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Anyone growing Lipan Crepe Myrtle?

16 years ago

Hi all!

I just ordered 2 little (seedling like) Lipan crepe myrtle trees that are suppose to top out at 14-16 feet tall from a seller on Ebay.

I loved the white bark on them!

Is anyone growing these? Are they fast growers?

I have a small yard in full sun and would like to grow a nice small tree in the back of the yard.

Should I wait til September to plant it since they will be real small, or since I live in PA, should I just plant it now and keep it mulched and well watered?

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (4)

alabamatreehugger 8b SW Alabama
16 years ago
What you got was rooted cuttings, since they don't come true from seed. I like "Lipan" because of the softer color and they are planted extensively in the south, but I haven't a clue how they would perform in PA. You might be better off growing them in a 3gal container for a year so they can get some size to them before putting them in the ground. I'd be concerned the cold winter would kill them this year. They will be okay in pots down to about 30 degrees, then you would need to move them to a garage or similar shelter.
Dibbit
16 years ago
I second the above opinion. Be sure to water the containers well, even through the winter, whenever they dry in the top few inches.
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User
Original Author
16 years ago
I made a big mistake ordering these trees.
I don't get it, other people have crepe myrtles in PA.
My friend has one that is blooming like mad and survived the worst Feburary we have had in a long time here.
I don't know what kind it is though.
FIgures, I order trees that won't even survive here.
Oh well, thanks for the info anyway.
Iris GW
16 years ago
You might try finding a crepe myrtle with Lagerstroemia fauriei as part (or all) of the parentage. There are many hybrids, such as Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Natchez'.

Lagerstroemia fauriei is a more cold hardy crepe myrtle and these hybrids are rated to zone 6. They do come in a range of colors. Cultivars that are bred from just Lagerstroemia indica are only rated to zone 7.

Just put "Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei" into your search engine and you should be able to find some of the names of the cultivars. Another plus to using these cultivars is that supposedly they have the most attractive bark.

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