Known for its beauty, long blooming period and hardiness, the “Tree of 100 days” is being celebrated at McDonald Garden Center’s 30th annual Crepe Myrtle Festival. In its more than a quarter-century salute to a tree that beautifies landscapes across Hampton Roads, the 2012 Crepe Myrtle Fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 21-23, at McDonald Garden Centers in Hampton, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
We are crazy for Crepe Myrtles this time of year, especially our littlest crepe... the Orchid Cascade!
Sometimes referred to as the mini Crepe Myrtle, the blooms on this unique crepe spill to the ground in a waterfall of color, and the size make is perfect for almost anywhere. Classified as a compact grower, the Cascade Orchid variety is more of a flowering shrub only growing 12 to 16 inches tall and spreading 3 to 4 feet wide.
One hundred days of exquisite summer blooms, attractive fall foliage, unique bark, good disease and insect resistance and drought-tolerance ~ what's not to like about Crepe Myrtles!
One of the South's most iconic plants, the Crepe Myrtle arrived in England from its native China in 1759. Few were impressed with the Crepe Myrtle, because it simply would not bloom - England just wasn't hot enough. However, in 1786, the plant was introduced to Charleston, South Carolina, and it finally found a home in the sizzling American South.
While some of may be wishing for cooler temperatures to set in, there are plenty of plants that love the heat and humidity we are experiencing! The dog days of summer can turn your garden into a crispy mess if you're not careful. But we have the tough stuff to keep your summer blooms looking fresh and colorful. Try these plants that tolerate the heat and give you that beautiful color until frost sets in.
