I just lost my 10 year old Elizabeth Magnolia from my garden. It grew from 6 ft. to 22 ft. in 10 years. Very sad. I have been looking to replace it with a fast growing tree. I have been looking at Myrtles (natchez and others) on the web and even though they say zone 6 to 11, I have been told that they do not grow well in Vancouver and won't tolerate a harsh winter such as this past one. Does anyone in Vancouver have experience growing Myrtles here? Is there a particular cultivar that might do well here. I don't want to love a new tree and then lose it again. Any other suggestion to replace my magnolia would be welcome.
Myrtles are not very fast-growing, actually decidedly slow, and probably dubious hardiness in Vancouver (they're only reliably hardy in the milder parts of Britain). What sort of a tree are you wanting? For a fast-growing evergreen broadleaf, try Laurus nobilis, Quercus ilex, Nothofagus dombeyi, or any hardy Eucalyptus.
Thanks for the reply. Funny all websites say myrtles are "fast growing 3 to 5 ft a year". Would consider evergreen, but would like something that flowers. Any knowledge of: Honey Locust, swamp cypress or dawn redwood (gold rush). Deciduous trees I am considering: Mimosa, Corus (eddie's white wonder) or handkerchief tree. Any advise welcome.
Yes, 'Natchez' is a Lagerstroemia. Many crape myrtles are present in Seattle. They are even being planted along streets, where of course it is often quite hot - just what they like. Flowering tends to be rather autumnal in our cool summers but this year some kinds started up in July.
Would anyone know of a nursery in Greater Vancouver, B.C. that might sell Crape Myrtle "Natchez" or other Crape cultivars??
