City centre tree in bloom after five years

An unusual tree planted five years ago in the city centre has burst into colour for the first time.

The crepe myrtle, which thrives in warm and dry climates, replaced an old cherry tree that had died in the small square outside Nasons department store.

Canterbury City Council contracts team leader Aidan Potts said: “The crepe myrtle’s foliage and unusual bark made it well worth planting anyway, but we were up for the challenge of seeing whether we could eventually get it to flower in a dry and warm spot in the city centre.

“This year, the lovely warm weather conditions of early summer have been just right and the tree has gone from strength to strength.

“Seeing such a splash of colour put a smile on my face and it has the same effect on passers-by too.”

The crepe myrtle is native to the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Oceania.