It needs shelter from summer winds. Powdery mildew was a threat which nearly took it off the nursery range. Suddenly some twenty years ago (only a yesterday), mildew resistant hybrids were developed. New ones were released only last year. Our tree is often pruned down to a three metre vase shape, despite its earlier potential of seven metres.

You guessed it didn’t you! Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). Bears large clusters of frilly flowers and works a treat in Dubbo. Some authorities call it the ‘Pride of India’ but that name is usually applied to a close relative called Lagerstroemia speciosa, also called ‘Queen’s Flower.’ We have one at the Sensory Garden, Elizabeth Park Botanical, facing Coronation Street. Unfortunately its history is a bit of a match for the day-time TV drama of the same name: Coronation Street.

Ups and Downs, hopes raised and dashed. Presently our plant is a cluster of one dozen, one metre high stems bearing large, reticulate, lime-green leaves; no flowers. Original habitat is India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and China. Highly prized for its timber. Like Crepe Myrtle the big benefit we hope for is the bright cluster of rose-pink, lilac and lavender crinkled blossom, with the extra of wavy petals. Should happen at the end of summer. I’m still waiting.

Why has the ‘Pride of India’ given up on me? The frost last winter was a problem despite an elaborate protection of hessian framework. Other rainforest trees adapt to Dubbo. Sadly, if my expectations are futile; if the swishing departure of the XPT train, with a telling blast from its piercing whistle is a sign that my hopes were wasted, then all I can do is wish the ‘Pride of India’ well. May it continue to flourish on its home ground.

Still I lament and even hope. How could it give up on me so soon? Each summer I lean forward with renewed favourable day-dreams. Pollyanna eat your heart out! Yes, I do wish the ‘Pride of India’ well!