"What is that plant?!" is the common exclamation used by Northerners as they travel to the shore in the summer. This summer blooming plant makes quite a show in the South and now it is making its way North! This is primarily due to the hybridizing efforts by the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C., and by Crapemyrtle enthusiasts such as Dr. Carl Whitcomb of the University of Oklahoma.

BASIC CARE:

* Crapemyrtles love the heat, so put them in as sunny a spot as you have. They will easily take the extra heat that occurs near a south-facing wall or fence.

* Fertilize in the spring, because they bloom on the ends of their new growth. Preferably 'Plant-tone' or 'Flower-tone'.

* Trim in early spring (April or early May), ideally before much new growth ensues. Later trimming will not hurt the plant, but may delay or eliminate flowering. If you trim a branch, it needs at least 7-8 weeks of hot weather before it blooms. Therefore, trimming after the middle of June may ruin your chances of enjoying the blooms.

* Mulch generously in the fall. This protects the root zone from freezing completely and aids survival.

CRAPEMYRTLE NO-NO's:

* Don't fertilize after August 1st. The resultant new growth will not harden off properly before frost and will die back in the winter.

* Don't prune heavily after August 1st. Again, the resulting new growth after pruning will not be ready for winter.

* Don't plant in an area which puddles after a rain. Plant in soil of good drainage.

Keep in mind that crape myrtles are naturally late to come out in the spring, but then grow rapidly with the onset of hot weather. So be patient , and Enjoy!