What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtles?
The 5 Best Fertilizers for Crepe Myrtle
- Comparing Our Top 3 Recommendations. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable, 8 lb. ...
- At A Glance. These are our top recommended products. ...
- Best Fertilizers for Crepe Myrtle. This plant food was specifically crafted with crepe myrtles in mind and is designed to nourish the health of plants, making them stronger overall.
- Growing Guide. ...
How do you prune a crape myrtle?
This balance can be found by following a few simple (yet crucial) steps:
- Start pruning early on in the plant’s life
- Commit to a shape that suits your landscape
- Always leave the strongest branches intact
- Remove old or damaged limbs as soon as possible
- Avoid over-pruning the topmost branches
- Invest (and learn to use) the right tools for the job
How to grow crape myrtles from seed?
- Be sure to research the average size of the species you're planting so you'll know how much space you can expect it to take up.
- If you're planting your crepe myrtles near a fenceline or retaining wall, make sure you leave at least 3 feet (0.91 m) of intervening space. ...
- You can also plant double rows to create a privacy screen or wind cover. ...
What do insects eat crepe myrtle?
Crepe myrtle pests include aphids and mold. Japanese beetles are another of the crepe myrtle pests that should be mentioned. These bugs will eat the tree. Their larvae are complete pests and with enough of these beetles, can destroy a whole tree.
What are white crepe myrtles called?
Lagerstroemia fauriei is known as the Japanese Crape Myrtle. This species is more tree-like than the Common Crape Myrtle, but the flowers are white, with just a few plants showing a slight pink flush in the flower.
What is the best white crepe myrtle?
Choose From 7 Beautiful Varieties of White Crape Myrtle!PIXIE WHITE (2'-3' Pure White) ... SARAH'S FAVORITE (25' White, Great Shade Tree) ... KIOWA (6'-8' Dense Shrub or Small Pure White Tree, NEW!) ... ACOMA (7'-10' Pure White Small Tree) ... NATCHEZ (18' Pure White, Everyone's Favorite!) ... LAFAYETTE (2' Wisps of Lavender White)More items...
Does crepe myrtle come in white flowers?
This Fast Growing Crape Myrtle has Unsurpassable Curb Appeal Classy, White Blooms last all summer long! Flower clusters so lush and dense you will think it snowed in the summer!
What colors do crape myrtle trees come in?
It is, however, the mass of summer blooms, which makes Crape Myrtle worth growing. They range in colors from white, pink, lavender, and purple to almost brilliant red. If it's white you like, ask for Natchez. Catawba produces a deep purple and for a hot pink choose the Pink Velour.
What is the most beautiful crepe myrtle?
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.
What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. (0.6 – 4.5 m). Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft.
How tall do white crape myrtles get?
Mature Size The common crapemyrtle grows to a height of 15–25' and a spread of 6–15' at maturity.
When should crepe myrtles be planted?
Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. First, learn some information about the lifespan and growth of your tree. Crepe myrtles range in size from dwarf selections (less than three feet tall) to some that can reach as tall as 30 feet.
How fast do white crepe myrtles grow?
about 1-2 feet per yearIn general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!
Do crepe myrtle have invasive roots?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. But are crepe myrtle roots invasive enough to cause problems? You don't have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
How far apart should crepe myrtle trees be planted?
Small ones can go as close as 3 to 4 feet. Larger crape myrtles need to be placed 10 feet or more away. If you plant a row of myrtles, place them about 4 to 6 feet or more apart (again, depending on variety). These plants are way too big for container growing.
How can I tell what color my crepe myrtle is?
Leaves: Crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative. They have dark green leaves, with a red fringe upon opening. In the fall the leaves turn red, yellow, or orange. Leaf type is simple, shape is oval and venation is pinnate.
What is the longest blooming crape myrtle?
lavender purple MuskogeeIf you are looking for the longest bloom time look to the lavender purple Muskogee or the white Natchez. You will enjoy flowers for months! The Muskogee is also one the few Crape Myrtles that is recommended into a zone 11. Howdy, hot states, this is the tree for you!
How do you pick a good crepe myrtle?
If you are looking for a more disease and mildew resistant crape myrtle, consider the Magics or the Black Diamonds. If bark is important to you, the Lipan, Miami, and Natchez have the best exfoliating bark. Smaller, bush-like crape myrtles such as the Magics or Black Diamonds work nicely for a hedge.
What type of crepe myrtle should I plant?
Indica Crepe Myrtle Tolerates heat, humidity, and drought, which do well in most soils as long as they are well drained. It may be frozen to the ground in severe winters in the Upper South but will resprout. Gardeners should plant cold-hardy selections such as 'Acoma,' 'Centennial Spirit,' and 'Hopi.
Which tree is better red rocket or dynamite crape myrtle?
Red rocket crape myrtles have lusher and more voluminous flower clusters that better retain color under ideal conditions, while dynamite crape myrtles are compact in size and have a slower growth rate.
What Do Crape Myrtles Look like?
Crape Myrtles are shrubs and small trees that usually develop several trunks, although they can be pruned to a single stem. Their first notable fea...
Crape Myrtles in The Garden and Landscape
The majority of people spend most of their time in the garden during summer. That is when we want to enjoy the fresh air, the warmth and the sunshi...
The History of Crape Myrtles
In 1790, shortly after the American Revolution, the French botanist André Michaux brought plants of Crape Myrtles to Charleston, South Carolina, th...
Important Species of Crape Myrtle
The plants that Michaux introduced and which formed the beginnings of the many varieties available today, belonged to the species Lagerstroemia ind...
Hybrid Groups of Crape Myrtles
Not content with the offerings of Nature, because of the problems of powdery mildew on these plants when grown in humid climates and to develop pla...
National Arboretum Crape Myrtles
The National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. has been involved for a long time in breeding many different ornamental plants, and in 1962 they turned...
Choosing The Right Crape Myrtles
Go for Disease Resistance: Older types of Crape Myrtles are prone to the disease Powdery Mildew and you may have been put off growing these plants...
Keeping Your Crape Myrtle Flowering All Summer Long
As new stems grow they will develop flower clusters at the end. These will be the first flowers to open and once they have finished flowering, seed...
How much sunlight does a crepe myrtle need?
Grow powdery mildew resistant varieties of crepe myrtles like ‘Tuscarora,’ ‘Tuskegee,’ ‘Wichita” Natchez” Glendora White’ etc. Get them six hours of direct sunlight every day and make sure they are planted in an airy location.
What oil to use on crepe myrtle?
Apply dormant oil and neem oil (our pick: Garden Safe Neem Oil Extract Concentrate ) on your crepe myrtle barks. They are very safe and effective against bark scales. The recipes are given below.
What is powdery mildew on myrtles?
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease of crepe myrtles. It creates white speckled powdery spots on the leaves, shoots, branches even in the flower buds. Infected parts of the plant become distorted and stunted.
When to apply insecticide to crepe myrtles?
Once you detect these bark scales you have to apply insecticides every year in April-May month. Treat your crepe myrtles with the best insecticides ( our pick: Bonide (BND611) – Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control) .
How to get rid of white spots on flower buds?
The best way to control these white spots is to apply a fungicide thoroughly. Get the best fungicide that will not harm the flower buds ( Our Pick: Bonide Copper Fungicide)
Do crepe myrtle bark scales attack?
As the name already says that these bugs only attack on crepe myrtles. Crepe myrtle bark scales are tiny white bugs. It is a very serious pest of crepe myrtle. Because it spread at an alarming rate.
How big do crepe myrtles get?
L. speciosa. Zones TS; 12–9. Tree to 25–30 ft. tall, 15–25 ft. wide. The showiest and most tender of the crepe myrtles, displaying huge clusters of white, pink, lavender, or purple flowers in June and July. Individual blossoms reach 3 in. across. Large leaves (8–12 in. long, 4 in. wide) turn red in fall. Smooth, mottled, exfoliating bark. Rank grower; annual pruning in winter is especially important to control size and form.
What is the best tree to plant in the South?
L. indic a . The premier summer-flowering tree of the South. Tolerates heat, humidity, drought; does well in most soils as long as they are well drained. May be frozen to the ground in severe winters in the Upper South, but will resprout. Gardeners there should plant cold-hardy selections such as ‘Acoma', ‘Centennial Spirit', and ‘Hopi'. Variable in size (some forms are dwarf shrubs, others large shrubs or small trees) and habit (spreading or upright). Dark green leaves are 1–2 1/2 in. long and somewhat narrower, usually tinted red when new; they often turn brilliant orange or red in fall. Crinkled, crepe-papery, 1- to 1 1/2-in.-wide flowers in white or shades of pink, red, or purple are carried in dense clusters.
What is the best plant to grow in the South?
The crepe myrtles are among the most satisfactory of plants for the South: showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and (in many cases) brilliant fall color make them year-round garden performers. Long, cool autumns yield the best leaf display; sudden frosts following warm, humid fall weather often freeze leaves while they're still green, ruining the show.
Can deer eat crepe myrtles?
Crepe myrtles are not usually browsed by deer.
What color do crape myrtles turn?
New leaf growth in spring turns the bushy plants a rich red color. Then in fall, when the leaves change color, the dense shrub foliage turns shades of yellows, oranges, and reds before the leaves drop.
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles are large shrubs or small trees with multiple stems and a rounded, bushy crown. Large flower clusters that bloom during summer are the plant’s most outstanding feature. Crape myrtles have smooth peeling bark in a range of colors including, gray, cinnamon, light tan, and soft pink.
How Much Sunshine Do Crape Myrtles Need?
Crape myrtle plants thrive in full sunshine and need at least six hours of sunlight daily. The length of blooming depends on the amount of sun the crape myrtles receive. Although the flowering shrubs can grow in partial shade, they won’t produce as many flowers.
What type of soil do crape myrtles like?
Crape myrtles thrive in most types of soil as long as the ground drains well. You can plant these shrubs and trees in loamy, sandy, or clay soil. Some organic matter worked into the ground helps to retain moisture and provide nutrients for healthy growth.
What is the most colorful shrub?
Crape myrtles are some of the most colorful shrubs and trees you can plant in warm climates. The large bushy shrubs produce flowers in vibrant shades of pink, lilac, red, and purple. However, some species also have white flowers and flower shades in gentle pastel colors.
How tall does a Crape Myrtle grow?
Considering crape myrtle’s growth rate can help to decide on the ideal cultivar for your backyard. For example, say you require a small to medium-sized flowering shrub for your garden. It would be best to choose a Lagerstroemia indica cultivar with a mature height of 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 – 3 m). Any larger crape myrtle plant will mean that you have to prune the plant regularly to control its height.
What is the best crape myrtle shrub for borders?
Some of the best miniature crape myrtle shrubs for borders are ‘Delta Blush’ ( Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’) and ‘Centennial Spirit’ ( Lagerstroemia indica ‘Centennial Spirit’).
What are the colors of crepe myrtles?
With colors ranging from light to dark pink, rose to watermelon red as well as shades of white and purple. In addition Crepe Myrtles also display attractive cinnamon colored peeling bark throughout the winter months.
Where do crepe myrtles come from?
Native to China these spectacular deciduous trees are a perfect addition to almost any landscape. With the right amount of sun and care these beauties will bloom all summer long lasting for years in the landscape. Crepe Myrtles come in a wide range of sizes growing from less than a foot tall to over 100 feet.
How much sun does a crepe myrtle need?
Crepe Myrtle’s require full sun. Plant where they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. This will allow for the most bloom production through out the summer months. Too much shade will reduce growth and increase problems such as sooty mold and powdery mildew on flower buds and new growth.
What is the effect of Fertilome Triple Action Plus on myrtle leaves?
Regular spray applications with Fertilome Triple Action Plus will help to control most fungus and disease problems as well as insects. Sooty mold is caused by the excretions of insects such as Aphids that feed on Crepe Myrtles.
How to grow crepe myrtles?
Crepe Myrtles produce flower buds on new growth. Feed with a high Nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Nitrogen stimulates new growth. Feed just as the new growth begins to appear in late March or early April. Feed again in Late May or early June. Avoid over feeding as this can result in excess growth and a reduction in blooms. Using a fertilizer that is labeled for Crepe Myrtles, such as NutriStar Crape Myrtles, will give you the best results.
Why are my crepe myrtles blooming?
The most common causes of reduced growth and flowering is due to insufficient water and lack of sunlight.
Can crepe myrtles grow in any soil?
Crepe Myrtles will grow in just about any soil type but will thrive and bloom more profusely in a well-prepared soil. The extra work and time spent preparing the planting site will pay off with a much healthier plant. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root ball.
How tall do crapemyrtles get?
Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.
How much sun does a crapemyrtle need?
They will grow in full sun or part shade, but require a minimum of 6 hours of sun in order to produce flowers.
How big does a cherry red shrub get?
New leaves are crimson but quickly turn to dark green. Grows to 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.
How big is a wine red plant?
New growth of small wine-red leaves are followed by an abundance of ruby-red blooms. This variety produces no seed capsules. Mature size is only 6 to 8 feet in height and width.
How big does a dwarf violet plant get?
With lovely violet flowers, this dwarf variety grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Excellent in mass plantings.
Is crapemyrtle bark scale harmful?
This insect is often found on branches and twigs often resulting in black sooty mold accumulations. Crapemyrtle bark scale is not deadly to most Crapemyrtles, but can affect the quality of the plants and blooms. The best treatment is Bio Advanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II* which provides 12-month long lasting systemic protection against damaging scale insects plus feeds in a single application.
How tall do crape myrtles get?
Crape Myrtles are TREES and that means they grow TALL from 20 – 40’ in height. They have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (with no fragrance) with a very long bloom time in the summer.
What is the name of the hybrid of crape myrtle?
There are two types of Crape Myrtle frequently planted; there is Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia hybrid (indica x fauriei). The first species L. indica has small round leaves and is terribly susceptible to powdery mildew which is a white powder that causes the leaves to curl up and distort, stops photosynthesis and occurs in spring AND fall. Powdery mildew must be sprayed with several fungicide applications OR you can plant the National Arboretum Hybrids which are totally resistant to powdery mildew.
How much sun does a crape myrtle need?
4) Crape Myrtles need at least 6 hours of DIRECT SUN for good, long summer bloom.
When was the crape myrtle hybrid created?
Donald Egolf of the National Arboretum beginning in 1959. He started a research project to develop disease resistance (powdery mildew), hardiness (because fauriei species was more frost tender that indica) rebloomers, true flower color and unique inheritable dark trunk colors. The hybrid crape is easily distinguished from the species as it has larger rectangle leaves, larger flowers and flower clusters and is totally resistant to powdery mildew – never spray fungicide again!
Do crape myrtles need pruning?
To what am I referring, but the way the trees get brutally whacked and chopped by loppers and saws, and then get loaded into a large trailer adding to the landfill!! If they are too tall, pull them out and plant shorter varieties, but Crape Myrtles rarely or never need pruning.
Can crape myrtles be multi trunked?
2) Crape Myrtles are either single trunk or multi-trunked and it can take a long time to turn a multi trunk into a single trunk, so purchase single trunk to begin with if that is what you need.
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