Abelia
Abelia is an attractive arching 2 - 3 m shrub with small leaves and white to pink bell-shaped flowers during summer and autumn.
Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle) is a deciduous large shrub or small to medium sized tree that is smothered in showy ruffled flowers in shades of white, pink, mauve, lavender and red during summer. Dwarf varieties are suitable for growing in small spaces or containers and large crepe myrtles can reach up to 6 m tall. They make a beautiful shade and specimen trees and many crepe myrtles have very attractive mottled bark. Crepe myrtles grow well in most climates.
How to grow crepe myrtle in your garden
- Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is heavy or clay based, to improve the drainage add some gypsum and fork in well.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Growing tips
- To help keep crepe myrtles looking tidy, after flowering has finished, remove as many spent flower heads as possible.
- Crepe myrtles may be pruned hard in winter, although this will affect their natural beautiful shape.
- Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can infect crepe myrtles and significantly reduce their health. Some varieties of crepe myrtles are more resistant to powdery mildew than others and fungicides can also be applied to protect crepe myrtles from this disease.
Abies
Abies, also known as Fir Trees, are tall evergreen conifers.
Abutilon
Abutilon, also known as Chinese Lanterns due to the shape of their flowers, are attractive shrubs mostly growing to 1 - 2 m tall.
Acer
Acer's or Hapanese Maples are attractive trees with stunning autumn foliage for cold & temperate climates.
Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser
Create organic nutrient rich soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter for better root growth, stronger plants and more flowers and fruit.
Share
Share this article on social media