how do you take care of lagerstroemia

Learn more about Lagerstroemia

• Lather the ground with mulch to protect its roots when winters are cold.
• Grow it in a pot and bring it inside away from the cold if temperatures drop below 23°F (-10°C).

Full Answer

How do you grow Lagerstroemia from seed?

How to Grow Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia. If planning to grow Crape Myrtle and other Lagerstroemia from seeds outdoors then first sow on the soil surface in a sunny area of the garden following the last frost of spring. Ideally the soil that Crape Myrtle is grown in should be moist and of a fertile nature.

When is the best time to plant Lagerstroemia?

Don’t rush to plant to the ground, since the best planting season is fall, a whole year after having started to prepare the cuttings. Sowing lagerstroemia is said to be quite easy if you can find seeds, and is best done in spring or fall (avoid sowing in summer). Sowing is possible in a sheltered place from 60°F (15°C) to 70°F (20°C).

What is another name for Lagerstroemia?

Some common names for Lagerstroemia include Crape Myrtle and Crape Myrtlette. Photographs: Crape myrtle by Wlcutler; Lagerstroemia indica by Takashi (aes256).

When should I prune my Lagerstroemia?

Pruning and caring for Lagerstroemia Best performed at the end of winter, preferably during the month of March, either a bit earlier or a bit later depending on the climate (after the deeper frost spells of course). Cut the previous year’s branches short to increase the following year’s blooming.

Do crepe myrtles need to be cut back?

First of all, pruning crapemyrtles is optional; if the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, let it grow! 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.

What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtles?

Best Fertilizer For Crape Myrtle Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio like 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 for Crape Myrtle plants. Slow-release fertilizer is a good choice and will support consistent growth. Always water the plant immediately after applying slow-release fertilizer to help the roots soak up the plant food.

How do you keep crepe myrtles blooming?

Crape myrtles need to have new growth each spring in order to produce summer flowers. These flowers come on current-season growth, so late winter/early spring fertilization can aid crape myrtle flowering in the summer. It is not too late to fertilize this year if you haven't yet.

How do you prune Lagerstroemia?

In the first year after planting, in March, stake the main central stem upright and cut off the other branches (or cut them very short). As the plant grows new shoots and leaves cut back any horizontal branches to about 10cm in length.

Does crepe myrtles need a lot of water?

Crape Myrtles need at least one inch of water per week, with more during especially hot and dry weather. Still, these plants are fairly drought resistant once they've matured. Though Crape Myrtles like a good and deep soaking, issues like poor drainage and overwatering can lead to problems.

How often should I water my crape myrtle?

Water newly planted crape myrtles at least once a week if dormant and in cool weather, and up to five times a week if planted during hot weather or in very sandy soil. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants.

Should I cut the dead flowers off my crepe myrtle?

Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important. Deadheading crape myrtles (removing dead or dying flowers) encourages new sprouts and blooms, but if you deadhead too late in the season, the tender new growth that is produced can be damaged by cold weather.

Do you cut the dead flowers off a crepe myrtle?

Q: Do you have to deadhead crape myrtle trees to get more flowers? A: No, you do not have to deadhead the Southern lilac (crepe or crape myrtle, depending on what source you consult), but it does help to stimulate more flowers when you do — if you can reach them.

Is Epsom salt good for crape myrtles?

So as long as the plant is producing healthy branches and buds each spring, it will bloom. The most common culprits for a crepe myrtle not blooming are improper pruning, lack of sunlight, or a nutritional imbalance in the soil. Epsom salt is often recommended as a magnesium supplement.

When should you prune?

Pruning to remove damaged, dead or diseased parts can be done at any time of the year. Most trees and shrubs, especially those that flower on current season's new growth should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.

What time of year do crepe myrtles lose their leaves?

winterCrape Myrtles start losing their leaves toward the end of fall, but they don't lose all their leaves until winter. If your Crape Myrtle begins losing leaves during the summer or early fall, it could be a sign of trouble.

What if my crepe myrtle is too tall?

If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual, transplant it, if possible, and replace it with a shorter variety. If it's only a bit too tall, prune the top branches back 2 feet to a side branch. But don't leave stubs.

Is Miracle Grow good for crape myrtle?

Using these types of fertilizers will cover your bases if the soil in your area is deficient in a certain element or trace mineral. The easiest to use and most well known fertilizer is Miracle Gro. However, if you have many Crape Myrtles you wish to fertilize, using Miracle Gro can become expensive.

Can I put Miracle Grow on my crepe myrtle?

According to the manufacturer, Miracle-Gro Shake n Feed All Purpose Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer 1 should not be used around Crape Myrtles as it could damage them.

Is Miracle Grow good for myrtle?

Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes 15-5-10 Ideal for small or potted varieties or young Crepe Myrtle to support strong and vigorous root growth and protect against disease.

How do I encourage my crepe myrtle to grow?

To help your crape myrtle grow taller (and produce more flowers), use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Do not use this too often or you will get more leaves than flowers. Water the tree once a week, soaking the entire root system thoroughly. They require at least 1 inch of water per week.

When should I take cuttings from Lagerstroemia?

If you require more Lagerstroemia plants then cuttings can be took from the hardwood in the autumn. They are pretty easy to grow and look after, they should be fed monthly in periods of growth and the soil that they grow in should be kept moist. I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lagerstroemia plants.

What is Lagerstroemia shrub?

Lagerstroemia are half hardy perennial shrubs. They reach from about 30 cm to 4 m in height, and bloom from the middle of summer until the first frost of winter. The shrub carries pink, white, or purple panicles. Some common names for Lagerstroemia include Crape Myrtle and Crape Myrtlette. Photographs: Crape myrtle by Wlcutler; Lagerstroemia indica ...

How long does it take for a Lagerstroemia plant to germinate?

If starting Lagerstroemia plants indoors then prepare about one and a half to two months before putting in the garden. They take from two to three weeks to germinate. The young Crape myrtle plants should be put out in the garden at about 30 to 50 cm (dwarf varieties) apart a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

How to help Lagerstroemia bloom?

Planting, pruning and caring for it are steps that help enhance blooming and growth of your Lagerstroemia.

What is lagerstroemia tree?

Lagerstroemia is a small ornamental tree with abundant and plentiful blooming. It stands out all summer long thanks to its magnificent brightly-colored panicles. Its blooming is very long-lasting, and you can rely on your lagerstroemia to keep blooming until the first frost spells.

Can you plant Lagerstroemia in a pot?

Growth is relatively slow. Refer to our guidelines on planting shrubs. Growing Lagerstroemia in a pot is perfectly possible, especially where winters are harsh, so that you can bring them in for protection in winter.

Planting crepe myrtle

Pinterest Planting indica crepe myrtle in fall is recommended to encourage root formation, but you can still plant over the winter until spring, even though you must absolutely avoid any period of freezing.

Propagating crepe myrtle

There are 2 ways of multiplying your crepe myrtle, cuttings and and sowing from seed.

Pruning and caring for indica crepe myrtle

Pruning is at the end of winter, preferably during the month of March, either a bit earlier or a bit later. It is good to wait for a warm spell to prune your tree.

Learn more about crepe myrtle

Pinterest A small ornamental tree with abundant and plentiful blooming, indica crepe myrtle is remarkable all summer long thanks to its magnificent brightly-colored panicles.

Smart tip about crepe myrtle

During the high summer temperatures, water preferably in the evening but not too much.

How to Grow Crepe Myrtle from Seed

Once flowering ceases, crepe myrtles produce pea-sized berries. These berries eventually become seedpods. Once brown, these seedpods split open, resembling small flowers. These seed capsules usually ripen in the fall and can be collected, dried and saved for sowing in spring.

How to Start Crepe Myrtles from Roots

Learning how to start crepe myrtles from roots is another easy way to propagate crepe myrtle trees. Root cuttings should be dug up in early spring and planted in pots. Place the pots in a greenhouse or other suitable location with adequate warmth and lighting.

Crepe Myrtle Propagation by Cuttings

Crepe myrtle propagation by cuttings is also possible. This can be accomplished through softwood or hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or summer where they meet the main branch, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm.) in length with about 3-4 nodes per cutting. Remove all the leaves except the last two or three.

Planting Crepe Myrtles

Once seedlings have germinated or cuttings have rooted, remove the plastic covering. Prior to planting crepe myrtles, relocate them and acclimate plants for about two weeks, at which time they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Plant crepe myrtle trees in fall in areas with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

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.

Crape Myrtle Bush Vs. Crape 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. (6 m) taller than the bushes. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft. (10 m) high.

How Big do Crape Myrtle Bushes Get?

Dwarf crape myrtle bushes may be as short as two feet (0.6 m). The larger crape myrtle shrubs can be between five feet and 15 feet (1.5 – 4.5 m), depending on whether the bush is a semi-dwarf variety or a small shrub-like tree. Most types of flowering crape myrtle shrubs have a broad crown—usually more expansive than the bush is tall.

When Do Crape Myrtle Bushes Flower?

Most varieties of crape myrtle bushes flower from the middle of May or the start of June. Crape myrtle plants bloom for three or four months until the fall. Some of the hardiest crape myrtle bushes still have flowers when the first frost arrives.

Crape Myrtle Bush Leaves

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.

How to Care for Crape Myrtle Bushes

To care for crape myrtle bushes, grow the shrubs in full sun and well-draining soil. Crape myrtle bushes aren’t fussy about soil quality, as long as the ground doesn’t become waterlogged. Water the shrubby plant regularly to keep the ground moist. The best time to plant crape myrtle shrubs is in early spring or the fall.

Pruning Crape Myrtle Bushes

Pruning crape myrtle bushes helps encourage new growth, improve its appearance, and remove dead branches. However, crape myrtle bushes don’t require much pruning, apart from thinning its compact growth. Over-pruning crape myrtles can result in too much foliage and fewer flowers.