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Hi all -- new to what looks like a great forum -- I'm looking for a smallish, fast-growing tree that can provide some shade for western-facing bedroom windows. I live in zone 9, about a mile from the ocean in central California. There used to be a bottle-brush tree very near where I'll plant that was removed in a house remodel, but it was very happy in that spot, if that provides any clue to what might go there (we don't want another one of those, because they're so messy!).
I'm wondering if a crape myrtle might work, one of the mildew-resistant strains? Of course, drought tolerance would be a plus -- any ideas would be appreciated.
I'm not sure if crapes do as well near the coast, I think they tend to bloom best when they have hotter sunnier summers. I could be wrong though, I'd take a look around at your neighborhood, if other people are growing them then they should do fine for you.
