Friday, November 22, 2013

Tips On Growing The Crape Myrtle Tree

By Georgia Diaz


Gardeners looking to add some really vibrant color to their yards should consider planting a Crape Myrtle tree. These amazing trees and bushes have been popular with both gardeners and landscapers for many years. They are a hardy and drought resistant variety that lasts for a long time. They also have a very interesting history.

The trees are native to Asia, in particular the southern areas such as India. They are also found naturally in northern Australia. The trees prefer to grow in warm conditions, without too much humidity. This makes them ideal for growing in many other parts of the world. They are very commonly seen in the south of France, parts of Spain and much of the United States. Once they are established they really seem to do well even in drought conditions.

These hardy types can be planted in many different parts of the world and thrive. Their only real enemies are excessive humidity and aphids. When the danger of aphids is apparent many gardeners simply spray the bush with a weak soap solution. This coats the branches and prevents the aphids from attaching themselves. This also helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Crape Myrtles are one of the most widely grown of all decorative bushes and trees. They are very tough and once established can tolerate very arid conditions. Many landscapers use them as they present a beautiful show of color that will brighten up a residential or commercial space.

Anyone interested in purchasing some trees or shrubs should head over to their local garden center. They will be able to choose from a nice selection of sizes and colors. The staff will be able to help and offer advice about conditions and planting. It is usually best to transfer the plants in the spring or fall as this avoids too much trauma to them. Spending time preparing the conditions careful will also pay off.

Some of the most popular varieties are the Pink Velour Crape. This is a delightful shade of deep pink. The flowers are incredibly delicate and have a mild scent. In contrast, the rest of the plant is very plain. The leaves are typically about two inches long. The bark will occasionally shed and may be of different colors. This is a natural feature and not a sign of disease.

The biggest enemy of a Crape Myrtle tree is high humidity. For this reason they are commonly found inland in warm but dry regions of the east coast. Many areas of California are perfect for growing them. They are also affected by aphids. The simple solution is to spray the bush with a mild soap mixture as this prevents aphids attaching themselves.

A Crape Myrtle tree makes a wonderful addition to any landscape. There flowers range from a vibrant red to a deep purple. Pink and white flowers are also common. Interestingly, no blue or green flowers are seen.




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