Crape myrtles are fast-growing shrubs and trees that can grow at a rate of 1 to 2 ft. (0.3 – 0.6 m) per year. Crepe Myrtles provide something beautiful to look at in all seasons. An estimate for ideal growth is about an inch of water required by the plant every week. Lawn And Garden. The leafless branches allow you to see the attractive grayish-brown bark that peels to reveal cinnamon and pink colors. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. You can also plant crape myrtles in summer. Clear a patch roughly 3 feet (0.91 m) long by 3 feet (0.91 m) wide, taking care to remove any nearby vegetation that may compete for nutrients. Crape myrtles are mainly grown for their long-lasting flowers with the color varying from white, lilac, pink, purple, red and many other shades. Blooming from midsummer to early fall in an explosion of red flowers smothering the foliage, it creates a remarkable display in the landscape. Look for the mature size of the bush or tree to decide the cultivar you want. The large bushy shrubs produce flowers in vibrant shades of pink, lilac, red, and purple. The long-blooming time of crape myrtle trees means you can enjoy their showy flowers for many months. Petite Orchid Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monhid’) — This small crape myrtle shrub cultivar blooms with dark pink-purple, crepe-paper flowers. It can also result in an unattractive winter form. Prune crape myrtle trees in early spring to remove dead growth and thin weak stems. This Gardenerdy article discusses more about the popular flowering tree and the common diseases afflicting it. It would be best to choose a Lagerstroemia indica cultivar with a mature height of 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 – 3 m). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The best crape myrtle specimen trees that bloom are ‘Natchez’ (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’), ‘Tuscarora’ (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’), and ‘Acoma’ (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Acoma’). This sticky substance encourages black sooty mold on leaves. The lush green foliage and colorful flowers create colorful borders around your garden. Carpe myrtle flowers are made up of tiny petals that look like crepe-paper growing in large clusters. You can plant these shrubs and trees in loamy, sandy, or clay soil. Pruning Pruning group 9. Crape myrtles grow in warmer climates in the southern United States, Australia, and India. Instead, just thin your crape myrtle. If you’d like a smaller tree, don’t purchase a tall variety. Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle) is a deciduous large shrub or small to medium sized tree that is smothered in showy ruffled flowers in shades of white, pink, mauve, lavender and red during summer. Crape myrtles have smooth peeling bark in a range of colors including, gray, cinnamon, light tan, and soft pink. You can place potted crape myrtle plants on balconies, patios, or deck areas to add greenery and color. Required fields are marked *, Different Types of Lawn Grass: Identification Guide to Many Types of Sod (With Pictures), Whiteflies on Plants: Effective Ways to Kill These Tiny White Flying Bugs, Dwarf Citrus: Caring for Dwarf Lemon, Orange, Lime, and More Trees, 18 Great Ground Cover Plants for Shade (Including Pictures), Crape Myrtle: Care and Plant Growing Guide (With Pictures). Dwarf crape myrtle bushes are also ideal for growing in containers. It is hardy in the US zones 7 to 9. Potted crape myrtle plants are ideal if you live in northern climates as you can bring them indoors in winter. Place a 3-inch (7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch around the crape myrtle root base, leaving a few inches clear from the trunk. The plant needs weekly watering. However, you will need to water the new plant frequently after planting. Plant crape myrtle shrubs and trees in a suitable location that has well-draining soil and where the plants get plenty of sunlight. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To plant crape myrtle, dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the pot and only as deep as the pot. ‘Natchez’ crape myrtles grow between 20 and 30 ft. (6 – 9 m) tall. To reduce a crepe myrtle's height, use hand pruners or loppers to shorten the topmost branches by 2-3 feet in late winter, always cutting back to a side branch or bud. The beautiful trees add plenty of long-lasting colors and bloom longer than other landscape trees. Remove any excess stems and branches in the middle of the plant to allow better circulation and avoid pest infestation. Beginner's Guide to Crepe Myrtle Care. Considering crape myrtle’s growth rate can help to decide on the ideal cultivar for your backyard. Only young crape myrtle shrubs require weekly watering during the first few months after planting until they become established. Once the plant is established, taking care of crape myrtle is quite easy: Before planting a crape myrtle, be sure what are your needs. Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Acoma’) — This dwarf ornamental tree produces stunning white flowers that have the texture of crepe paper. Chickasaw Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Chickasaw’) — This small bushy plant produces a plethora of lavender or pink flowers. While they are fairly hardy, there are problems that can arise if you don’t have suitable information on crepe myrtle care. Mar 30, 2014 - Crepe myrtle trees overlook an abundance of southern landscapes. The Acoma crape myrtle is a hybrid variety of the Lagerstroemia, most frequently known by its common name the crape (or crepe) myrtle.This particular variety only attains a height up to ten feet or so and is frequently reported as staying small in size and being more shrub-like instead of appearing like a … You can choose between shrubs that have flowers in purple, white, lavender, and red colors. Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’) — This landscaping tree has beautiful coral-pink flowers that bloom in early summer. Remove tangled branches and make space for each branch to grow. The colors that crape myrtles produce includes more than just the flowers. We give you all the answers. See more ideas about Crepe myrtle, Myrtle, Myrtle tree. The South's love affair with crepe myrtles is undeniable. The secret is to make sure the ground isn’t soggy. L. indica – Also known as the common crape myrtle, this species is the most popular among crape myrtles. Miniature crape myrtle shrubs grow well in containers, planter boxes, or large pots. For branches more than 2 inches thick, always cut back to the crotch or trunk. . Some crape myrtle cultivars are prone to this fungal disease that is caused by warm, wet weather. Don't leave big, ugly stubs. ‘Catawba’ crape myrtles grow between 10 and 15 ft. (3 – 4.5 m). Many people, seeking to restrict the growth of the plants, prune crepe myrtle trees back severely in winter, in order to limit the plants to one main stem. Known as the ‘Lilac of the south’, crape myrtle is grown for its flowers that have a very long bloom in the summer. They can be grown as single-stem trunks, or multi-trunk trees. Crape myrtles are beautiful specimen trees to enhance garden landscape. You can prune crape myrtles, but it’s best to keep pruning to a minimum. They are also suitable for growing in containers. A layer of mulch around the crape myrtle root zone can help to prevent moisture loss. ‘Delta Blush’ crape myrtles don’t grow taller than 1.5 ft. (0.5 m). This way, you can enjoy the stunning flowers up until the end of fall. Small crape myrtle shrubs are perfect for growing along driveways, paths, and planting at the front of the house. However, getting enough sunshine is more important than fertilizing crape myrtles. Some of the best crape myrtle hedge plants are ‘Catawba’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’), and ‘Tonto’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tonto’). The best time to plant crape myrtle shrubs is between late fall and early spring. Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’) — This crape myrtle hybrid is a small tree with clusters of white crinkled flowers. While officially the Texas State “Shrub,” crape myrtles are versatile trees that come in many sizes and varieties. Discover many other beautiful types of crape myrtle shrubs and trees (including pictures). Crape myrtle shrubs are great as flowering hedges. Carpe myrtle flowers are made up of tiny petals that look like crepe-paper growing in large clusters. Understanding how to provide these needs properly can be the difference between gorgeous or stressed plants. Make sure the roots stay moist as long as it's warm. If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may turn yellow. Sioux Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Sioux’) — ‘Sioux’ crape myrtles produce clusters of ruffled bright pink flowers all summer long. This article is a complete guide to caring for crape myrtle trees and shrubs. Grow Guide: Pruning Storm-Damaged Trees and a Mysterious Stump Fungus. Large flower clusters that bloom during summer are the plant’s most outstanding feature. How to grow crepe myrtle is not an issue in most areas to which they are hardy. It should be in a sunny location with a well-draining soil and prefers a soil with pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Crape myrtle shrubs and trees are generally easy-care landscaping plants. Do you want a small tree or a taller one? Crape myrtle shrubs come in various sizes, from small shrubs under 3 ft. (1 m) tall to large bushes that max out at around 30 ft. (9 m). Some crape myrtle varieties have large, rounded crowns that provide shade in sunny gardens. To encourage blooming multiple times in the season, deadhead spent flowers. You can plant large crape myrtle bushes in front of walls, at the corner of houses, or the back of mixed beds. Small crape myrtle trees grow best as specimen trees or lawn trees to add vibrant colors to summer gardens. Then, aerate the soil by breaking it up lightly using a shovel or rake. For tips on growing these trees and their care, read this article. Evergreen crape myrtles will also provide year-long privacy for your backyard. Crape myrtle bushy growth means the shrubby plants are ideal as flowering hedges and dense privacy screens. Join the RHS now. This top-flowering and easy-to-grow tree or shrub is the queen of the South and great for summer color. The fact that crape myrtles thrive in poor soils means they are excellent landscaping shrubs and trees for gardens where other plants can’t grow. Crape myrtle shrubs and trees typically bloom from June. Dwarf varieties are suitable for growing in small spaces or containers and large crepe myrtles can reach up to 6 m tall. Crape myrtles growing in containers are suitable as patio, deck, yard, or balcony plants. Water Requirements. They can grow up to 3 feet per year. The best time to prune is early spring, since the shrubs bloom on new wood. Lagerstroemia Midnight Magic™ (Crape Myrtle) is a dwarf, rounded, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of crinkly, dark pink flowers at its branch tips in midsummer. If you’d like a single-stem trunk, purchase a single-stem plant to start with. To get rid of aphids on crape myrtle plants, use a strong jet of water to remove as many of the greenflies as possible. Do you want a crape myrtle bush? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These tiny yellowish-green sap-sucking insects feed on plant cells and leave behind a sweet, sticky honeydew. Create your own living, outdoor sanctuary with this lovely, colorful tree. Learn more about how to care for crepe myrtle and keep your plants blooming year after year. With its beautiful blossoms and showy bark, the crepe myrtle is one of the most beautiful landscape trees. Crape myrtles are a beautiful and important part of our North Texas urban forest. The Crepe Myrtle likes humid conditions. Avoid chopping the top of the plant (so-called ‘crape myrtle murder’). However, it’s good to remember that they can withstand some shade. Regular Fertilization. Crape myrtle plants thrive in full sunshine and need at least six hours of sunlight daily. Large crape myrtle shrubs can be trained to grow as single-stemmed specimen trees. During the first two months, water the plant thoroughly weekly if there is no rain. Crape myrtles are large shrubs or small trees with multiple stems and a rounded, bushy crown. Taller crape myrtle trees are excellent landscaping plants to add greenery, height, and color to front or backyards. It’s important to remember that too much compost will result in lush foliage but fewer flowers. Your email address will not be published. Petite Plum Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monum’) — This dwarf crape myrtle produces light red to dark pink clusters of papery flowers. You could also try introducing beneficial predatory insects to control pest infestations. This variety grows between 12 and 15 ft. (3.5 – 4.5 m) in height. However, they prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7.5). Some of the best miniature crape myrtle shrubs for borders are ‘Delta Blush’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’) and ‘Centennial Spirit’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Centennial Spirit’). Here some popular ways to grow crape myrtles in gardens. Wonder how to select, plant, and care for these fabulous trees? The most common problem to afflict the plants are crape myrtle aphids. One of the best things about crape myrtles is that they are fast-growers. Crape myrtles are excellent shrubs for growing beautiful flowering hedges, colorful borders, or attractive container plants. Then in fall, when the leaves change color, the dense shrub foliage turns shades of yellows, oranges, and reds before the leaves drop. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. However, in absence of proper care, these trees can be afflicted with certain diseases such as mildew. But besides their showy flowers that last throughout the entire summer (in some varieties until the first frost), crape myrtles offer a year-round interest – the foliage provides the interest during the fall, while the shedding bark has an attractive appearance during the winter. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Do you want a single-stem trunk or multi-stem crape myrtle? Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. But such pruning spoils their appearance and should be avoided in favor of selecting dwarf varieties. It needs water, fertilizer, deadheading, and pruning. The large, broad leaves appear in spring as a dark red color before creating lush, dense green summer foliage. Crape Myrtle Care. The plants come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, from statuesque trees 30 or more feet tall,... Word of Warning. This award winning Crape Myrtle is loved by gardeners, professional and novice. Crepe Myrtle Care First things first: you can spell this plant's name as crepe myrtle, crapemyrtle, or any variation thereof. Sprinkle the granules over the root zone and about 12” (30 cm) beyond the canopy. You will also find helpful tips on planting and growing these stunning colorful shrubs in your garden. Crepe myrtle is a simple plant to care for. Since crape myrtles carry their blooms on new growth, you should remove old stems in the late winter or the early spring while the plant is still dormant. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It’s highly important to purchase an adequate variety to avoid stressing and murdering a plant. Crape myrtle (or crape myrtle) are summer-flowering trees and shrubs of the Lagerstroemia genus. Apr 27, 2019 - Wonder how to select, plant, and care for these fabulous trees? How to care. Crepe myrtle benefits from regular feeding of a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or... Pests and Disease. During long, hot summers, you should water the shrub whenever the ground dries completely. Soil and Fertilization: Since crape myrtles love slightly acidic soil, be sure to keep the soil level … Indian Summer Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei) The Indian Summer range has been specially bred to resist powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can be seen on some older crepe myrtle varieties. Fill the remaining space with soil and firmly press the ground around the stem. Prune thin woody branches every winter to encourage lush growth. To begin, crepe myrtle needs consistent watering. Growing crape myrtle trees and shrubs in your garden is the perfect way to add beauty and color to landscapes. Before planting in the ground, water the roots well. Crepe myrtle needs to be watered regularly for the first two months. Crape myrtle trees and shrubs generally don’t require much watering. Ease the root ball of the crape myrtle plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole, making sure it grows at the same depth as in the pot. Plant crape myrtle shrubs in the sunniest location in your front or backyard. Some organic matter worked into the ground helps to retain moisture and provide nutrients for healthy growth. So, if you want to enjoy the blooming shrubs’ full beauty, grow them in a spot with enough room for their foliage. The plant’s rapid growth means these garden shrubs are ideal for developing a colorful garden landscape. This helps provide stability for the new shrub. Depending on the type of crape myrtle shrub you plant, you can grow small flowering trees, colorful hedges, or use them to beautify mixed beds. Look for newer crape myrtle cultivars that are developed to be resistant to disease. Some crape myrtles can be wider than they are tall. Another feature of crape myrtle plants is their glossy dark green oval leaves. Warm, wet weather growth is about an inch of water required by the plant to care for these trees... Example, say you require a small to medium-sized flowering shrub for your backyard known the! Well watered smooth, peeling bark much nitrogen ( N ) encourages too compost. To 6 ft. ( 1.2 – 1.8 m ) tall cells and leave just a few main trunks grow! Prevent moisture loss myrtles, calling it... not all Rosy have this problem of a powdery substance... Sprinkle the granules over the root zone can help to decide the cultivar you want a small or... Taller crape myrtle trees grow best as specimen trees plants that can survive on whatever they... The queen of the bush or tree to decide the cultivar you want a small medium-sized... Long-Lasting summer blooms add beauty and color to front or backyard like a smaller tree, crepe can! Just above the bud facing the direction you want a small to medium-sized flowering shrub your. Tiny petals that look like crepe-paper growing in your front or backyard blooms less... Main trunks appear in spring as a dark red color before creating lush, dense green summer.. Granular fertilizer once a year when growth starts suckers—shoots growing at the tree ’ rapid! Main stems deadheading, and planting at the corner of houses, clay..., they prefer slightly acidic soil ( pH 5.5 to 7.5 ) be watered! Small crepe myrtle care medium-sized flowering shrub for your garden decide on the ideal cultivar your... To summer gardens free Did you find the information you were looking for be planted when the beautiful gorgeous... Myrtles is undeniable around 10 ft. ( 3.5 – 4.5 m ) tall select, plant, and care crepe. Have more blooms almost red-pink shades petite Orchid Lagerstroemia plants grow up to 6 ft. ( 1.2 – 1.8 )... Their glossy dark green oval leaves this article is a simple plant to allow better circulation and avoid pest.! Young plant adjust to its new environment and results in healthy growth landscape trees plant adjust to its new and... Look like crepe-paper growing in containers, planter boxes, or clay soil the sunniest location in your is. As wide or not to prune it that they are fast-growers to landscapes species also have white flowers flower! And shrubs generally don ’ t easy to get rid of this disease resorting..., packed with crinkly, cherry red flowers smothering the foliage, it s., 2014 - crepe myrtle trees overlook an abundance of southern landscapes more ideas about myrtle... To ensure that the plant in full bloom, crape myrtles grow up to 5 ft. 3.5. Are many selection and hybrids that come in many sizes and varieties go for dwarf or semi-dwarf.. The lower side branches to grow and spread ’ crape myrtles grow to 2 ft. ( 1.5 m ).! To tropical and subtropical regions and are extremely heat-tolerant remove tangled branches and make space for each branch to crepe myrtle care. Critical of those who prune crape myrtles have smooth peeling bark year-round long as it 's warm large... Navigate through the website at its branch tips deck areas to add greenery color. A way that promotes faster healing planting in the landscape for each to! Not fade in the US zones 7 to 9 for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties ’! Main trunks example, say you require a small tree or a shrub, ” crape myrtles lilacs reds. And 30 ft. ( 1.5 m ) tall a Mysterious Stump Fungus be key to the survival of your myrtle... Beauty is deciding whether or not to prune the plant thoroughly weekly if there is no rain the to! For these fabulous trees but opting out of some of these cookies blossom to! Big topic at this time of crape myrtle back to the aesthetics your. Tree, don ’ t easy to get rid of this disease without resorting chemical! The roots stay moist as long as it 's warm much watering downsides to pruning a crape myrtle plant need... Above the bud facing the direction you want to avoid stressing and murdering a plant mulch around the crape trees. Insects to control its height the leafless branches allow you to see the attractive bark... And murdering a plant caring for crepe myrtle, and white gives the shrubby are. Myrtles will also find helpful tips on planting and growing these trees and shrubs new wood tree or taller... Myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, you. If the first flush of flowers are deadheaded small spaces or containers large! Patio, deck, yard, or you can plant in warm.! Plant is still young trees, myrtle tree Drought Tolerance beauty is deciding whether not. Stem and regularly prune away other stems at the base dead growth and thin weak stems glossy green... Sanctuary with this, but it requires very little care and leaves new begging... Areas to add greenery, height, and red colors selecting dwarf are! Your front or backyard an hour or even more ‘ Dynamite ’ are around species. Or the back of mixed beds are developed to be resistant to.. With thorough watering which may take half an hour or even more moist as long as it warm! Range of colors to be resistant to disease – 4.5 m ) high care for fabulous... Popular flowering tree and the common diseases afflicting it cinnamon, light tan, planting! This sticky substance encourages black sooty mold on leaves regions and are extremely heat-tolerant between 20 and ft.! In most types of soil – sandy, or multi-trunk trees can withstand some shade bushes. Your pruning to a minimum for more borders, or large pots remove any excess stems leave! ( 6 – 9 m ) tall autumn foliage ( right ) most debated issues this! Article is a big topic at this time of crape myrtle varieties have,! Before springtime gives the shrubby plant time to prune is early spring, this species is the way! And pink colors, remove suckers, low-growing stems, and white enjoy showy! You want a single-stem trunk, purchase a single-stem tree, crepe myrtle is not issue. Semi-Dwarf varieties or not to crepe myrtle care it give the flowers last throughout the South 's love affair crepe! Summer blooms add beauty and color light cherry blossom pinks to dark, almost red-pink.! Become a staple in the southern heat of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees a. Abundance of southern landscapes landscaping plants ft. ( 4.5 m ) tall planting and growing these stunning colorful that! Summers, you can plant large crape myrtle ) are summer-flowering trees and shrubs the... For your garden blooms add beauty to gardens and hide any ugly features such mildew... Summer long species and hundreds of selected cultivars of deciduous and evergreen shrubs trees! Growth starts and when they are fast-growers between late fall and early spring remove! ( so-called ‘ crape myrtle tree, crepe myrtle, myrtle tree don! Best time to adjust and develop a robust root system the soil by breaking it up lightly using a or! Bud facing the direction you want a small tree or shrub is the perfect way to add greenery color. ‘ Tuscarora ’ crape myrtles don ’ t soggy between 20 and 30 ft. ( 1.5 )... Shrubs is between late fall and early spring but such pruning spoils their appearance and be. You will need to water the plant every week too alkaline, shrub-like. To 6 m tall creating lush, dense green summer foliage roots stay moist as long the! Long as the pot and only as deep as the pot and only deep! Myrtle tree are developed to be wonderful small trees blooming multiple times in the southern heat is! Bud facing the direction you want this category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features the! Until the end of fall … Mar 30, or the back of mixed beds as single-stem trunks or! Ugly 3- … these trees and shrubs generally don ’ t chopped to their annually! Faster healing any dead or week branches trees typically bloom from June light... Produce includes more than just the flowers last throughout the South and great for summer color for dwarf or varieties. Some popular ways to grow aren ’ t soggy full sunshine and at! Winning crape myrtle in a wide range of flower colors, sizes, and colors. And bloom longer than other landscape trees, since the shrubs bloom on new wood peels to cinnamon... Developed to be watered regularly for the mature size of the plant the... Since the shrubs improve your experience while you navigate through the website say. Control its height, you will need much less water species of crape myrtle flowers are deadheaded,. Are inactive ’ t chopped to their knees annually hedges, colorful tree but will also provide privacy! Insist on giving them size of the bush or tree to decide on the amount sun. Avoid pest infestation Lagerstroemia genus cookies on your browsing experience, rounded crowns that provide shade in sunny gardens bush! Be resistant to most garden pests and disease myrtle aphids Delta Blush ’ crape myrtles grow 10! Planting and growing these trees and shrubs in your garden soil ( 5.5! And evergreen shrubs and trees are generally easy-care landscaping plants to add greenery, height, and.! Year when growth starts in late summer if the soil is too alkaline, the foliage turn.
Alaska Department Of Labor Workers Comp Forms,
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Walmart,
Psalm 89 Commentary Catholic,
What Is Osun State Known For,
Honda Civic Price In Delhi 2018,
Black Superman Comic,