Re:RE: Lagerstroemia in coastal central California (minor co


David wrote:

"Cheryl and Jason,

The most commonly planted Crape myrtle tree varieties
in the coastal bay area  are usually the x
fauriei/indica hybrids, named after various Indian
tribes, as mentioned previously.  I have one in my
Berkeley garden which blooms vigorously in a warm
summer, and only so so in a typical cooler one.  The
one I have is 'Tuscarora' which is a magenta/deep pink
in color.  They do much better near Lake Merritt,
Oakland where it is warmer in the days; night time
temperatures do not seem to be the critical factor
here in northern California, as they are fully hardy
to our worst cold.  I would suggest that they are less
than satisfactory bloomers anywhere the summer day
time highs are below 75F on average, but do great just
over the hills in Orinda..."

The Nat'l Arboretum hybrids are doing well in the even warmer Oakland
"banana
belt" areas like the Laurel and the Fruitvale districts. A lot have been
planted
as street trees over the past five years or so and the oldest of these are
blooming now. So far I haven't seen mildew on them so 
they may actually be as resistant as advertised which is a hopeful thing.
Even without the flowers they make handsome trees. The bark is lovely.

Does anyone know if they object to persistent wind?

Deborah Lindsay 
Oakland, Ca.
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index