How to Buy a Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are ornamental, colorful trees that are widely planted in the South. They are popular because they tolerate heat, humidity and drought well. They provide flowers all summer and colorful foliage in the fall. If you want an easy to care for tree that will stage a showy display of color in your yard, you will want to buy a crepe myrtle. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine your growing zone. Many gardening books and the Department of Agriculture have maps of growing zones. You will want to pick a variety of crepe myrtle that grows well in your growing zone.
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Choose the size of tree you want. Crepe myrtles come in all sizes. There are dwarf shrubs and large shrubs and trees from 8- to 40-feet tall. You could select the variety Victor, which grows to only 3 feet tall, if you have a small space or Biloxi, which grows to 30 feet for a large open area.
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Opt for a mildew resistant variety if that is a problem in your area. The National Arboretum hybrids are mildew-resistant and include Natchez, Tonto, White Chocolate, Acoma, Biloxi, Muskogee and Osage.
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Select the color of tree that will work well in your landscape. Crepe myrtles come in many shades including white, red, pink, lavender and purple. You may want to consider the fall color as well. There are so many varieties out there now. Do your research and ask for the specific variety that you want instead of a color like white.
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Pick a healthy plant. Buy only labeled trees so you know what you are getting. Trees in containers will establish themselves faster.
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Tips & Warnings
Since crepe myrtles are hybrid plants, they do not grow true from seed. It is best to buy them as trees.
Plant your crepe myrtle in full sun.
