In the spring of 2007, Permian Basin Master Gardeners were approached with the idea of adding crape myrtles to the perimeter of the Rose Research Garden. There has been a lot of research on crape myrtles the last few years, and the National Arboretum has offered new disease and pest resistant trees.
In the middle of June, 2007, 42 crape myrtles ( 16 cultivars ) were planted by the Permian Basin Master Gardeners Rose Research Committee on the east side of the UTPB CEED building. The layout was planned around the perimeter of the Rose Research Garden and in the square next to the building and sidewalk. The watering system installed to water the roses was extended to include the crape myrtles.
Our research is designed to rigorously test a variety of crape myrtles to ascertain if they can survive in our stressful environment - heat, wind and salt. Earth-Kind practices were utilized in planting, mulching and watering. The various cultivars are the smaller varieties of crape myrtles - all the way from dwarf to those that will grow to about 12 feet.
The project was carried out under the auspices of the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, UTPB / CEED and Permian Basin Master Gardeners.