How can I tell what type of crepe myrtle I have?

How can I tell what type of crepe myrtle I have?

The best way to identify a specific variety or species of crepe myrtle is to note all its characteristics, including mature size, flower color, fall color, growth habit (tree or shrub) and bark color.

Are there different types of crepe myrtle trees?

There are two types of Crape Myrtle frequently planted; there is Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia hybrid (indica x fauriei).

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle 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. ... (6 m) taller than the bushes. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft.

Why are crepe myrtles hated?

Along with rose of Sharon and hardy hibiscus, crape myrtles are your go-to plants of summer. A common reason cited by people who dislike crape myrtles is that they're “ugly.” Generally, someone who thinks crape myrtles are ugly hasn't seen a beautiful specimen that's been well-pruned.

Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?

Choosing a Planting Location Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose a bright sunny spot for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.

What is the reddest crape myrtle?

Dynamite Crape Myrtle The reddest blooms you can get on a Crape Myrtle! The bright red blooms on this smaller growing crape myrtle tree are in huge clusters. From the wonderfully smooth bark to the dark green foliage and then onto the orange-red fall color, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is an amazing summer to fall show off!

What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?

Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it's done, it ruins the tree's graceful natural shape for the rest of its life.

What is the prettiest crepe myrtle?

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is the ideal choice if you want a large tree. It can reach 20 to 30 feet in height and is covered all summer with beautiful blossoms in a perfect shade of lilac. It has excellent mildew resistance and outstanding bark color, with shades of grey and soft orange predominating.

What animal eats crepe myrtles?

Goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches, cardinals, and house and white-throated sparrows visit the trees continually from early December through late February to devour the abundant seed crop that crape myrtles provide.

Are crape myrtles bad?

Be Aware Of Issues Facing Crape Myrtles One of the main reasons people don't plant Crape Myrtles is because they can bring pests, especially spiders, into your yard. Southern Living explains: “As soon as crepe myrtle leaves unfurl, look for aphids. Their sugary excretions causes sooty mold.

What's the difference between a crape myrtle and a tree?

Crape myrtle bushes are smaller than trees and have multiple stems. 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).

What's the best way to use a crape myrtle?

As Lawn Specimens: One of the most popular uses for Crape Myrtle is as a specimen tree or shrub in a lawn. Many other flowering trees are simply green-leaves during summer, but a Crape Myrtle makes a colorful center-piece to the lawn throughout summer.

What's the difference between crape myrtle and Lagerstroemia?

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) and wax myrtles (Myrica spp.) are both families of trees and shrubs commonly planted in yards and landscapes. While they share a common name, these species plants differ in several ways and thrive in different regions.

When do crape myrtles bloom in the spring?

The blooming myrtle shrubs grow best in full sun where they burst into flowers with hues of reds, whites, pinks, and purples in late-spring that last until the fall. Some species of crape myrtles flower until the first frost. These hardy shrubs are tolerant of drought, light frost, and poor soil. Crape Myrtle Bush Vs.