When you look at a crape myrtle plant you may see a three foot shrub or a tree over thirty feet tall. They are a plant that has been cultivated into many different styles and multiple colored blossoms. They are originally from the Asian nations and flourish in India and Australia. They were introduced to Europe and North America in the seventeenth century. They do best in warmer climates around the equator.
There are at least fifty different varieties of myrtle and the colors range from a deep purple to shades of red to white and every shade in between. They generally have light colored bark that sheds off during the winter months. The Japanese variety has a darker leaves and bark that help it to be more disease resistant. It is also more resistant to colder weather and this is allowing it to become more popular for commercial landscaping and garden decor.
These trees and bushes have the longest blooming cycle of any other plant. They can remain in bloom for up to one hundred twenty days. It is said that you can go from seed to blooms in one season. These two positive factors cause them to be in high demand for homes and businesses.
These plants can grow in nearly any soil. The do not need special treatments or adages to the site you select. They require only a sunny, moist well drained spot and they will flourish. You must be careful not to allow the ground to become soggy though. This can damage the roots and cause molds and other diseases to happen. If molds do appear they can be easily controlled with an organic spray used on the underside of leaves.
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.
Another facet of this tree is it's timber. It is prized for it's strength and beauty. Common uses include furniture, sleeping cars and bridges. The look and feel of the wood makes beautiful furniture that needs minimal sanding or smoothing. The same beauty gives the sleeper cars a look of luxury while being strong enough to carry a heavy load when necessary.
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.
Crape myrtles are a very durable plant or tree that thrives in temperate climates and have many uses beyond being beautiful. In most settings they can be found to be a multiple stemmed shrub and have been cultivated into single and dual trunked trees. They are easy to grow and with sun, moist soil and good drainage they will give you years of pleasure in your yard or business.
There are at least fifty different varieties of myrtle and the colors range from a deep purple to shades of red to white and every shade in between. They generally have light colored bark that sheds off during the winter months. The Japanese variety has a darker leaves and bark that help it to be more disease resistant. It is also more resistant to colder weather and this is allowing it to become more popular for commercial landscaping and garden decor.
These trees and bushes have the longest blooming cycle of any other plant. They can remain in bloom for up to one hundred twenty days. It is said that you can go from seed to blooms in one season. These two positive factors cause them to be in high demand for homes and businesses.
These plants can grow in nearly any soil. The do not need special treatments or adages to the site you select. They require only a sunny, moist well drained spot and they will flourish. You must be careful not to allow the ground to become soggy though. This can damage the roots and cause molds and other diseases to happen. If molds do appear they can be easily controlled with an organic spray used on the underside of leaves.
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.
Another facet of this tree is it's timber. It is prized for it's strength and beauty. Common uses include furniture, sleeping cars and bridges. The look and feel of the wood makes beautiful furniture that needs minimal sanding or smoothing. The same beauty gives the sleeper cars a look of luxury while being strong enough to carry a heavy load when necessary.
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.
Crape myrtles are a very durable plant or tree that thrives in temperate climates and have many uses beyond being beautiful. In most settings they can be found to be a multiple stemmed shrub and have been cultivated into single and dual trunked trees. They are easy to grow and with sun, moist soil and good drainage they will give you years of pleasure in your yard or business.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire