Three Crape Myrtle Colours Brightening My Garden

             

Every year, when my crape myrtles come into bloom, I find myself stopping to admire them all over again.

Here in Trinidad and Tobago, many people know them by another name—Popcorn Flower or Queen of May. The nickname Queen of May is especially fitting because these trees often begin their spectacular flowering season around May, after the April showers help trigger the formation of flower buds.

Whatever name you call them, they are among the easiest flowering trees in my garden, yet they put on one of the biggest shows. Right now, three different colours are blooming—white, soft pink, and a variegated deep pink —and each one brings something special to the landscape.

I often think that crape myrtles are proof that gardening doesn't always have to be complicated. Sometimes the plants that ask the least of us give the greatest rewards.

Just look at that display! When a crepe myrtle is in full bloom, it's easy to see why it becomes the star of the garden.                  Photo: Shamela  Rambadan

Why We Call It Popcorn Flower

Growing up, I often heard people refer to crape myrtles as Popcorn Flower.

The name makes perfect sense when you look closely at the blooms. The clusters of crinkled flowers resemble little pieces of popped corn scattered throughout the branches. Once you hear the nickname, it's hard not to see the resemblance.

The name Queen of May is just as appropriate. Around here, these trees often begin flowering in May, transforming themselves almost overnight into clouds of colour.

For me, their blooming season is one of the sure signs that the garden is moving into another beautiful phase of the year.

Why I Enjoy Growing Crepe Myrtles

Over the years, I've grown many different plants, but crape myrtles remain one of my favourites for reliable colour.

They thrive in our warm climate, tolerate the heat well, and seem perfectly happy with very little fuss. Once established, mine mostly take care of themselves, rewarding me each year with masses of blooms.

What I appreciate most is that they provide months of colour at a time. When many other plants have finished flowering, the crape myrtles are often still putting on a display.

Three Colours, Three Personalities

One of the things I enjoy most is seeing how different each colour feels in the garden.

White: Elegant and Peaceful

The white blooms have a quiet elegance about them. Whenever I look at them, they remind me how beautiful simplicity can be.

Up close, the flowers look as though they were made from delicate crepe paper, with each petal curled and ruffled. I often find myself pausing to admire the details that are easy to miss from a distance.

Soft Pink: Gentle and Cheerful

                               

The soft pink variety always makes me smile. The flower clusters seem almost cloud-like, and the colour adds a gentle brightness to the garden without overpowering everything around it.

When the sunlight catches the blooms, they seem to glow.

Deep Pink: The Show-Off

                                    

If the white crape myrtle is elegant and the soft pink one is charming, then the variegated deep pink variety is definitely the show-off of the group.

Its bold colour immediately catches the eye and draws attention from across the garden. Visitors often notice this one first, and it's easy to see why.

Easy Care, Big Rewards

One reason I often recommend crape myrtles is that they are remarkably easy to grow.

Mine receive plenty of sunshine, occasional pruning, and routine care, but they certainly don't demand constant attention. In return, they provide months of beautiful flowers and become more impressive with each passing year.

For gardeners looking for a dependable flowering tree, they are hard to beat.

A Favourite Corner of My Garden

As I walk through the garden these days, the crape myrtles are impossible to miss. Whether it's the clean beauty of the white blooms, the softness of the pink, or the boldness of the deep pink flowers, each tree contributes something unique.

They remind me that some of the best garden plants are not necessarily the rarest or the most demanding. Sometimes the true stars are the plants that simply show up year after year and do what they do best.

And every time these trees burst into bloom, I'm grateful that Ma (God rest here beautiful soul) planted them.

Do you grow crape myrtles—also known as Popcorn Flower or Queen of May? If so, which colour is your favourite?

Happy Gardening!

Grey hair, green thumb and garden savvy

thegreyhairedgardener.blogspot.com