Last month I wrote about the Chinese Pistache because of its brilliant fall colors, which even now should be in full blaze around the county. This month I well elaborate on another full color plant. The Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is not well known for its fall color, but can add bright red, orange, and yellows to the autumnal landscape.

The Crape Myrtle is often confused with the true myrtle (Myrtus communis). The true myrtle is a small bush with fine textured growth. It does very well in Cochise County. The Crape Myrtle is a large bush or small tree with larger leaves than the true myrtle. Lagerstroemia is actually a plant for all seasons. It is perhaps best known for its brightly colored crepe-like flowers seen in the spring. They come in loud colors from white to pink and lavender. These blossoms are in long clusters. The myrtle is often pruned into a small tree so the flowers are at eye level which makes them more noticeable in the spring.

In the summer the myrtle is an attractive small tree or bush. It has many applications in a small garden with limited space. With pruning and some up keep, the bare winter structure of the myrtle can be very appealing. The light-colored bark and small form can add to the winter landscape.

Not just any myrtle will do for our area. They have a problem with fungus. Therefore, it is best to use a variety with an Indian name, such as Catawba, Cherokee, Potomac, Seminole, and Powhatan. They are all resistant to mildew. There are also some new hybrids which are billed as very mildew resistant. They are Natchez, Tuscarora, and Moskogee.

The myrtles come in all sizes: standards, dwarfs, and even varieties which can be grown from seed in hanging pots or baskets. There is sure to be a place for one in your garden.