Customer Reviews

Crapemyrtle, A Grower's Thoughts

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3 star:		(1)
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I received this beautiful book through amazon.com and have read and reread it several times now. I must congratulate the author. It is beautifully written and a delight for the eye as well (not only because of the sumptuous photos but also because of the striking, contemporary design). It obviously contains an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise gained through many years of experience, but I also get the sense that it was compiled with a profound sense of inner quiet, of humility, and of complete, loving identification with the subject: the plants themselves. "A grower's thoughts" is an apt subtitle. The text does reflect thoughtfulness and intelligence throughout, from the intriguing documentation regarding the early history of Lagerstroemia in the Western world, through the comprehensive discussion on all aspects of cultivation and propagation, and in the detailed observations and evaluations of all the principal cultivars. This book will certainly take its place with my other two favorite works on tropical/subtropical plants: the Handbook on Oleanders and the Handbook on Plumeria Culture (both by Richard and Mary Helen Eggenberger). Crapemyrtle: A Grower's Thoughts will certainly remain the standard gardener's reference guide to the genus Lagerstroemia for years to come. A must for any enthusiast.

The Crapemyrtle was a great find. Information is difficult to find regarding this flower. Now we know more about how to grow our new crapemyrtles. Excellent book.

After paying a whopping sixty dollars (the cheapest price I could find) for this relatively thin, soft-covered book I can't say I found any new information regarding Crapemyrtles. Just a lot of pontificating about how stunning they are. As a (self-taught) gardener I would say this book shed little new light on Crapemyrtles that I hadn't already read before. My particular reason for ordering it was to find out the mature spread of these plants but all I got was the usual height and form (vase, etc.) chart. It didn't even include Sarah's Favorite which is not a terrible new variety. I am trying to create shade around a home with a relatively small yard and didn't want to prune excessively to keep the trees from growing into the house. At the same time I wanted them to shade my southern and western exposed windows so I wanted them as close to the house as I could place them without frequent pruning. So sixty dollars later I still don't know what the answer is. There are scant clues regarding some varieties spread but this is mentioned for just a few varieties regardless of mature height. After all, some extremely high-growing varieties (Biloxi being one, which is non-existent to buy anywhere in Birmingham, AL) have a relatively narrow spread. Perhaps if this book had cost less money I wouldn't have been so disappointed in its content. I don't regret owning it but it contains very little you can't find with a few minutes of researching online. Someone should write a definitive book about the ultimate "MATURE SPREAD" of these magnificent specimens!

If you love Southern Crape Myrtles, you'll love this book! Expert author, large format, great photographs, detailed and understandable explanations, realistic and sound advice. This book should be on every Southern gardener's book shelf.

I recently purchased this book while visiting the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. and was thoroughly satisfied with everything I read.