Crape Myrtle in the Perfect Size!
- Dwarf Varieties. With lovely violet flowers, this dwarf variety grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Excellent in mass plantings.
- Semi-Dwarf Varieties. This series is available in Red, Pink, Lavender, and White. They grow 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. ...
- Large or Tree Varieties. Panicles of dark purple flowers and has the added benefit of beautiful bittersweet-orange fall foliage.
How to prune crepe myrtles correctly?
Here are a few tips on pruning your crepe myrtle:
- Cut the “suckers” — sprouts that typically grow from the base or bottom of the tree.
- If trunks are overgrown near the bottom, keep no more than five and remove the others.
- Remove any dead or weak branches.
- Cut branches growing too low, crossing, rubbing, growing inward or at awkward angles inconsistent with the rest of the tree.
How to grow crape myrtles from cuttings?
Propagating Crepe Myrtle by Roots
- Another way to propagate Crape Myrtle is through root cuttings.
- Early spring is the greatest time to obtain root cuttings, which can subsequently be propagated in one of two ways: in containers or directly in the ground.
- Plant root cuttings in a pot with potting mix once they’ve been taken.
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 prune young crepe myrtle?
- Provide enough space for the branches. Remove those that are either too close with, cross, or rub each other
- Don’t prune a crepe myrtle’s top so it blooms. Doing so may result in larger flowers. ...
- Never extremely top a crepe myrtle. If topping is done extremely, it may result in weak branches growth which tends to bend or worse, break
How fast do dwarf crepe myrtles grow?
Growth Rate This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.
Can a crepe myrtle be kept small?
Can you keep a crepe myrtle small? It is easy to keep a crepe myrtle small. However, it's also easy to overzealously prune the tree, which can severely damage it. It's best not to prune the tree too aggressively and to prune no more than a third of it at a time.
Do dwarf crepe myrtles have invasive roots?
Crepe Myrtle Root System: Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive You don't have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
How do you keep crepe myrtles small?
If you need to prune your crapemyrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crapemyrtle is the correct method. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter. While the plant is young, it is acceptable to prune the top of the branches. When it gets older, this is unacceptable.
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.
What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won't grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you'll encourage way more blooms to appear.
Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?
Southern Living points out that you will not want crepe myrtles near a pool. They will not damage anything, but some varieties produce abundant flowers that then drop off after they wither. These can fall into the water constantly, meaning that you will end up skimming them out every time you turn around.
How far should a crepe myrtle be from the house?
Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.
What is the smallest crepe myrtle?
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.
Are crepe myrtles messy trees?
The Crepe Myrtle is a great addition to any yard. It is easy to care for, drought resistant, cold resistant and deer resistant. It is not a messy tree, provides shade, and is beautiful during all seasons of the year.
What month should crepe myrtles be cut back?
FebruaryFebruary is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable.
How do you make a crepe myrtle bushy?
Cut off suckers from the bottom, rubbing and cross growing branches and branches growing inward. Gradually cut off all side branches from the main base as the tree gets taller. Never leave lone or clustered stubs. Be sure to remove unwanted branches before they get too thick (thickness of a pencil).
Can you bonsai a crepe myrtle?
General Background: Dwarf Crape myrtle makes an excellent bonsai due to its exquisite branch formation and the contrast of the red upon silver of the peeling bark. It gets its common name from its crepe-like, crinkled petals and the resemblance of its leaves to the true myrtle, Myrtus communis.
What does a small crepe myrtle look like?
Important Species of Crape Myrtle The leaves are small, oval in shape and dark green. In fall the foliage turns spectacular shades of yellow, orange and red before falling, leaving bare branches that are attractively mottled with multi-colored bark in shades of pink, cream and gray.
Can I plant crepe myrtle close to House?
Tip. You can plant crape myrtle near the foundation as they have non-invasive roots, according to Dayton Nursery. However, be sure to plant them far enough away from the foundation and the building so the shrub can grow to its full size without being blocked by the building.
What is a semi dwarf crepe myrtle?
These are the best semi-dwarf Crape Myrtle shrubs or small trees, often spelled crepe myrtle, that will grow to between 5 and 10 feet tall at maturity. These fit well in small garden spaces and are ideal for use in groupings in larger landscape spaces to add an unrivaled show of vibrant color during summer.
How big does a Red Rocket crape myrtle get?
The red rocket crapemyrtle grows to a height of 10–15′ and a spread of 12–15′ at maturity.
What is the prettiest crepe myrtle?
CREPE MYRTLES: BEST OF Princess Holly Ann – with vibrant cherry red blooms, this mounding dwarf crepe myrtle blossoms from summer to fall. … Princess Jaden – luscious lavender flowers bloom from summer through fall over the dark green leaves that turn copper to reddish purple.
How tall does a Tuscarora crape myrtle get?
15-20 ft. Product Details Mature Height: 15-20 ft. Mature Width: 10-20 ft. Sunlight: Full Sun Growth Rate: Fast Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’
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. … Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes.
Are there different sizes of crepe myrtles?
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. By choosing a suitably-sized variety for your location, you will eliminate the need for heavy pruning.
How tall do crape myrtle bushes grow?
Tall crape myrtle bushes are varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 – 3 m) high. Let’s look in detail at some of the taller varieties of Lagerstroemia indica to enhance your garden’s aesthetics.
How tall is a crape myrtle?
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. (6 m) taller than the bushes. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft. (10 m) high.
What is Crape Myrtle Bush?
Crape myrtle bushes are fast-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous shrubs with multiple stems. Crape myrtles have a relatively compact growth habit with a spreading, vase-like shape and flat-topped growth. The attractive features of crape myrtle bushes are their flowers with crepe-like petals, orange or red fall foliage, and interesting pinkish-gray, mottled, peeling bark.
How much sun does a crape myrtle need?
Crape myrtle bushes need at least six hours of sunshine daily to bloom profusely. These shrubs can grow in partial shade; however, you’ll notice that they produce fewer flower clusters.
What color are the leaves on a crape myrtle?
The appealing leaves on crape myrtle shrubs are dark green in summer before turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The small deciduous, oval leaves measure up to 2” or 3” (5 – 7.5 cm) long and have rounded ends. Crape myrtle leaves have a pinnate growing arrangement and grow oppositely on stems.
What is the difference between a crape myrtle and a crape myrtle tree?
Crape Myrtle Tree. Crape myrtle bushes are smaller than trees and have multiple stems. The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush.
What is the best hedge for grape myrtle?
The best varieties for growing a grape myrtle hedge are Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tonto,’ and Lagerstroemia indica ‘Mo num.’
Crepe Myrtle Care
This species of Lagerstroemia is generally a lower maintenance selection. Though low maintenance, there are some things you can do to help get the best blooms from your crepe myrtle and ensure that your tree thrives. As always, it all starts with planning and selecting the right location.
Types of Lagerstroemia Indica
Lagerstroemia indica is just one plant of a genus containing 50 or so species. Straight species of L. indica are not sold in the nursery trade so you will always be buying a cultivar or hybrid, but unfortunately, they are not often marked well and the tag will just say "Crepe Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica.
Pruning
Pruning your crepe myrtle is a chore that needs to be done for a few reasons. Pruning can aid in bloom production and help beautify the plant by exposing the exfoliating bark, increasing seasonal interest, and establishing the best size and form by removing suckers and errant branches.
Common Pest and Plant Diseases
Luckily crepe myrtles don't deal with too many pest issues, but they are susceptible to powdery mildew, sooty mold, and other fungal infections. The best way to deal with these issues is, of course, prevention.
How Can I Use Dwarf Crape Myrtles in My Garden?
While the place for a large crape myrtle is likely out on your lawn, the dwarf varieties fit perfectly into shrub beds. Most garden shrubs bloom in spring, and beds start to look dull and green by July.
Growing Dwarf Crape Myrtles
The great thing about these plants is how easy they are to grow. Full sun is the first essential – research how shown how quickly even a little shade for a couple of hours a day will reduce blooming. This is also why they grow so well in areas with long, sunny summers. Outside of that, all you need is well-drained soil.
Some Dwarf Crape Myrtles
Here are some newer varieties of dwarf plants that fit the bill perfectly.
Where are dwarf myrtles native to?
Dwarf myrtle trees are small evergreen shrubs native to moist or dry sandy areas of pine-hardwoods in East Texas, east to Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and north to Arkansas and Delaware.
How tall is a dwarf wax myrtle?
Growing Dwarf Wax Myrtle. Valued for its aromatic, evergreen foliage and its 3 to 4 foot (.9 to 1 m.) manageable height, growing dwarf myrtle is also adaptable to full sun or partial shade in a wide range of soils from boggy to arid.
What does dwarf wax myrtle smell like?
Dwarf wax myrtle is a dioecious plant, which bears silvery blue-grey berries on female plants following the yellow spring/winter blossoms. The new spring growth has a scent akin to bayberry when the foliage is bruised.
What is the difference between a dwarf myrtle and a wax myrtle?
Depending on who you talk to, dwarf myrtle is thought to be simply a smaller variety of its common sister species, Morella cerifera, or the common wax myrtle. Apparently, the genus Myrica was split into Morella and Myrica, so wax myrtle is sometimes called Morella cerifera ...
What is the color of dwarf wax myrtle leaves?
The leaves of the dwarf wax myrtle are heavily dotted with resin on both the dark green top and the brownish olive undersides, giving it a two-toned appearance.
Can dwarf myrtle be sprayed with salt?
Branches also become brittle and may split or break under the weight of ice or snow. However, dwarf myrtle plant care and growth is possible in areas of salt spray, which the plant is very tolerant of.
