Crape myrtle plants have a wide variety of styles, shapes and colors. They are a fast growing tree that can range from as small as three feet to as tall as one hundred feet. The average tree is about thirty five feet tall. They grow best in warmer climates and originated in Asia and Australia.
A dark leafed variety of plant has been developed in Japan that is more tolerant of cold and resistant to disease. This trait allows the plant to be used in areas further north than the more common types of myrtle. There are over forty different varieties of crapes and the blossoms can run the gauntlet of purples, reds and pinks. The trunks of the trees are usually light in color and have bark that falls off leaving a smooth silky surface underneath.
One more desirable aspect of this plant is that you can go from a seed to blooming foliage in one season. The foliage come in large cascading bunches of crepe textured blooms. They continue to bloom for up to three months and can add a touch of color to any home or business all summer long. They bloom longer than any other flowering tree.
Easily grown, they do not need to be fertilized regularly and need no special preparations when put in the ground. They are hardy enough to adjust to most soil conditions and do well. A sunny spot is needed with good drainage. Too much water, where the ground becomes swampy, will cause the tree to fail.
The worst problem with crape myrtle plants is over pruning. Many overly zealous gardeners get carried away and destroy the delicate lines of the tree by topping too close. This changes the sky line looks of the tree and can cause stringers to sprout from the roots. Experts call this "crape murder". Once they have been damaged they do not get back to normal form.
In many countries these trees are harvested for their timber. The wood is strong, pliant and beautiful. It has been turned into furniture and sleeper cars because the texture of the wood is smooth and satiny. It is also strong and workable enough to be turned into bridges under different circumstances.
A major benefit of this tree is found in East India where silk is made from the cocoons of caterpillars that prefer to dine on it's leaves. The silk is called tussar silk and is a very important part of life in India. The beautiful saris that are worn as traditional costuming among East Indian women are made from this fabric. It also is used for other clothing and crafts. It is considered a wild silk and the consumers view it with high regard.
The crape myrtle is a plant that will bring years of beauty to your life. They range from shrub to tree and have been developed to have a color that will suite most everyone. They also have uses beyond the yard decor they supply. If you are interested in plants that are easily cultivated and will give you first season blossoms you may want to look into getting one or more of these.
A dark leafed variety of plant has been developed in Japan that is more tolerant of cold and resistant to disease. This trait allows the plant to be used in areas further north than the more common types of myrtle. There are over forty different varieties of crapes and the blossoms can run the gauntlet of purples, reds and pinks. The trunks of the trees are usually light in color and have bark that falls off leaving a smooth silky surface underneath.
One more desirable aspect of this plant is that you can go from a seed to blooming foliage in one season. The foliage come in large cascading bunches of crepe textured blooms. They continue to bloom for up to three months and can add a touch of color to any home or business all summer long. They bloom longer than any other flowering tree.
Easily grown, they do not need to be fertilized regularly and need no special preparations when put in the ground. They are hardy enough to adjust to most soil conditions and do well. A sunny spot is needed with good drainage. Too much water, where the ground becomes swampy, will cause the tree to fail.
The worst problem with crape myrtle plants is over pruning. Many overly zealous gardeners get carried away and destroy the delicate lines of the tree by topping too close. This changes the sky line looks of the tree and can cause stringers to sprout from the roots. Experts call this "crape murder". Once they have been damaged they do not get back to normal form.
In many countries these trees are harvested for their timber. The wood is strong, pliant and beautiful. It has been turned into furniture and sleeper cars because the texture of the wood is smooth and satiny. It is also strong and workable enough to be turned into bridges under different circumstances.
A major benefit of this tree is found in East India where silk is made from the cocoons of caterpillars that prefer to dine on it's leaves. The silk is called tussar silk and is a very important part of life in India. The beautiful saris that are worn as traditional costuming among East Indian women are made from this fabric. It also is used for other clothing and crafts. It is considered a wild silk and the consumers view it with high regard.
The crape myrtle is a plant that will bring years of beauty to your life. They range from shrub to tree and have been developed to have a color that will suite most everyone. They also have uses beyond the yard decor they supply. If you are interested in plants that are easily cultivated and will give you first season blossoms you may want to look into getting one or more of these.
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