Tree of the Month: Crape Myrtle

John Eisenhower of Integrity SavATree talks about the Tree of the Month, the Crape Myrtle!

Tree of the Month: #CrapeMyrtle

Form: Shrub

Seasonality: Perennial

Size: 25 feet tall

Leaves: Spiraled, simple, elliptical, 1 1/2 to 3 inches long, dark green on top, pale green on the bottom

Flowers: Crinkly-petals, crepe-like 1 - 1.5 inch flowers in dense clusters range from pink to red

Fruit: Dry, 6 parted, brown capsule in upright spikes, each capsule 1/2 inch long

Stems/Trunks: Multi-stemmed, gray brown bark, smooth, exfoliating and exposing shades of brown, reddish brown and green, stems tending upright

Range/Origin: China, Korea

Hardiness: Sunset zones 7-10, 12-14, 18-21, H1, H2; USDA: 7-10

Comments: Seasonal litter, No thorns

Cultural Requirements:

Exposure: Full sun

Water: Moderate

Soil: Most well drained soils

Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering

Maintenance: Low, prune in winter to encourage blooming

For more info view the full plant specifications from University of Arizona's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences: Cooperative Extension | Crape Myrtle

Home Maintenance Calendar | #RejuvenationPruning & #CrapeMyrtle

Podcast

John Eisenhower and Sarah Maitland discuss the Tree Of The Month: The Crepe Myrtle! A colorful accent for your home. Tips on pruning deciduous trees past December-January. Proper irrigation around your trees to avoid over or under watering. Fertilization techniques. Caller questions on proper care for a transplanted ocotillo and a tangerine tree that's looking shabby.

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