A Bit of Dynamite for the Garden

Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite" must have suddenly gotten its roots fairly down in the garden.  Planted back in late July, it has been giving a good try at blooming, but just in the last few days it has exploded (appropriately enough) with a burst of rich, strawberry red flowers.

According to the breeder, Dr. Carl Whitcomb of Stillwater, OK, it is highly resistant to powdery mildew and is cold-hardy to -5 F (-21 C).  (This information comes from the National Arboretum's page, where it is listed as "Whit II".)  The Missouri Botanical Gardens notes that Lagerstroemia perform well in loamy, clay soils; soil alkalinity can be a problem.  Let us hope, not too much of a problem...

I have it well supplied with my heavy-duty desert mulch, otherwise known as pelleted pine bedding (see earlier post).  So far this is proving satisfactory at keeping moisture available for more extended periods with fewer waterings.  The Crape Myrtles seem to be responding very well.

I've been thrilled with the intensity of the hue from these blooms.  They are perfect for the Central Bed with its mix of red tones.  I think these are the first flowers I have seen which actually make me think of fruit whenever the colour flashes in front of my eyes.  They are typically described as cherry red; I've described them as strawberry red... you can tell the effect!

In a period with temperatures generally well over 100 F (38 C), this Crape Myrtle has not only settled in after an emergency planting, but has gone on to bloom profusely - quite a magnificent performance!

Weather Diary: Partly cloudy; High: 109 F (43 C)/Low: 81 F (27 C)