. Often called "the lilac of the South," this plant is tough, adaptable, and showy. Its blooms are large and long-lasting (up to one hundred days), and the tree has great fall color and attractive bark.
What zones do crepe myrtles grow in?
Planting Crape Myrtle All crape myrtles are sun lovers, generally cold hardy in Zones 7-10, although there are some that will work in Zone 6 as well. They are extremely heat-tolerant and quite drought-tolerant once established.
Where do myrtle trees grow in the US?
In Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia, for example, you see crape myrtles everywhere. A large crape myrtle tree (20-feet tall) can produce a few pounds of seed each year.
Where do crepe myrtle trees grow best?
Climate: Crape myrtles can be grown in hardiness zones 6-10, although in zone 6 they're likely to die back to the ground in winter. Water: Crape myrtles like humid climates. Once established, they can tolerate quite a bit of drought. Light: Crape myrtles flower best in full sun (at least six hours per day).
Is crepe myrtle a good tree?
The crepe myrtles are among the most satisfactory of plants for the South: showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and (in many cases) brilliant fall color, making them year-round garden performers.
Do hummingbirds feed on crepe myrtles?
Hummingbirds like to feed from flowering shrubs that include azaleas, rhododendron, crape myrtle, weigela, rose of Sharon and butterfly bush. Coral bells, garden phlox, delphinium, hollyhocks, columbine, dianthus, hostas, perennial hibiscus and day lilies are also tasty treats.
Are myrtle and crepe myrtle the same?
Crape myrtle and wax myrtle differ slightly in soil and other needs. Wax myrtle grows in sun to partial shade, while crape myrtle requires full sun to ensure flowering. Crape myrtles are tolerant of dry soil, but cannot tolerate saline water near coastal areas.
Is a crepe myrtle a tree or a bush?
Crape Myrtles are TREES and that means they grow TALL from 20 – 40' in height. They have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (with no fragrance) with a very long bloom time in the summer.
Is there a difference between a crepe myrtle bush and tree?
The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. (0.6 – 4.5 m). Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
around 25 yearsCrepe 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.
Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?
Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.
How quickly do crape myrtle trees grow?
This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.
Are crepe myrtle trees messy?
The Crepe Myrtle is a great addition to any yard. It is easy to care for, drought resistant, cold resistant and deer resistant. It is not a messy tree, provides shade, and is beautiful during all seasons of the year.
Is Myrtle Wood rare?
Because this timber is both rare and stunningly beautiful, it is used only rarely in the construction of acoustic guitars. Typically, instruments created using myrtlewood are expensive “one-offs,” built to order.
Are myrtle trees native to Oregon?
Oregon Myrtle Native from southern Oregon well into California. Height can reach 175'. Leaves are evergreen with smooth margins, 5” long, and intensely aromatic (can be used in cooking, but use a smaller amount than European bay leaf).
Where do myrtle berries grow?
The Myrtle plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is particularly widespread on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia.
Is myrtle poisonous to humans?
Also known as common periwinkle, creeping myrtle (Vinca minor) is a sprawling evergreen vine that is grown in the United States as a flowering ground cover. Not surprisingly for a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae), creeping myrtle is toxic to dogs. Creeping myrtle is also poisonous to humans, cats and horses.
What zone do crape myrtles grow in?
How to grow crape myrtle is not an issue in most areas to which they are hardy, USDA Zones 9 down to 7 (with some special varieties surviving in zone 6), as they are easy to grow in the right location.
What is the pH of a crepe myrtle?
Crepe myrtle prefers a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.5. When planting crepe myrtle in limited spaces, choose a smaller cultivar so that you won’t be tempted to over prune. Crepe myrtle trees are available in dwarf varieties, such as the bright purple blooming Centennial and the deep red Victor.
What is the most daunting and incorrectly practiced aspect of crepe myrtle care?
The most daunting and incorrectly practiced aspect of crepe myrtle care is pruning. Crepe murder usually occurs when an overly enthusiastic homeowner severely cuts back top branches on crepe myrtle trees, ruining the natural shape and form of the lovely landscape specimen.
Do crepe myrtles need rich soil?
Soil need not be rich or amended; crepe myrtle trees are adaptable to most soils except those that are soggy. Sunlight and well-draining soil afford a wealth of summer blooms and help keep pests away. Newly planted crepe myrtles should be well-watered until roots are established and are then mostly drought tolerant.
Can you spray crape myrtles?
The difficulty most often arises when caring for crape myrtles. Crape myrtles trees are sometimes susceptible to soo ty mold and powder y mild ew, but these are easily cured with an organic spray.
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crepe myrtles are summer flowering trees admired for their vibrant pink, red, purple, and white blossoms. Their natural beauty, resilience, and minimal need for tending make them a welcome addition to any yard or garden. Since the trees thrive in warm, humid conditions, they’ll do best in a well-drained patch of soil somewhere they can receive plenty of direct sunlight. Once you’ve planted your crepe myrtles, spread mulch around the base of the trunk to protect against moisture loss, apply a well-balanced fertilizer once a year, and water as needed to keep them producing healthy, flowers when they return each season.
How much sunlight do crepe myrtles need?
Crepe myrtles need lots of light to flourish. If possible, choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. An open stretch near the center of your yard or garden is usually the best place to situate a young crepe myrtle.
What are the dangers of crepe myrtles?
6. Inspect your crepe myrtle regularly for signs of disease. Powdery mildew, black mold, and leaf spot are a few of the threats that crepe myrtles face once they begin flowering. In most cases, the effects these cause are harmless, and will clear up on their own in time.
How to keep crepe myrtle thriving?
Water occasionally during periods of drought to keep your crepe myrtle thriving.
Can crepe myrtles be grown from saplings?
Because of their intensive germination requirements, crepe myrtles headed for home gardens are almost always grown from saplings.
Can you use compost for crepe myrtle?
You can also use garden compost or a few handfuls of native plant food, as long as it’s evenly distributed throughout the entire plant bed. Crepe myrtle has no problem getting by on basic nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, which are found in most commercial fertilizer mixes.
Is crepe myrtle a red or pink tree?
Yes. There are many variations of color for crepe myrtle trees. Though not as common as the other mostly pink colors, a red color is nothing to worry about.
When is the best time to plant crepe myrtles?
The fall planting season quickly approaches – the best time for planting most trees and shrubs. It's a good bet many for you will be shopping for crepe myrtles. Before you do, I'm going to say something so shocking it verges on heresy. There are some places you shouldn't plant a crepe myrtle.
How long do crepe myrtles bloom?
The arching canopy of a crepe myrtle looks perfect for shading a white concrete pool deck. However, some selections such as ‘Natchez' can bloom for 100 days a year. Every day that new flowers open, old flowers drop into the pool. It will also drop leaves for at least 30 days in late summer and fall. This means that unless you're a complete slob, you'll be tethered to a pool skimmer for almost a third of a year.
What is the most widely planted tree in the South?
The iconic crepe myrtle is the most widely planted tree in the South, and much of the credit goes to Southern Living. For 50 years, we've told you beautiful it is in every season and how easy it is to grow. As a result, any house in a neighborhood without at least one crepe myrtle looks highly suspect.
Do you have to plant tree crapes deep?
It’s OK if you place the plant you received from us "deep.". Sometimes, especially with the Tree Crapes, you have to plant them deep so they will stand up straight. Firmly pack soil around the stem. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Can crape myrtles grow in the sun?
The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it's fine. But they do best in Full, Hot Sun. Remember: the more sun, the more blooms! 2.
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill.
Can crepe myrtle trees reproduce?
Rather, the tree reproduces so readily from its seeds that, once the seeds escape cultivation, the resulting trees can crowd out native plants in the wild. Since most of the popular crepe myrtle cultivars are hybrid and do not produce seeds, reproduction by seeds in the wild is not a problem.
Can crepe myrtle roots be planted in the ground?
The crepe myrtle is no exception. In addition, the root system grows so close to the surface of the soil that you shouldn’t plant flowers in the area below the tree. Even grass might compete with the shallow crepe myrtle roots for water.
Do crepe myrtles have taproots?
Crepe myrtle roots do not sink taproots deep into the ground or send lateral roots out to crack anything in their path. In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide.
Does crepe myrtle harm foundations?
The crepe myrtle root system will not harm your foundation. The crepe myrtle root system can extend a considerable distance but the roots are not aggressive. The roots are relatively weak and will not insert themselves into nearby foundations, sidewalks or endanger nearly plants. Crepe myrtle roots do not sink taproots deep into ...
Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive?
Beloved by gardeners for its luxurious summer blossoms in shades of pink and white, the tree also offers exfoliating bark and an autumn foliage display. If you are thinking about planting one in the garden, don’t worry about the invasiveness of crepe myrtles and their roots. The crepe myrtle root system will not harm your foundation.
How tall do crape myrtles get?
Crape Myrtles are TREES and that means they grow TALL from 20 – 40’ in height. They have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (with no fragrance) with a very long bloom time in the summer.
What is the name of the hybrid of crape myrtle?
There are two types of Crape Myrtle frequently planted; there is Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia hybrid (indica x fauriei). The first species L. indica has small round leaves and is terribly susceptible to powdery mildew which is a white powder that causes the leaves to curl up and distort, stops photosynthesis and occurs in spring AND fall. Powdery mildew must be sprayed with several fungicide applications OR you can plant the National Arboretum Hybrids which are totally resistant to powdery mildew.
How much sun does a crape myrtle need?
4) Crape Myrtles need at least 6 hours of DIRECT SUN for good, long summer bloom.
When was the crape myrtle hybrid created?
Donald Egolf of the National Arboretum beginning in 1959. He started a research project to develop disease resistance (powdery mildew), hardiness (because fauriei species was more frost tender that indica) rebloomers, true flower color and unique inheritable dark trunk colors. The hybrid crape is easily distinguished from the species as it has larger rectangle leaves, larger flowers and flower clusters and is totally resistant to powdery mildew – never spray fungicide again!
Do crape myrtles need pruning?
To what am I referring, but the way the trees get brutally whacked and chopped by loppers and saws, and then get loaded into a large trailer adding to the landfill!! If they are too tall, pull them out and plant shorter varieties, but Crape Myrtles rarely or never need pruning.
Can crape myrtles be multi trunked?
2) Crape Myrtles are either single trunk or multi-trunked and it can take a long time to turn a multi trunk into a single trunk, so purchase single trunk to begin with if that is what you need.
How big does a crepe myrtle get?
According to Arbor Day Foundation, crape myrtle growth rate averages about 24 inches a year, and at full maturity, it can be 15 feet to 25 feet high and 6 feet to 15 feet wide. If your crape myrtle is not performing up to speed, though, there are ways to get it to grow taller.
How much sun does crape myrtle need?
Helping Crape Myrtle to Grow. Lakeland Yard & Garden Center recommends planting crape myrtles where they will get six or more hours of daily sun. The location should also have well-draining, neutral or slightly acidic soil to encourage the growth of your plants.
What color are myrtles in the fall?
Other important features for which to look in these trees are length of flowering color and time, bark color, fall leaf color (ranging from yellow to maroon to black) and ease of care. Crape myrtles like hot, sunny climates, have vaselike shapes and dark green foliage that changes color in the fall.
Does crape myrtle grow faster?
Some crape myrtle varieties are thought to grow faster than others, but aside from picking the right species, much will depend on how well they are cared for. Perfect Plants classifies Arapaho (Lagerstroemia indica x faueri 'Arapaho,' zones 7-9), Muskogee, Natchez and Red Rocket (Lagerstroemia 'Red Rocket,' zones 7-9) as fast growers, ...