(Lagerstroemia), If you are wondering which spelling is correct (
Crape Myrtle, Crapemyrtle, Crepe Myrtle, or Crepemyrtle
), they are all acceptable and any may be seen on plant tags, in an article or web search. Crape Myrtle is probably the most used common name in California.
What is the difference between a crepe myrtle and a crape myrtle?
The traditional Southern spelling is “Crepe Myrtle” (because the delicate flowers resemble crepe paper). However, across the US, it is more commonly found as “Crape Myrtle”. … In addition, the American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia uses the spelling, “Crape Myrtle”.
How do you spell crape myrtle tree?
Commonly called the “lilac of the South,” the spelling of this tree is a litmus test of geographic origins.
Crepe myrtle
is the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling; north of some unspecified crepe-myrtle line, it becomes crape myrtle.
What is so bad about crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially
trouble-free small trees
. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold.
Are crepe myrtles good trees?
Whether you spell it crape or crepe (keep in mind that the Crape Myrtle Society of America uses the “a”), or play it safe with the universal Latin name Lagerstroemia, the
versatile shrubs and trees
are sturdy backbone plants that provide both lush summer flowers and striking winter texture; many have intense orange, …
Is it pronounced crepe or crape?
Most Americans
pronounce the two words the same
, to rhyme with “ape.” If you want to spell it the French way, you’ll need to add a circumflex over the first E: crêpe, and pronounce it to rhyme with “step.” Even if you use the French form you’re likely to sound the final S in plural crêpes, though a real French speaker …
What does crepe myrtle symbolize?
Crape Myrtle:
Love, beauty longevity, good fortune
. … The flowers it produces are considered to be the flowers of the gods, sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Throughout history, many cultures have believed that cultivating a crape myrtle will bring love and peace to your family.
What happens if you don’t prune crepe myrtles?
Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it’s done,
it ruins the tree’s graceful natural shape for the rest of its life
.
Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?
Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose
a bright sunny spot
for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.
Which crape myrtle is the best?
Natchez
is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.
What kills crepe myrtle?
Glyphosate
kills virtually any plant it touches. Herbicides containing glyphosate may be painted on freshly cut stumps or sprayed onto the foliage to kill the crape myrtle.
What animal eats crepe myrtles?
Goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches, cardinals, and house and white-throated sparrows
visit the trees continually from early December through late February to devour the abundant seed crop that crape myrtles provide.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
A crepe myrtle lifespan can
exceed 50 years
. So that’s the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.
Can I plant a crepe myrtle next to my house?
You
can plant crape myrtle near the foundation as they have non-invasive roots
, according to Dayton Nursery. However, be sure to plant them far enough away from the foundation and the building so the shrub can grow to its full size without being blocked by the building.
Do crape myrtle trees have invasive roots?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. … You don’t have to worry about this issue because
crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
What month do crepe myrtles bloom?
The lovely, long-lasting blooms make them attractive. Most years, crape myrtles start blooming
between mid-May and early June
. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety.
