In what kind of environment does the crape myrtle grow with more advantages

Alternative names

The crape myrtle is a woody plant of the small tree or deciduous shrub type, and has alternative names such as "Hundred-day red", "Mantang red", "Mosquito flower" and "Itch tree".

Morphological characteristics

The crape myrtle tree grows up to about 7 m tall, the bark of the tree is gray or brown, relatively smooth to the touch, most branches grow twisted, and the twigs are relatively slender.

The leaves of the crape myrtle are papery leaves that are obovate, (elliptic, broadly oblong) round.

Crape myrtle flowers come in rich colors such as rose red, deep pink, bright red, purple and white, the diameter of the flowers is about 3-4 cm, and the flowering period is usually in the flower-scarce autumn and lasts a long time, which is why it is also named "Hundred-day red".

Growth habits

The crape myrtle is suitable for growing in a warm, humid, sunny environment, and can also accept a semi-shady environment.

Growth requires sufficient fertilizer, and the planting soil is best a fertile, deep sandy soil; both acidic soil and calcareous soil are acceptable.

In terms of humidity, the crape myrtle is best planted in moist soil, has a certain adaptability to dry environments, but is afraid of waterlogging, so when planting in the ground one must not choose low-lying wet spots with a high groundwater level.

The crape myrtle also has a relatively strong resistance to pollution, and can to a certain extent resist pollution from sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride and chlorine gas, etc.

Value and uses

Ornamental value: The crape myrtle flower has long had the fine name "Hundred-day red", and the flowers, roots and trunks in the bonsai made from it all have good ornamental value. Crape myrtles planted in courtyards, parks and along roads also have a good greening function.

Use value: The trunk wood of the crape myrtle tree is hard and has good rot resistance, and can be used as material for furniture, construction and farm tools.

Medicinal value: After the leaves of the crape myrtle are used as medicine, they can dispel wind and disperse blood stasis, and also have effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and stopping bleeding and reducing swelling.

Flower language

The crape myrtle flower represents "obsessive love", and also has different symbolic meanings such as "good luck", "women" and "eloquence".