The Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Basham's Party Pink') is a stunning addition to any landscape, known for its vibrant blooms and relatively compact size. This popular cultivar offers a delightful blend of beauty and practicality, making it a favorite among homeowners and landscape professionals alike. Let's delve deeper into what makes this crape myrtle so special.
What are the characteristics of Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle?
Basham's Party Pink is prized for its profuse, bright pink flowers that appear in summer and often last well into fall. The blossoms are typically a vibrant, eye-catching shade of pink, creating a spectacular display. Beyond the flowers, the tree boasts attractive, smooth bark that exfoliates in the winter, revealing interesting patterns of brown, tan, and gray. This adds visual interest even when the tree isn't in bloom. Its relatively compact size, reaching a mature height of 10-15 feet, makes it suitable for smaller gardens and yards where larger crape myrtles might be overwhelming.
How tall does a Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle grow?
As mentioned, Basham's Party Pink typically reaches a mature height of 10-15 feet. However, its final size can vary slightly depending on growing conditions such as soil quality, sunlight exposure, and overall climate. Proper pruning can also influence its final height and shape.
How wide does a Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle get?
The spread of a mature Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle is generally comparable to its height, ranging from 8-15 feet. Again, environmental factors and pruning practices can influence the ultimate width of the tree.
What is the growth rate of Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle?
Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle is considered a moderate grower. It won't rapidly expand in size, which is advantageous for gardeners who appreciate predictable growth patterns. This moderate growth rate makes it easier to manage and maintain its shape and size.
What is the best way to care for a Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle?
Proper care is essential for maximizing the beauty and health of your Basham's Party Pink. This involves:
- Sunlight: Plant your crape myrtle in a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun leads to more blooms.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Crape myrtles are susceptible to root rot in poorly draining conditions.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
- Pruning: While not strictly necessary, light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain the desired shape. Avoid drastic pruning, as this can affect flowering.
What are the benefits of planting a Basham's Party Pink crape myrtle?
Beyond its undeniable beauty, Basham's Party Pink offers several benefits:
- Attractive Blooms: The vibrant pink flowers are a showstopper.
- Compact Size: Perfect for smaller gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Relatively easy to care for.
- Disease Resistance: Crape myrtles are generally resistant to many common diseases.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees and butterflies.
Is Basham's Party Pink a good choice for my garden?
Whether Basham's Party Pink is the right crape myrtle for your garden depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, its compact size, vibrant flowers, and relatively low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for many gardeners. Consider the mature size, sunlight requirements, and soil drainage when making your decision. If you're looking for a beautiful, relatively low-maintenance flowering tree for a smaller garden, Basham's Party Pink is definitely worth considering.
