Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, Seeds (Mixed Colors) Fast Growing, Showy Flowering Shrub/Tree, Exfoliating Bark, Fall Color, Bonsai, Drought Tolerant Crape Myrtle is a deciduous, upright, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub. Features dark green foliage turning dull reddish-orange in fall, grayish-brown bark which exfoliates with age and terminal. Beautiful, inflorescence white, pink, red, or lavender flowers that bloom on 6 to 12 inch long panicles in mid-June and last up to 120 days. Flowers give way to round seed capsules which often persist well into winter. From the showy flowers to the superb bark and foliage, the Crape Myrtle is a favorite landscape plant throughout the South. Crape Myrtles are found as far north as Baltimore, Maryland, but they are better suited for warmer regions of the country. In the North winter injury is a problem and plants will grow much smaller. It must have full sun or powdery mildew will become a problem. Crape Myrtles are a valuable landscape plant that can be used as a shrub or small tree, ranging in size from 18 inches to over 25 feet. As an asset to almost any landscape, the Crape Myrtle is a very beautiful specimen shrub or tree, often used in groups under planted with a ground cover. The dark green foliage contrasts the gray to tan shades of the handsome bark. Crape Myrtle can be used as hedges, screens, or in masses. Planted in this manner, Crape Myrtle offers a grand display of color throughout the summer months. Common Name: Crape Myrtle Zone: 6 to 9 Growth Rate: Fast to Medium Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub or small tree Family: Lythraceae Native Range: China and Korea Height: 10 to 30 feet Spread: 15 to 25 feet Bloom Time: 120 days, June – September Bloom Color: white, pink, red, or lavender Flower/Fruit: Very showy 6 to 12 inch long clustered blooms (panicles). The fruits that follow are brown or black. When mature they dry and split releasing disk shaped seeds. Fall Color: Showy orange, red and yellow. Sun: Full Sun Water: Medium Maintenance: Medium Drought Tolerance: High Soil Tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; alkaline; well-drained Site Requirements: Full Sun, well drained soil; protect from drying winds. General Culture: Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Does well in loamy, clay soils with good drainage. Susceptibility to winter injury. Plant in a protected location and apply a good winter mulch. Growing crape myrtles in extreme cold areas can be tricky because the above ground branches often die to the ground in winter, particularly when temperatures dip below -5 degrees F. Above ground branches are considered to be winter hardy to USDA Zone 7, whereas roots are usually but not always hardy to USDA Zone 5. Colder areas can grow these plants as woody shrubs by pruning them back to live wood in spring at the time new foliage begins to appear (in somewhat the same manner as with shrub roses). With protection, top growth will survive some winters, but will still suffer significant injury or die to the ground in harsh winters. Uses: Good as a specimen shrub or in groups. Quite effective as a tall screen or informal hedge. Excellent container plants or Bonsai. Sowing Crape Myrtle Seeds: The seeds of Crape Myrtle are very small. For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water 24 Hours Stratify: Cold 30 days, 40 Degrees F in a Moist Medium. Germination: Sow indoors 1/16” or less. Light is beneficial in germination.For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. Shipping and Discounts: All items are set up to automatically discount as follows: Any promotional offers are discounted by using the “Add to Cart “only.To qualify for any discounts, items must be paid together, on the same eBay invoice.If paid separately, no discounts will be applied though seller reserves the right to ship together.If there are any questions or concerns about the amount due, please message me before paying so I can address all of your concerns before there is a problem. Buyer assumes responsibility once payment has been made. 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