Crepe Myrtle After The Rain

Crape or Crepe Myrtles can be grown in zones 7 to 9 in the USA in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. It’s very popular in the southeastern USA. Crepe Myrtles are originally from Asia.

When summer comes here in central Florida, I always look forward to the crepe myrtle trees flowering. I see them everywhere as they are very popular. The second year I was living in my home, an old dying tree was leaning toward my neighbor’s home. I had it cut down. The next year I planted a small crepe myrtle tree with hot pink blossoms in the old tree’s spot in the front yard. Several days ago after a morning rain I took photos to share.

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Spring Garden Round-Up

Today’s collection of spring photos are some of my favorites from the last few years in gardens in central Florida. Let’s start with early spring in my neighborhood. Enjoy!

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Morning Blossoms

A few days ago I was waiting at my car for Vickie around 9:20 AM.  It was a beautiful day.  Unlike a few neighbors, none of my spring flowers are blooming yet. The sky was so beautiful and seemed to reach to the heavens. I had to snap a few photos trying to capture it.

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Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons

North American native rhododendrons typically thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil, but modern varieties can tolerate a wider range of conditions.  It does best when planted in dappled shade on the north side of a building. Growing rhododendrons are happiest in a location protected from the wind and not under eves of a building. They thrive in growing zones 4 to 8.

 

 

 

I’ve wanted to have rhododendrons for several years but have never found them in local garden shops.  Here in central Florida, I know a few people who have planted azaleas which is in the rhododendron family, but my attempts to raise azaleas have failed.  These pretty photos are from a friend further north.  I thank you Carole for sharing them.

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