CREPE MYRTLES
The Crepe myrtle is one of those small urban trees that is now becoming one of the major plants associated with southern landscapes. This tree has many uses in the landscape and is being grown as a street/urban tree. Often the root zones of urban trees are restricted but the Crepe Myrtle flourishes in these sites.Showy summer flowers, brightly colored fall leaves, and attractive peeling bark add to their beauty in the landscape.
One topic concerning the Crepe myrtle that deserves attention and most definitely discussion is the correct way to prune a Crepe. All crepe myrtles bloom on new wood. Winter or early spring pruning will increase next summer's flowers, but don't overdo it. Too many Crepe myrtles are chopped off (topped) to the point all that's left are 3 - 4 foot tall stubs of a former tree that may have been 12 - 15 feet tall.
Crepe myrtles can be kept in shrub form by pruning, but this decision should be made while the plant is young and not 8 or 10 years later. If you have an area where a small Crepe myrtle is needed, I would suggest planting some of the nice dwarf varieties now available on the market:
- 'Centennial', 3 foot shrub, bright purple blooms
- 'Hopi', 7 foot tall very wide shrub, medium pink blooms
- 'Prairie Lace', 10 foot shrub, medium pink blooms edged in white
- 'Victor', 3 foot shrub, dark red blooms
- 'Zuni', 9 foot tall very wide shrub, medium lavender blooms
Mark Blevins ,
Horticulture Agent
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