Arapaho Crape Myrtle
From PlantWiki
| Arapaho Crape Myrtle |
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| Species |
| Lagerstroemia |
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History
A member of the Lagerstroemia family, the Arapaho Crape Myrtle is an ornamental tree that is native to specific areas of Asia. In fact, Marco Polo brought seeds with him from the Orient and delivered them to Europe. The crape myrtle is truly an Old World ornamental and original specimens can still be found in the colonial gardens of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia, US. The common crape myrtle was also introduced further south on the Eastern Shore of the United States in Charleston, South Carolina by Andre Michaux, a French botanist in 1790.
Characteristics
Arapaho Crape Myrtles have a stunning appearance. Their bright red blooms and glossy dark green leaves combine with exfoliating bark on the trunk to make it a show stopper. Expect flowers to bloom on the Arapaho from July until October. The Arapaho Crape Myrtle Trees is also the fastest growing variety of crape myrtles. The typical Arapaho grows 3-5 feet per year. Not only is the Arapaho a fast grower, it’s beautiful and loves hot climates.
Because the Arapaho is a hybrid of three species of crape myrtles it has an increased tolerance to powdery mildew and cold temperatures. Arapaho Crape Myrtles are deciduous and prefer to be planted in full sun. Quite often the blooms can open as fuchsia or dark pink in the younger trees or if the tree is planted in the shade. The Arapaho is a tall crape myrtle but when properly placed should require little pruning.
Uses
Due to their beautiful blooms and foliage the Arapaho Crape Myrtle has a variety of uses. They do very well as a tree hedge, a barrier or as a garden focal point. Quite often you will see Crape Myrtles planted along side streets and highways. Many municipalities find crape myrtles the perfect choice for public gardens and parks. The Arapaho Crape Myrtle is also a favorite among commercial landscapers because of its versatility. It offers beauty, high impact color and low maintenance.
Home Uses
The Arapaho Crape Myrtle will mature to approximately 15-25 feet tall and 15 feet wide. This tree is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. The bright, red blooms that will be added to your landscaping will be breathtaking. The shade this tree can provide will be enjoyed by everyone in the family. When placed in just the right spot the Arapaho Crape Myrtle can help cut your cooling costs in the summer months. This tree can provide excellent privacy when grouped or planted in rows.
Because the ultimate size of this crape myrtle is semi-compact it is an excellent choice for smaller yards and gardening areas. Another beneficial aspect of the Arapaho Crape Myrtle is its excellent drought and heat tolerance. As mentioned early, the fact that this particular crape myrtle is a hybrid and this helps it to be much more resistant to diseases.