Question re: flowering bushes/trees
 

Being from "up north" am familiarizing ourselves with the fauna of Florida. Can someone tell us what the flowering bushes/trees are in the median between LSL and Odell Circle. They look like lilacs! Can we grow lilacs in this climate???

You are most likely seeing crapemyrtle trees. I haven't been out that way to actually see what you are describing but The Villages has used many varieties of this tree throughout the community. Colors of the blooms range from white to lavender to many shades of pink and red. Depending on the variety these trees bloom from May to well into the summer. I am from the north, too, and this tree also reminds me of the beloved lilac that always provided us with beautiful flowers by Memorial Day.

Hi Jenajd,
I'm sorry to say we can't grow the lilacs you know and love in TV.

University of California has been attempting to create some warm weather lilacs ( for zone 9) at Descanso Gardens, but they look pretty scraggly, and don't have the fragrance we love so. Some things are better left alone.

You'll fall in love with lots of stuff here, including Florida fauna!

CREPE mYRTLES
 

Crepes are beautiful and bloom a long time., but they are decidious if that is a concern. They lose their leaves in the winter. But they are beautiful.

If the crape myrtle tree is not pruned, it is a much more beautiful tree and can become a full shade tree. Even in the winter, its bare branches are sleek and pretty, I think. When I see these trees so severely pruned down to the "knuckles" it makes me cringe.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7...2a0cd346_b.jpg

K-9 Lovers, Thank you for posting that beautiful photo. What village was this photo taken in?

I've often heard it called "crepe murder" to severely prune them down like that.

That is a beautiful picture!

Thank you for the replies...
 

Thanks!!! I'm glad to have this clarified. Some people have insisted that they're lilacs. NOT that I have to prove that I'm right! Just was curious as while I LOVE it here...there are some things I miss from "up north". Just one of the many adjustments to a major move!!

Sorry, the photo wasn't taken in TV, but I posted it just to be sure you and I were talking about the same plant.

Looks like it is...thanks for posting!

Being from the south, unfortunately, I don't think I have ever seen lilacs. I understand they have a wonderful scent, too. Have to put that on my bucket list.

If you are looking for plants that will grow in TV check here.
http://www.floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php

Thanks, elevatorman. I've added that link to "my favorites" because I'm just beginning a landscaping project. You have perfect timing!

I'm from the North and have lived several times in the South. Nothing beats the scent of lilacs, BUT they only last about 2 weeks - crape myrtles (and I do think they are spelled with an "a") bloom for months - unfortunately some of the months are when I am in Ohio!

Yes it is spelled with an "a". I also saw on the web where it can also be one word, instead of two. But, the dictionary spells it using two words! I think I need to revise my post! Perhaps that web site was incorrect!

I've always seen it with an "a" and with two words. I love all the different colors, the purples are magnificent. When we lived in Virginia I had one huge bright pink one that would have a pink carpet underneath from fallen petals. So beautiful. Had another little one that I could see from my bedroom. So lovely. Okay, so maybe I'll get one for my landscaping project.

Lilacs in Florida
 

Crape Myrtles are magnificent and when they get really large they make a great shade tree. You might also consider the Chaste Tree, it has flowers very similar to Lilac, but alas, no scent. If you google Chaste Tree it will give you an idea of what they can do for a landscape. Also, there is a great nursery in Citra called Taylor Nursery and they sell Chaste and other flowering trees which will go through our winter. Taylor Nurseries comes to the Garden Club North each late spring/early summer to give a lecture.

Back to the person whose never smelled lilacs....there is nothing like it! They bloom in May generally, at least in Minnesota, Wisconsin and northern IL and IA. Not sure where else actually, being from the midwest myself. They can bloom earlier if the weather is "off" as it's been this year up there. Fifties in February is unheard of!!! Two years ago they were nearly done by the end of April after a very mild end of winter and early spring. The bushes make for a great hedge as well. BUT nothing like a bouquet of lilacs in the house to smell great. Add that with peonies...another spring blooming plant.

Aren't the bushes over at Tamarind Grove pool azaelia?

Yes, they are azaleas. Pretty, aren't they?

There are a few small saucer magnolias there too, they just finished showing their beautiful blooms. I'm watching for the agapanthus next!
(Right next to the mailboxes!)

Azelias
 

Azelia bushes are currently in full bloom. Maybe that was what you saw in the medians.

Nope...Azelias are bushes and they're talking about trees! These are the flowering ones that look a bit like lilacs!! They're the crape myrtles...photos were shown a few posts back on this thread!