I have a small front yard w/ a sidewalk in the middle. I have been debating what to buy to plant in the midle of one
by
Terri J
+18
side of the yard, and my mom suggested the Crepe Myrtle Bush. But what color? and shold it really be a bush and not tree? My hose is a 1. 5 story, with grey siding a bugandy shutters. I would love it if all can help me solve my decision, or if you have another idea, leave that as well.. Thanks everyone
20 answers
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How much planting room, sun or shade and when. Can you post a picture? With grey and burgandy, how about some blues, pinks, maybe a Natchez crepe Myrtle if you have room for a 20-25 ft tree.
Flowerscapes Garden Design & Landscaping
on Feb 05, 2012
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I can't get any pictures posted until I come back from Vacation the just ned a couple days to settle back in and take them and post. I can tell you that it is going to be put where it will receive sun all day, as 95 perent of my yard does. The yard wont support a 30 -25 foot tree, which is why my mom suggest the bush - she says they grow like trees. Once I get my pictures p though, you would be more than welcome to make any size appropriate p;ant/tree that you can think of.
Terri J
on Feb 05, 2012
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Terri, it's definitely important to note the mature size of a crepe myrtle. This article from the Auburn University's Extension Service lists popular cultivars by size and color: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/crapemyrtle2.htm
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 05, 2012
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I agree with Douglas on the importance of knowing your space limitations. Do you have grass growing their now?
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Feb 05, 2012
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The informations you sent in the article is very helpful, but I am bothered by the fact that it does much better in the south, and maybe ok as far north as Baltimore. I live 45 miles north of Baltimore, and can't help but wonder how it would do here. Our temperature usually is around 5-10 degrees colder than Baltimores. Also, the article gave a lot of information about height, but not width. This may not be the best bush/tree to plant out front afteall. Can you recommend a couple other choices for me to check into? In front of my house, I have planted Golden Thread Juniper's, but need something that will put color in the yard as well. hanks you!
Terri J
on Feb 05, 2012
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For York, PA I would not suggest a Crape myrtle, even if the hardiness Zone map has changed. There are many wonderful redbuds and hybrid dogwoods that would be beautiful in your part of the the world. Several that You may want to look for (dogwoods) are 'Appalachian Spring,' 'Cherokee Princess,' and 'Cloud Nine.' All have vigor and resistance to anthracnose, a disease which attacks dogwoods. Penn State Extension would also be a good reference for you.
Erica Glasener
on Feb 05, 2012
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You may want to try a lillac. I had them in my yard in Harrisburg and they did really well.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Feb 05, 2012
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That is exactly what I was thinking of when my mother said something about the Crape myrtle! I have seen a few in this area, and you are right - they do great! Thanks for reminding me about them.
Terri J
on Feb 05, 2012
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Terri, the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College has a big lilac collection. I would get a recommendation from them. (I used to work there) A delightful sight in spring (talk about fragrance!!)
Erica Glasener
on Feb 05, 2012
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@Terri: A thousand apologies for paying no attention to your zone. While lilacs are lovely in the spring when they bloom, they are not much to look at the other 50 weeks of the year. I suggest you consider something like the tree form of the pink diamond hydrangea (or another of the paniculata hydrangeas). It should get about 10 feet or so, will put on a show far longer than a lilac, and have a better form when it is out of leaf.
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 06, 2012
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Douglas (or is it Doug?), I had not thought of the short blooming period either. I am so glad that you brought that up. Plus, I wasn't thinking about bees being attracted to the smell and I am allergic to them. Hydrangea's are beautiful too, and I don't think they are quite so sweet smelling. Just like lilac's, you can also cut a few for indoors.
Terri J
on Feb 06, 2012
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Terri, Doug is fine. I'm not saying you won't find a bee on a hydrangea, but I would not consider them bee magnets. The cut flowers will last far longer than a lilac as well, and dry beautifully.
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 06, 2012
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Thanks Doug, and now to find the one I want to plant. The mystery question that bothered me for years has been settled!
Terri J
on Feb 06, 2012
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Terri, how about a tree formed Hydrangea- the one I have in the pin picture takes full sun and is extremely long blooming. \ http://pinterest.com/pin/234890936784877476/
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Feb 07, 2012
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Happy nursery-going in the spring, Terri.
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 07, 2012
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Lala Lilacs!
Flowerscapes Garden Design & Landscaping
on Feb 09, 2012
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Can you paint vinyl kitchen cabinets? We bought my parent's house and when they built it in the 90's they looked great but now with age they look dingy can they be painted in another color besides the white they are now?
Ter603045
on Feb 27, 2015
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If you eant to be eco friendly, plant a Butterfly bush, and some milkweed in the yard. There is also a bush that draws in Hummingbirds. Both are lacking food, and a place to lay their eggs. Talk to your local nursery and they can definitely help. The Butterfly bush is gorgeous, and will bring lots of color to your front ysrd. And, you will get to see them in the spring, as long as your plants are alive.
Denise
on Sep 10, 2015
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First thing I would do is rip up the sidewalk & have a cobblestone looking walkway to the house. this can be achieved with a mold & some cement/concrete that you would mix. Did you know that there are trees that come in dwarf sizes? and I do not mean fruit/nut trees...
Capernius
on Feb 01, 2016
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I like the idea of Crepe Myrtle. My mom had pink Crepe Myrtle trees lining one side of her driveway...they were very tall (at least 20 feet) and just gorgeous. They can be messy during the bloom season but worth it.
Carol
on Feb 01, 2016
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