Crepe Myrtles Measure Up

The South's favorite tree offers a wide range of sizes.

Bountiful blooms may be the number one reason to plant a crepe myrtle, but before you settle on a color, take a few minutes to consider which size and shape are best for your landscape. The selections vary widely, so choose carefully.

Few plants boast the range of heights that crepe myrtles offer, extending from 2 feet to 40 feet. Shapes can be compact and round, narrow and tall, broad, or even arching. They are versatile as well. Smaller selections such as weeping 'Pocomoke' work perfectly in containers, while the big ones such as 'Natchez' and 'Tuskegee' need room to spread out (see the box below).

Easy To Find, Easy To Grow

You won't have to look long to find a nursery that sells crepe myrtles, but do your homework before going shopping. Young, small plants grow fast and are easier to establish than older, larger ones, because they don't require as much watering and often don't need staking.

Plant crepe myrtles in sunny sites with good air circulation; stuffy areas encourage mildew. Always ask for selections that offer good mildew resistance to avoid this common problem. You can plant them now-even if they're in bloom. Water well to ensure vigorous root growth and prepare trees to handle possible drought in years to come.

For more information on selections, see pages 380 and 381 of the new Southern Living Garden Book. To find out how to prune, visit southernliving. com/features. REBECCA BULL REED

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2005
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