Dynamite Crape Myrtle
From PlantWiki
| Crape Myrtle Trees |
|---|
|
| Species |
| Lagerstroemia |
Contents |
History
A member of the Lagerstroemia family, the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is an ornamental tree that is native to specific areas of Asia. The Dynamite variety of the Crape Myrtle was introduced to us in 1997 by Dr. Carl Whitcomb.
Marco Polo brought crape myrtle seeds with him from the Orient and delivered them to Europe. The Crape Myrtle is truly an Old World ornamental and some of the original specimens can still be found in the Colonial Williamsburg Virginia, USA in the Governor’s Palace’s gardens. 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
Dynamite Crape Myrtle have bright red blooms and glossy green leaves. The trunk of the Dynamite exfoliates in thin sections and reveals a variety of grays and browns. Expect the flowers to bloom on the Dynamite spring through fall, for 120 days. These beautiful trees will grow approximately 3 feet per year. The red blooms on the Dynamite are a real show stopper. The bright cherry-red is a perfect accent or focal point for landscaping. The Dynamite is one of the hardiest varieties of Crape Myrtles available. It is excellent at mildew, disease and insect resistance. 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 [Dynamite Crape Myrtle] at maturity will reach 20-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide.
Uses
Due to their beautiful blooms and foliage the Dynamite 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 Dynamite Crepe Myrtle is also a favorite among commercial landscapers because of its versatility. It offers beauty, stunning cherry red color and low maintenance.
Home Uses
The [Dynamite Crape Myrtle] is a larger ornamental tree. It 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 Dynamite Crape Myrtle can assist in lowering your cooling costs in the summer months. This tree can provide excellent privacy when grouped or planted in rows. Another beneficial aspect of the Dynamite Crape Myrtle is its excellent drought tolerance and the fact that it really enjoys hot climates.