Re: crape myrtles

**"* B* <r*@gmail.com>**

Crape myrtles are marginally hardy here in Cincinnati (USDA Zone 6, although
a much warmer 6 than my old digs in western Connecticut). I've seen some
beautiful large specimens here, usually planted in a protected spot close to
a building or to pavement that radiates enough stored heat to serve as a
microclimate.

The plants were absolutely gorgeous this year, when we had record-breaking
heat (and drought). One grower told me not to count on plants being
top-hardy, however -- more like Buddleia. This same grower also told me that
plants need 90 days of night temps in the 70s to set buds; in a cool year,
she said you'll get no flowers at all. Dirr doesn't mention this, and 90
days seems like a very long time to me -- but this grower is a native here
and grows the most splendid plants (West Hills Greenhouses, for anyone in
the area). So I'll be very interested to hear about how the crape myrtles do
in areas with shorter summers. But it sounds as though Lorraine's do well
enough to be worth the trouble of protecting them.

The crape myrtles in SW Ohio started blooming in August, and continued
through September (when we had not a drop of rain, and too many days when
temps hit 100+). We have a white-flowered one at my office, but based on its
performance, I wouldn't recommend it. Yes, it bloomed a lot and for a long
time, but the spent blooms look like brown rags and detract from the plant's
appearance. Deadheading a mature specimen would take forever, and/or a
ladder. On the other hand, I coveted a hot pink one I drive by every day.
It's next to a brick house in an older, not-prosperous neighborhood, and was
stunning for many, many weeks.

I recall seeing a planting of Lagerstroemia at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
(USDA Zone 7?, warm 6?) 15 years ago -- they were near the rose garden, and
I think were selections from the National Arboretum.

Renée Beaulieu
2882 Erie Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45208

www.reneebeaulieu.blogspot.com

V 513-322-0384
Mobile 513-702-9242
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