Saturday, August 29, 2015

A Bit of Dynamite for the Garden

Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite", Whit II, Crape Myrtle, desert garden, small sunny 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.
Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite", Whit II, Crape Myrtle, desert garden, small sunny garden
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!
Lagerstroemia indica "Dynamite", Whit II, Crape Myrtle, desert garden, small sunny garden
Weather Diary: Partly cloudy; High: 109 F (43 C)/Low: 81 F (27 C)


8 comments:

  1. a very apt name for this plant! I love the vibrant colour and it makes me think of the coming autumn colours which I am looking forward to ...

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    1. It would work well for an autumn colour, with that wonderfully saturated red. It is supposed to have real autumn leaf colour as well, which is hard to come by without some frost!

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  2. I've not seen this cultivar, it looks like a real stunner. Due to cool summers, Lagerstroemia tend to stay shrubby here and often don't bloom until mid autumn (if they bloom at all) so it is wonderful to see one performing so well!

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    1. I've been intrigued to find that both the cultivars I've planted were raised by the same man; it looks like Mr. Whitcomb has done an admirable job... I continue to be amazed that a plant originating in a hot, humid climate can transition to our dry summers this well!

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  3. Beautiful! I'm glad it's handling its transition so well.

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    1. Thanks, Kris :) I can't believe I got away with that late July planting...! I've had to keep it well watered, but actually it's needed less than my late May-planted "Rhapsody in Pink", perhaps because the humidity has stayed a bit higher.

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