Who is ready for spring time? I generally appreciate cold weather, but this winter has really lasted way too long with too much horrible weather. Each warm day (above 40 degrees), I peek out my
office window with hope that I will see blooms on the flowering pear or
flowering cherry trees here at the nursery. Alas, none yet. To me, flowering
pear and Japanese cherry blossom trees are the first sure signs of spring. By
planting different flowering cherry varieties, such as Okame, Kwanzan,
and Yoshino, you can enjoy these flowering trees throughout most of
March, April and sometimes into May.
When you see crape myrtles in bloom, you know summer is in full swing. If
you have any crape myrtles in your landscape, now is the time to prune and
shape them. They always produce the largest and brightest blooms on new
growth. Yes, they can bloom on old wood to some extent, but those blooms are
never as full and brilliant as the ones on new wood. We've all seen crape
myrtles that have been unattended for years and they still bloom, but the
blooms never look that healthy.
If you're looking to plant crape myrtles, then there are a few things you
should know. Crape myrtle trees are associated with southern landscapes.
Although, many varieties are cold hardy as far north as into zone 6 be sure
to double check the growing zones on the individual plants. Always plant
them in full sun. If they are planted in an area that is only limited sun or
is shaded part of the day by a building or other tree, they will not bloom
as well or at all. That is the number factor when this plant variety doesn't
bloom properly.
I have included a link to the University of Georgia Extension site with a
page full on information about pruning crape myrtles, watering,
and fertilizing. This is my favorite site on caring for crape
myrtles. It also mentions the many different varieties of this plant with
their height range and flower color.
http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/thomas/anr/documents/CrapeMyrtleCulture_C944.pdf
Because of the longer blooming time of crape myrtles during summer and their
unusual bark adding great winter interest to landscapes, this plant species
is on my list of investment plants.
See you on Greenwood Nursery Facebook!
Cheryl
