Crape myrtles, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia, are popular ornamental trees or shrubs known for their beautiful and long-lasting summer flowers.
Here are some interesting facts about crape myrtles:
Variety of Colors: Crape myrtles are famous for their vibrant and diverse flower colors, which range from white, pink, and red to purple and lavender.
Long Blooming Season: One of the most appealing features of crape myrtles is their lengthy blooming period. They typically flower from late spring through the summer, and sometimes into early fall.
Exfoliating Bark: Many varieties of crape myrtle have a distinctive exfoliating bark, which peels back to reveal a smooth, mottled underbark. This adds to their ornamental appeal, especially in winter.
Drought Tolerance: Crape myrtles are known for being drought-tolerant once established, making them a good choice for areas with less rainfall or water restrictions.
Variety of Sizes: They come in various sizes, from small shrubs to large trees, allowing them to be used in a wide range of landscaping projects. Dwarf varieties are popular for small gardens or container planting.
Sun Loving: Crape myrtles thrive in full sunlight and require a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day to bloom best.
Pruning Practices: Proper pruning is essential for the health and flowering of crape myrtles. However, "crape murder," an extreme over-pruning technique, is discouraged as it can harm the tree and reduce flowering.
Pest Resistance: They are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, although they can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aphid infestations, especially when stressed.
Cultural Significance: In addition to their ornamental use, crape myrtles are also valued in certain cultures for their symbolic meanings. In Chinese culture, for example, they are associated with luck and good fortune.
Wide Range of Cultivars: There are many cultivars of crape myrtle available, bred for different flower colors, plant sizes, and disease resistances, allowing gardeners to choose the perfect variety for their landscape.
Crape myrtles are a beloved feature in many landscapes, valued for their beauty, versatility, and relative ease of care.
Unusal facts about Crape myrtle
Crape myrtles, known for their vivid flowers and appealing bark, also have some unusual and lesser-known facts associated with them. Here are a few:
Natural Thermometers: Some varieties of crape myrtle can act as natural thermometers. Their leaves can change color in response to temperature changes, giving an indication of the weather.
Historical Significance in Medicine: Traditionally, in some cultures, parts of the crape myrtle tree were used for medicinal purposes. Its roots and bark, for instance, were used in herbal medicine for their purported healing properties.
Edible Aspects: Surprisingly, certain parts of the crape myrtle are edible. The flowers can be used in salads and have a mildly spicy taste, somewhat akin to nasturtiums.
Lagerstroemia Indica and Lagerstroemia Fauriei Hybridization: The common garden crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) was hybridized with the Japanese crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei) to create varieties that are more resistant to disease, particularly powdery mildew, which was a common problem in humid climates.
Symbol of Resilience in the American South: After the Civil War, crape myrtles were planted extensively in the Southern United States as symbols of resilience and renewal. They thrived in the warm climate and became a staple in Southern gardens.
Honey Production: Bees are attracted to crape myrtle flowers, and the honey produced from these flowers is light and flavorful, although it's not as commonly found as honey from other floral sources.
Used in Bonsai Art: While typically grown as shrubs or trees, crape myrtles are also popular in the art of bonsai. Their small leaves, attractive bark, and showy flowers make them excellent candidates for bonsai cultivation.
Long Lifespan: Some crape myrtle trees can live for over 50 years, making them a long-term investment in landscaping. They can continue to provide beauty with minimal care for decades.
Attracts Wildlife: Besides bees, crape myrtles are known to attract various birds and butterflies, adding to the biodiversity of the garden environment.
Cultural Symbolism in Asia: In some Asian cultures, crape myrtle is a symbol of love and beauty. It's often associated with romance and is a common motif in art and literature.
These unusual aspects of crape myrtles highlight their multifaceted nature and contribute to their popularity and significance in different cultures and environments.
