By Master Gardener Nancy

Gardening Tips and Tricks

Gardening Tips and Tricks for Poplar Bluff

Garden Tips for January and February
Garden Tips for March
Garden Tips for April
Garden Tips for May
Garden Tips for June
Garden Tips for July
Garden Tips for August
Garden Tips for October
Garden Tips for November
Garden Tips for December

To Mulch or Not To Mulch
Plants That Deer Do Not Like 
Missouri Weed Identification Guide

Help Make Poplar Bluff the Crepe Myrtle Capital of Missouri!

Why has the Poplar Bluff Garden clubs chosen this shrub?

1. The Crepe Myrtle is a long flowering summer shrub.

2. It is tolerant of our poor soil.

3. It is fairly hardy in this area and in relatively free of insects and disease. Mildew does affect some crepes, but it you stick with the varieties that I listed below, you will have a greater success. Notice that they are Native American names. These are the varieties that are mildew resistent.

4. The flowers bloom on the current season's growth. You can cut them back in the spring before they leaf out and if they die to the ground because of a harsh winter, the new growth will emerge unharmed from the roots.

5. They can be grown from softwood cuttings taken in the summer.

6. They are named after their crinkly leaves which look like crepe paper and therefore, we prefer the Crepe spelling, note Crape, although both are correct.

7. Their botanical name is Lagerstromia Indica because they are native to India.

8. Best time to plant? In the fall at least 8 weeks before the soil temperature falls to 40 degrees or in the spring before the hot heat of the summer.

For More information on Crepe Myrtles, visit the Poplar Bluff Garden Club website http://www.pbgardenclub.com/

The Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church on Main Street, Poplar Bluff at 7pm. Visit their website for more information.