Gardeners have a love affair with crapemyrtles, and for good reason. The plant exemplifies grace and beauty with an upright, vase-like form, delicate flowers and mottled bark. Its long bloom season brightens our gardens all summer long. And the fact that crapemyrtle is a low-maintenance, tough-as-nails plant adds to its charm. Did I mention it blooms all summer? How can a plant get any better than that?
Bring on the Blooms
With the Early Bird™ Crapemyrtle series, there is even more to love. True to its name, Early Bird™ begins blooming much earlier than other crapemyrtles. While other varieties start blooming in June and July, Early Bird™ puts on flowers in May, often as early as Mother’s day. Plants re-bloom in lavender, white or purple, summer through fall, for a performance like no other.
Goodbye Crape Murder
Too often we see crapemyrtles reduced to gnarled stumps through excessive pruning. Why do gardeners deform crapemyrtles? Usually it is because the plant grew too big for the planting site. With a compact growth habit, Early Bird™ Crapemyrtle eliminates this problem. Reaching a mature height of just 5 to 8 feet and a diameter of 3 to 4 feet, Early Bird™ is the perfect fit for almost any location in the garden. Plant one as a specimen in your entryway bed or mixed border. Early Bird™ even performs well in a large container. Despite the compact size, Early Bird™ Crapemyrtle maintains the upright, spreading form and multi-stemmed trunk we so adore.
Garden Know-How
Crapemrytles love sunshine. For optimal blooming, plant crapemyrtles in a location where they will receive full sun – at least six hours per day. Crapemyrtle is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions provided it has adequate drainage. Plants will benefit from a light slow-release fertilizer application in spring when new growth emerges. Take care not to give plants too much pampering. Excessive fertilizer will encourage lush, weak growth at the expense of flowering, and over-watering will reduce vigor. Established crapemyrtles are drought-tolerant, however supplemental water during summer dry spells will enhance flowering. Early Bird™ Crapemyrtles perform well as a specimen, natural hedge or massed to provide dramatic color.
Looking for Love?
Take all of your favorite traits of crapemyrtle, extend the bloom season, reduce the size and you have the Early Bird™ Crapemyrtle series. With three stunning varieties, you’ll be sure to find one to love.