Summer 2009 Update All of our Crapemyrtles are green and leafy, and we have lots of buds and blooms! Some inventory is not yet listed, email or call if you don't see the variety you want. NEW VARIETIES THIS YEAR! We have selections from the Razzle Dazzle Series - Cherry Dazzle, Dazzle Me Pink, Snow Dazzle and two brand-new varieties - Berry Dazzle and Sweetheart Dazzle! We're always bringing you the best! |
Chadick Farms - where the house is always a wreck,
but the gardens look great!
Crapemyrtle Craziness
Hi, my name is Shirlene and I'm a gardener.
I'm not the patient, nurturing gardener-type that might come to mind as you read this. Not that I didn't try. Over the years I've planted thousands of dollars worth of "native" plants, azaleas, roses, "Texas" tulips - you hame it, I tried to grow it. I finally grew weary of coddling plants that grew increasingly ugly before their inevitable demise. Also, I had a life that required my attendance - a family that needed me, grandchildren to enjoy, friendships to maintain, a home to keep in some semblance of order. You know what I mean.
I gradually became unwilling to spend the majority of my precious free time watering, spraying, pruning and fertilizing. Also, we're in an extended drought here in north Texas - I felt tremendously guilty when the water bill arrived, it was absolutely crazy that I was watering everything so much just to keep it alive.
In 2006 my Mom planted a few miniature Crapemyrtles in her front flowerbeds. I'd never seen a miniature Crapemyrtle and was skeptical that they would survive, but not only did they live through their first summer, they came back again the following spring more lush and prettier than ever. I was hooked!
That was when these little ones won their place in my heart and in my landscape. This Crapemyrtle infatuation became the plan for my business, Chadick Farms, when I realized I could grow and share these little jewels for everyone's enjoyment. After all, what more can you ask for than a gorgeous, well-behaved plant that flourishes under brutally hot conditions and endures neglect?
Toughness and beauty are why Crapemyrtles are considered to be THE flowering tree of the South. The nicest thing about Crapemyrtles is that there are so many varieties - from tiny to gigantic, from white to purple to red. Every gardener on your street could plant their favorite Crapemyrtles and you might not see one variety duplicated.
At Chadick Farms we love the small Crapemyrtles. Miniature and dwarf Crapemyrtles offer the same beauty as the big ones, they're just sweeter, more delightful... maybe you agree. Chadick Farms is a very small company, but you'll love us for our great plants, helpful attitude and friendly service.
 |
 |
 |
| Rosey Carpet® | Cordon Bleu | Pocomoke |
What are Miniature and Dwarf Crapemyrtles?
At maturity, miniature Crapemyrtles are under 3', dwarf Crapemyrtles are 3' to 5' and semi-dwarf Crapemyrtles are 5' to 10'. Miniatures are gorgeous as groundcover or in hanging baskets, dwarf and semi-dwarf are stunning in containers, and they all are breathtaking specimens in your landscape.
Miniature and dwarf Crapemyrtles continue the care-free tradition of their larger brethren. The side-shoots that are a natural growth pattern in all shrubs are welcomed in the miniature and dwarf varieties. Miniature and dwarf Crapemyrtles are bred for increased branching, which increases bloom quantities. Chadick Farms' miniature and dwarf Crapemyrtles become more beautiful with each passing year.
About Crapemyrtle Flower Colors
Everyone wants a red Crapemyrtle, and while breeders are working to produce different colors, currently there are only a few that are close to a real red, such as Tightwad Red®, Victor and Dynamite®.
At Chadick Farms, sometimes we are surprised at the difference between the flower colors in horticultural descriptions and what we see when our own plants bloom. In the plant descriptions on our Varieties pages, we tell you what color(s) we see in our gardens in addition to the published horticultural description. Since flower color can vary somewhat depending on soil chemistry, you should expect some shade differences in your own plants' blooms.
In addition, it's impossible to accurately depict flower colors with an online photograph. The combination of blossom shade and color variations, and thousands of different computer monitor settings makes displaying a precisely-tinted photo an unattainable goal. We make every effort to give you accurate photos and color descriptions, but please remember that this description is based on our opinion.
Crapemyrtle Advantage
Have a sunny corner that needs a splash of color? Looking for a water-wise specimen plant for a prominent area of your landscape? Whether you want a demure pastel or an electric jolt of color, there's a Crapemyrtle for you!
Crapemyrtles thrive in the hottest conditions and withstand neglect as they explode with color. They are extremely sturdy, exceptionally drought-tolerant and intoxicatingly beautiful. Crapemyrtles are adapted to poor soil and don’t need much care once they're established – just a light application of fertilizer in the spring and a sip of water during extended dry spells. They are also nearly maintenance-free - all that's needed is occasional gentle trimming. See our Questions & Answers page for more information.
Crapemyrtle flower colors include white, lavender, purple, light pink, hot pink, coral-pink, red, picotee (red or pink edged with white, pink edged with red), and some have the same color in several shades on one plant.
