Is Crape Myrtle poisonous to humans?
The leaves and fruit are toxic to cattle and cause nausea and vomiting in humans. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.
Do crepe myrtles need pruning?
While pruning crepe myrtle trees is good for helping to keep the tree shaped like you would like it to be, it is not normally necessary to the health of the tree. Prune crepe myrtle trees when you wish to shape them or if you find the branches are too close together for your taste, but for the most part, you do not need to prune crepe myrtle trees. How to Prune a Crepe Myrtle. There are two schools of thought when it comes to pruning crepe myrtle trees. One is a natural style and the other ...
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 to prune crepe myrtles?
To properly prune a mature crepe myrtle, you need three tools:
- Hand pruners to clip twigs and branches less than 1/2-inch thick.
- Loppers to cut branches 1/2-inch to 1-1/2 inches thick
- Pole pruners or a pruning saw to cut branches more than 1-1/2 inches thick.
Do crepe myrtles lose their leaves in the winter?
Because the Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous tree, it sheds all its leaves during the winter, leaving behind the beautiful bark on the tree which makes it a centerpiece in many winter landscapes. Now that you know peeling bark is a normal process, observe the surprises your Crepe Myrtle provides each season.
Are there any evergreen crape myrtles?
Crape myrtle is a deciduous and evergreen plant, available in dwarf and semi-dwarf shrubs or as small and large trees.
What do crape myrtles look like in winter?
After a full summer of color, Crape Myrtle's fall foliage glows in radiant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Plant in a landscape where you can enjoy them backlit by early morning or late afternoon light. Winter reveals a Crape Myrtle's sculptural trunks and branches. Some are lustrous and smooth.
What's the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
You can grow a crepe myrtle in two ways: bush and tree. The primary difference lies in their dimension. The bush remains below 11 feet in height, whereas the tree can reach 20 to 30 feet at maturity. Another important aspect is the number of stems or trunks.
Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?
Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it's fine.
Are crepe myrtle trees messy?
But crepe myrtles are messy trees. What is up must come down, and those blooms will end up all over your driveway and whatever is parked on it for many weeks. Forget keeping it clean.
Do crepe myrtles lose leaves in fall?
Normally, a crepe myrtle will lose its leaves from late fall into early winter. Considering this species is deciduous, you can expect a crepe myrtle to lose the majority of its foliage by around late November.
What month do crepe myrtles go dormant?
It is dormant during winter, when it takes up little if any water through its roots. In USDA zone 9, winter temperatures can drop to 20 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, with the last frost usually occurring in early March.
When should I winterize my crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles have beautiful blooms through the warm months of summer, and fall is the best time to prepare them to survive the harsh winter.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
around 25 yearsCrepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
How fast do crape myrtles grow?
Growth Rate This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.
Are crepe myrtle roots invasive?
Crape myrtle do not have invasive root systems, which may be one reason they are used as sidewalk margin trees. They don't lift the sidewalks as so many other trees do. And their beautiful fall color is another reward.
What is the most beautiful crape myrtle?
Top 5 Crape Myrtle Tree VarietiesTuscarora Crape Myrtle. Maturing to a height of around 20 feet, the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is known by its signature coral, pink blooms. ... Muskogee Crape Myrtle. ... Natchez Crape Myrtle. ... Arapaho Crape Myrtle. ... Black Diamond Crape Myrtle.
Which crepe myrtle is most cold hardy?
Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Plant. Tougher than its Southern cousin, Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Tree tolerates subzero temperatures. Like other crape myrtles, this deciduous shrub provides months of interest in the landscape. From midsummer to fall, its bright red flower panicles are on full display.
What is the longest blooming crape myrtle?
If 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.
What colors do black diamond crepe myrtles come in?
The distinctive black diamond crape myrtle has dark purple - almost black leaves - and comes in three shades of red, blush and pure white blooms. It was developed in Mississippi and is grown almost exclusively at J. Berry Nursery near Grand Saline.
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...
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape Myrtles are shrubs and small trees that usually develop several trunks, although they can be pruned to a single stem. Their first notable feature is the bark, which is smooth and shows a variety of colors, ranging from grey to cinnamon and soft pink.
How big are the flowers of a crape myrtle?
The flowers are about one inch across, but many are carried in each panicle, making a very dramatic effect. The petals are crinkled, like crepe-paper, which is the origin of the common name ‘Crape Myrtle’. A wide range of colors is available, in all shades from white to pink and red, as well as lilacs and purples.
How tall does a Sioux crape myrtle grow?
The Sioux Crape Myrtle grows between 15 and 20 feet tall and has a narrow, upright form, making it ideal for smaller gardens. The blossoms are an attractive mid-pink – a softer color than many other Crape Myrtles and the fall colors are rich shades of deep red and purple. The bark is grey-brown in color. This plant has won several medals, including Florida Plant of the Year in 1998. As would be expected it has shown good mildew resistance in trials.
What is a catawba crape myrtle?
The Catawba Crape Myrtle, a shorter form reaching between 8 and 10 feet in height and covered all summer in flowers of a gorgeous rich purple color. It also has fall leaves in powerful orange and red tones and especially attractive grey-brown bark in winter. Additionally, It is resistant to powdery mildew and always has clean, glossy leaves. Because of its shorter height and dense growth it makes an excellent screening or informal hedge plant. This was one of Dr Egolf’s early plants which is still one of the best. It was introduced in 1967.
How tall is an arapaho crape myrtle?
The Arapaho Crape Myrtle is a tall variety reaching around 20 feet with red flowers that are a true red, not just a dark pink. This tree has excellent resistant to powdery mildew. Its taller size makes it a great choice for background planting or for a specimen in your lawn. Although bred in 1989 this tree was not officially released until 2003, so it is still relatively uncommon in gardens.
What is a row of rocket crape myrtles?
A row of Red Rocket Crape Myrtles creates an excellent privacy screen.
What is the name of the plant that Michaux introduced?
The plants that Michaux introduced and which formed the beginnings of the many varieties available today, belonged to the species Lagerstroemia indica , which grows naturally in China, Korea, Japan and India. It is usually called the Common Crape Myrtle. In the wild this plant grows into a multi-stemmed tree that is perhaps 20 feet tall. 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. The flowers of the wild plants are usually rosy-red to red in color.
What is a crape myrtle?
The Crape Myrtle, occasionally misspelled Crepe Myrtle, is a flowering deciduous or evergreen tree that gardeners frequently use to bring a flash of color and delight to the garden. With varieties known as the Red ‘Dynamite’ Crape Myrtle, ‘Twilight’ Crape Myrtle, and ‘Red Rocket’ Crape Myrtle, it is not surprising the Lagerstroemia family is known ...
How tall do crape myrtles grow?
Crape Myrtletrees vary significantly with regard to growth rate and mature height. Most Crape Myrtles are fast-growing, offering between 3 and 5 feet of new growth a year, so you can be sure your new tree will quickly provide you the color for which it is known. Some species demonstrate moderate growth of between 1 and 3 feet a year. Mature height varies, too. Some Crape Myrtles will tower between 30 and 40 feet, while others offer beauty to smaller spaces, reaching only between 4 and 8 feet tall.
How tall is a Velour Crape Myrtle?
As the name implies, vibrant pink flowers await you with this stunning tree or tall shrub, which reaches between 8 and 10 feet tall. Perfect for a small space or hedge area, the Pink Velour Crape Myrtle offers magnificent, vivacious summer color.
What color is the bark of a Twilight Crape Myrtle?
In early summer, the gray bark peels to reveal light pink to reddish-brown bark . The vibrant purples on this tree are not to be outdone, and the tree reaches between 20 and 25 feet tall.
Can a strawberry dazzle grow in northern climates?
Some species, such as the Red Rocket Crape Myrtle, the Muskogee Crape, the Red Black Diamond Crape Myrtle, and the Strawberry Dazzle can grow in more northern climates. If you have been searching for a tree that will bring color and attention to your yard or garden, look no further than these primarily disease resistant ...
Do crape myrtles like sun?
Crape Myrtles are summer-loving, sun-adoring trees. The depth of summer is when these trees provide their most stunning blooms, preferring full sun with minor afternoon shade to achieve the full effect. Heat is of no concern to the Crape Myrtle, which prefers this too a cooler climate. Some species of Crape Myrtle can be planted as far north as Michigan and New York, though most do not grow well above Oklahoma or Maryland. All Crape Myrtles, however, love the west coast, offering their showy blooms to residents as far north as northwestern Washington.
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer blooms, colorful fall foliage and attractive winter bark. They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single ...
How big do crape myrtles get?
Infinitini® series crape myrtles average 2 to 4 feet tall and wide and have all the seasonal beauty of a crape myrtle tree. They can even be grown in containers!
Why is my crape myrtle turning yellow?
Although crape myrtles can be grown in virtually any soil, foliage may turn yellow if soil is too alkaline. Good drainage is required for any type of soil.
Why is my crape myrtle not blooming?
Too much shade may also contribute to fewer blooms. Over-pruning can result in decreased flowering, as your tree’s energy will be spent on producing new branches instead of blooms. Too much water or fertilizer can cause foliage growth at the expense of bloom production.
What are the problems with crape myrtles?
The main disease problems with crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. They do have some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Varieties such as the Rikki Tikki™ series have been developed with increased disease resistance.
How big is a Rikki crape?
Looking for something just a bit larger? Try a selection from the Rikki Tikki® series, at 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. Rikki Tikki® crapes have fabulous foliage that transitions from deep burgundy to silvery green, plus increased disease resistance.
How much sun do crapes need?
Where to plant: Crapes love the sun and are extremely heat tolerant. They should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Some partial shade during the day is fine, but may result in fewer blooms. More sun = more blooms. They aren’t picky about their soil, but do need good drainage.
Where is Common Crape Myrtle located?
Auburn University College of Agriculture: Common Crape Myrtle. Writer Bio. Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. in professional writing. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles.
What is a wax myrtle?
By Molly Allman. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) and wax myrtles (Myrica spp.) are both families of trees and shrubs commonly planted in yards and landscapes. While they share a common name, these species plants differ in several ways and thrive in different regions.
Why are wax myrtles used as a specimen plant?
Because crape myrtles offer showy flowers and fall foliage , these trees and shrubs are used as specimen plants or in mass plantings. Wax myrtles are well-suited as a dense hedge or a natural screen. Both families of trees and shrubs require little pruning, and are mainly pruned to control size.
Why are wax myrtles important to birds?
Birds depend on the wax myrtle fruits as a source of fat and fiber in their winter diet. Wax myrtle fruits have a waxy covering that is used to make candles.
Do wax myrtles change color in the fall?
Evergreen wax myrtle foliage does not change color in the fall and the leaves emit a fragrance when crushed. Crape myrtles offer brilliantly-colored foliage in fall until the first hard frost of the season.
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle (or crape myrtle) are summer-flowering trees and shrubs of the Lagerstroemia genus . The genus consists of around 50 species and hundreds of selected cultivars of deciduous trees and shrubs that are cultivated in warm climates. Crape myrtles are mainly grown for their long-lasting flowers with the color varying from white, lilac, pink, ...
What is the most common species of crape myrtle?
The two most popular crape myrtle species are the common crape myrtle (L. indica), giant crape myrtle (L. speciose), and Japanese crape myrtle (L. faueri). However, there are many selection and hybrids that come in a wide range of flower colors, sizes, and hardiness.
How fast do crape myrtles grow?
One of the best things about crape myrtles is that they are fast-growers. They can grow up to 3 feet per year. Where, When and How to Plant Crape Myrtle. Crape myrtles are native to tropical and subtropical regions and are extremely heat-tolerant.
How to keep crape myrtle plants healthy?
Soil and Fertilization: Since crape myrtles love slightly acidic soil, be sure to keep the soil level between 5.5 to 7.5 pH. You can test your soil using a soil test kit. Also, Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring.
What type of soil does crape myrtle like?
Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. However, they prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7.5). If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may turn yellow. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide.
Do crape myrtles bloom in the fall?
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.
Is crape myrtle a shrub?
Known as the ‘Lilac of the south’, crape myrtle is grown for its flowers that have a very long bloom in the summer. Crape myrtle can be grown as a tree or a shrub, while the flowers come in a wide range of colors. If you’d like to give crape myrtle a go, take a look at this useful care guide. What is a Crape Myrtle?
