What does crape myrtle look like?
Crape myrtle, as a common ornamental plant, has attracted much attention on social platforms and gardening enthusiasts in recent years. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to what crape myrtle looks like from its appearance characteristics, growth habits, cultural implications, etc.
1. Appearance characteristics of crape myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica (scientific name: Lagerstroemia indica) is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the genus Lagerstroemia in the family Lagerstroemia. The following are the main appearance characteristics of crape myrtle:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| bark | Smooth, gray-brown, often flaking |
| blade | Opposite or nearly opposite, oval to obovate, 3-7 cm long |
| flowers | The panicle is terminal, with 6 petals, wrinkled, and various colors. |
| flowering period | From June to September, the flowering period lasts about 100 days. |
| fruit | Capsule is elliptical and spherical, about 1 cm in diameter |
2. Growth habits of crape myrtle
According to recent sharings from gardening bloggers, the growth habits of crape myrtle have the following characteristics:
| growth conditions | Specific requirements |
|---|---|
| light | Likes a sunny environment and tolerates semi-shade |
| temperature | Strong cold resistance, can withstand low temperatures of -15℃ |
| soil | Strong adaptability, preferably fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil |
| Moisture | Tolerant to drought, avoid stagnant water |
| reproduce | Sowing, cutting and dividing can be done |
3. The cultural meaning of crape myrtle
Recently, on cultural social media, there has been a lot of discussion about the cultural connotation of crape myrtle:
| cultural symbol | meaning |
|---|---|
| Auspicious | Traditionally, crape myrtle is believed to bring good luck |
| longevity | Because of its long flowering period, it symbolizes longevity |
| Official luck | In ancient times, crape myrtle was called "official flower" |
| love | In some areas, it is regarded as a token of love |
4. Horticultural applications of crape myrtle
According to the data shared by gardening bloggers in the past 10 days, the application of crape myrtle in gardens mainly takes the following forms:
| Application form | Features | Popular varieties |
|---|---|---|
| street trees | Resistant to pruning and staining | common crape myrtle |
| bonsai | Beautiful shape and high ornamental value | Dwarf crape myrtle |
| hedge | Long flowering period, rich colors | Clustered crape myrtle |
| Garden planting | The landscape changes significantly throughout the four seasons | Lagerstroemia grandiflorum |
5. Key points for care of crape myrtle
Based on the recent discussion hot spots on the gardening Q&A platform, the following points should be paid attention to in the care of crape myrtle:
| Maintenance project | best time | Operational points |
|---|---|---|
| pruning | After falling leaves in winter | Keep 3-5 main branches and shorten side branches |
| fertilize | spring before budding | Mainly organic fertilizers, combined with compound fertilizers |
| Pest and disease control | growing season | Focus on controlling aphids and powdery mildew |
| watering | summer drought | Avoid standing water and keep soil moist |
6. Classification of crape myrtle varieties
Recently, plant taxonomy enthusiasts shared information on the main varieties of crape myrtle on social platforms:
| Variety name | Color | Features |
|---|---|---|
| common crape myrtle | pink to purple | most common varieties |
| Yinwei | white | flowers white |
| Cuiwei | blue purple | Unique colors |
| Hongwei | deep red | colorful |
To sum up, crape myrtle has become an indispensable ornamental plant in summer gardens with its beautiful tree shape, long flowering period and rich cultural connotation. Whether used as street trees, courtyard trees or bonsai materials, crape myrtles can add unique charm to the environment. I hope that through the introduction of this article, you can have a more comprehensive understanding of crape myrtle.
check the details
check the details
en
