Flowering Trees

Pink Crepe Myrtle

Why Pink Crepe Myrtle is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden Pink Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a popular ornamental tree or shrub known for its stunning pink blooms, attractive bark, and long flowering period. Due to its vibrant color and low-maintenance needs, it is widely planted in gardens and landscapes, particularly in warm climates. Pink Crepe Myrtles bloom from mid-summer through fall, typically from June to September. The long bloom period makes them great for adding summer color to gardens. The blooms grow in large, showy clusters (called panicles) that can last for several weeks. How to Care for Your Pink Crepe Myrtle for Vibrant Summer Blooms Pink Crepe Myrtle is prevalent in the South, but you don't need to be a Southerner to swoon over this remarkable specimen. It's hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 9. Some varieties can tolerate Zone 6, especially with winter protection, such as applying a thick mulch around the roots to protect them from freezing temperatures. Depending on the variety, Crepe Mrytle can grow as a small tree or shrub, ranging from 10 to 30 feet tall. The leaves are green in spring, and often turn orange, yellow, or red in the fall, adding seasonal color. To establish roots, young crepe myrtles should be watered regularly, especially in their first year after planting. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but should still be watered during extended dry periods. Crepe myrtles thrive in full sunlight, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering. They bloom more profusely when exposed to ample sun. Crepe Myrtles bloom period is typically from mid-summer to early fall, with their peak bloom season occurring from June to September in most regions. The exact timing can vary. In warmer climates, like the southern United States, they may start blooming as early as late May and continue into October. The flowers grow in clusters at the branches' tips and are vibrant against the tree's smooth, peeling bark. If you deadhead (remove spent flowers), many varieties will produce a second round of blooms later in the season. Top Benefits of Planting Pink Crepe Myrtle in Your Landscape Light pruning in late winter or early spring encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Avoid heavy pruning (sometimes called "Crepe Murder") as it can damage the natural shape and reduce blooms. A balanced fertilizer in the early spring helps boost bloom production, but be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Crepe Myrtles are generally pest-resistant but can be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, or sooty mold if the conditions are too humid or shady. Pink Crepe Myrtles pair beautifully with perennials like lavender, salvia, daylilies, and other flowering shrubs like roses or butterfly bushes. Its attractive blooms, bark, and fall color make Pink Crepe Myrtle an excellent choice for Specimen trees in gardens, Hedgerows, Driveways, and sidewalk borders. Pink Crepe Myrtle is often used in city landscapes due to its tolerance to heat, humidity, and pollution.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree

Why the Kwanzan Cherry Tree is Perfect for Your Garden Landscape The Kwanzan Cherry Tree is the most attractive fruit type. Properly placed and planted, it continues to outshine other varieties. During the world-famous Washington D.C. cherry festival, most exploding in color are varied.  This beautiful type is popular because it produces gorgeous blossoms with double the number of petals. Indeed, each blossom looks like a beautiful flower within another flower.  Since the blossoms predominately grow in clusters, they often appear covered with many tiny roses. Even when the Cherry blossoms fade away, bronze-colored leaves replace them. These leaves become a dark yet glossy green for the warm summer season. In fall, the color show continues as a brilliant yellow-orange color awaits the cold first frost of winter. How to Care for Your Kwanzan Cherry Tree for Stunning Spring Blooms  Americans first learned about them when Japan sent many thousands to the American capital city. They were an instant success and prompted the annual Cherry Blossom Festival that has occurred for years in the nation's capital. They grow to an average height of 30 to 40 feet and are often slightly more comprehensive than taller. Their maximum height is also 40 feet. They do best in locations that receive a full day's sunlight. They grow in almost every soil type, including alkaline or acidic soils. They are relatively tolerant of drought but do not do well in the ground that becomes compacted. The Kwanzan Cherry tree can be grown in large pots for a time. It does well in parks, on its own, or lining a city's promenade, driveway, or motorway. Because soils near roadways tend to dry out and become compacted, the lifespan is less in those areas. It lives for 25 -30 years when planted in wet but well-drained soil. Top Benefits of Planting a Kwanzan Cherry Tree in Your Yard East of the Rocky Mountains, it grows well everywhere except in the farthest north and hottest southern areas. They are considered flowering ornamental and have an average height of 30 to 40 feet with a similar width range. Often, it grows slightly more comprehensive than it is tall. When properly pruned, the shape is generally classified as vase-shaped. Insect pests that can affect it are the typical type that attempts to infest fruit types. These are borers, spider mites, and aphids. They typically survive infestation by performing regular inspections to provide prompt treatment. The Kwanzan Cherry tree variety has been bred for its beauty, not its fruit.