Friday, November 22, 2013

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.

Because of the diversity of plants available there is sure to be something to suit every space and level of gardening expertise. Those who are new to plant care can visit their local garden center and get all the help they need. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are able to give plenty of tips on planting, tending and nurturing the trees and shrubs. Even those with only a small city garden can get a smaller version of the shrub that fits nicely in a pot.

The trees and bushes do need some help getting started. The most important factor is choosing the right location. Well drained and fertile soil is the ideal. When the trees are planted they need plenty of water to get them started. The gardener or landscaper should also be sure to remove any extra growth along the branches. This will focus all of the energy on the flowers.

The trees do best in well drained soil that has been given some help with either fertilizer or enriched soil products. As it gets established the tree or shrub will need plenty of water. It is also a good idea to strip off any shoots or buds as these take nutrition away from the growing plant. Once the bush is well established it will require surprisingly little care or maintenance. In fact, they are able to handle even dry summer conditions very well.

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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