Varieties for Sale in Australia
Although not the perfect tree, Crepe Myrtle Trees or ‘Lagerstoemia Indica’ are a favourite summer flowering ornamental tree. They come in a range of flower colours and varieties for sale include large medium and dwarf forms. ‘Purple Lace’ pictured right is a Dwarf cultivar. Some varieties have good autumn colour as well, making them a valuable addition to the garden through much of the year.
Brilliant flowers, drought tolerant and wonderful bark. With new cultivars and dwarf forms available form sale online, Crepe Myrtles deserve a position in many gardens and are readily available from Garden Centres, Nurseries, Mail Order Nurseries and Specialist Nurseries.
Lagerstroemia ‘Tonto’ is a favorite with brilliant red flowers. Now we said that these were not the ‘perfect tree’ and this is for a few reasons, remember to avoid damaging the root systems of these trees, damage can cause the roots to ‘sucker’. Secondly they are a little suspect to powdery mildew, although new cultivars are claimed to be resistent, and if you can plant them where they get good air flow it should be no problem anyway. As for buying them cheap, forget it, a few ‘backyard nurseries’ are selling cultivars that just seem to struggle to flower, thats a problem you would wish to avoid.
In the garden, Lagerstroemia indica are a great small tree for smaller gardens, many have a relatively compact growth habit 3-5m, although taller growing varieties (to 9m) are available. Miniature varieties are also available and these will grow to approx 1m by 1m, which makes then great for growing in containers. Most varieties have great flowers, interesting bark and once established relatively drought tolerant.
Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica Plant Profile Care and Growing Hints
All varieties, do need a well drained position, and do well in a humus rich moist soil, full sun is best and keep well mulched. Water regularly when establishing, however after the first year this is a tree that should not require watering often if at all.
Pruning, Care, Roots and Dwarf Varieties
You do not need to prune these trees at all as they have a really nice growth habit, as well as attractive bark especially on older trees. Some gardeners choose to prune heavily to promote more flower growth, and a smaller tree.
We suggest that pruning is not the best way to develop a nice looking specimen and if you are looking for a smaller tree, try the dwarf and smaller growing cultivars. Prune only dead and diseased growth.
Dwarf Crepe Myrtles
Smaller growing cultivars such as ‘Zuni’ which will only reach 3m or the dwarf or miniature ‘pixie white’ and ‘Orlando Purple’ which will reach less than 1m
Problems, Root Systems and Powdery Mildew
These are trees that are prone to powdery mildew, although some new varieties are more resistant. Given good air circulation and a sunny position powdery mildew should not be an issue.
If you can’t provide these conditions go for a resistant cultivar. This is a tree that has a shallow fibrous root system and they tend to sucker if the roots are damaged by digging or mowing, so avoid root disturbance if possible.
Crepe Myrtle Trees for sale online in Australia
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family run business selling advanced ornamental trees including 9 varieties of Crepe Myrtle, Maple, Birch, Ash, Ginko, Crab Apple, Ornamental Plum, Weeping Cherry, Oak & Chinese Tallow. Wholesale prices to the public.
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
THE PLANT PALACE
40 Crinan Street, Hurlstone Park Sydney NSW 2193 – phone: 0458 425 125
Current size: 1-2.5m.Prices range from $45 up to $110. Pick up only.