Thursday, October 24, 2013

Is The Crape Myrtle Your Type Of Plant

By Elena McDowell


When you look at a crape myrtle plant you may see a three foot shrub or a tree over thirty feet tall. They are a plant that has been cultivated into many different styles and multiple colored blossoms. They are originally from the Asian nations and flourish in India and Australia. They were introduced to Europe and North America in the seventeenth century. They do best in warmer climates around the equator.

With colors from dark ruby red to the deepest purples and whites the fifty or so varieties of myrtle seem to have something for everyone. The bark of these trees is generally smooth and light in color and sheds off in the winter months. A more durable and popular species comes with darker leaves and bark that was developed in Japan. This variety is becoming more desirable for commercial properties in their landscaping.

This is an example of a most desirable blooming tree. It can have blossoms on it constantly for over three months. You can also plant a seed in the spring and enjoy the flowers that season. These plants are very fast growers and easy to care for.

Easily grown, they do not need to be fertilized regularly and need no special preparations when put in the ground. They are hardy enough to adjust to most soil conditions and do well. A sunny spot is needed with good drainage. Too much water, where the ground becomes swampy, will cause the tree to fail.

Over kill when pruning is not advised. Too many people get carried away when topping the trees and containing the width of branches. This serves to ruin the natural looking shape of the plant and can also cause growth of sprouts from the base of the root system. Once done this condition is in all probability permanent.

The larger varieties of this tree can be used for lumber purposes. They have been used to build bridges as well as to create beautiful furniture. The wood has been proven to be strong as well as pliant and the uses for it are expanding. Another notable use for the timber is sleeper cars. The texture of the wood is so smooth and silky that it makes this one of the most appealing options.

A major benefit of this tree is found in East India where silk is made from the cocoons of caterpillars that prefer to dine on it's leaves. The silk is called tussar silk and is a very important part of life in India. The beautiful saris that are worn as traditional costuming among East Indian women are made from this fabric. It also is used for other clothing and crafts. It is considered a wild silk and the consumers view it with high regard.

The crape myrtle is a plant that will bring years of beauty to your life. They range from shrub to tree and have been developed to have a color that will suite most everyone. They also have uses beyond the yard decor they supply. If you are interested in plants that are easily cultivated and will give you first season blossoms you may want to look into getting one or more of these.




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