On the hunt for a beautiful tree with great value to plant in your garden? Look no further. With gorgeous paper-like flowers, the white crepe myrtle will make a stunning addition to any space.
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When it comes to crepe myrtles, there are many shapes and sizes to choose. You may be familiar with the fuchsia pink or mauve flower types. But for white flowers, its the Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’ you’re looking for.
How to grow white crepe myrtle
Aspect
White crepe myrtle need plenty of sunshine, look for the sunniest spots in your garden.
Climate
Most Aussie climates are suitable as they are a dry tolerant plant.
Soil
White crepe myrtle require well-drained and rich soil, but will take to most conditions. If the soil is heavy or clay based improve the drainage by adding some gypsum and fork in well.
Water
When they are young, water regularly during the first 8-12 weeks until the plant is established. Then continue to water during dry periods until the plant develops a trunk. Once established as they are drought tolerant, minimal water is needed.
Fertiliser
Fertilise when planting to ensure good growth and great flowering, and again after new growth appears. Established trees don’t need much more than a yearly feed of organic fertiliser, manure or compost in spring.
Pruning
Prune tree when planting to encourage new growth. In autumn, prune once the leaves start to fall to prepare the plant for flowering and a dense growth habit in summer. Or deadhead after the first flowers to keep an elegant shape and encourage a second flower flush.
Foliage
In summer, clusters of spectacular white, crepe-paper like flowers will grace your garden. Following this, the dark green leaves add further interest as they turn into a rich bronze-red colour in Autumn. The bark is also a feature as it ages with brown and greyish mottled smooth bark on the larger branches and trunk.
Where to plant white crepe myrtle in your garden
Although small, this deciduous tree creates great interest throughout the year and will eventually grow to about 8m high and 6m wide.
White crepe myrtle can be pruned into either a bush or a tree. Bush forms require little to no pruning, and as a result, develop their own natural shape. But the lack of pruning does lead to fewer flowering heads.
For a more distinct tree as opposed to a natural-looking bush, regular pruning is a must. Your efforts in cutting back branches will lead to an abundance of flower heads.
Front yard
- A standout feature plant for summer gardens.
- Plants look outstanding on mass, planted along a fence line or driveway.
Backyard
- Ideal for light screening, topiary, hedge planting and large containers.
- Crepe myrtle makes the perfect edition to backyards as a single specimen plant and is widely used in council strips and common areas.
Recommended planting months by state:
- NSW – All year
- ACT – All year
- SA – All year
Recommended flowering months by state:
- NSW – Jan, Dec, Feb
- ACT – Jan, Dec, Feb
- SA – Feb, Jan, Dec
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