is crepe myrtle a tree or a bush

Is a crape myrtle a deciduous or evergreen tree?

Crape myrtles are a group of deciduous trees and shrubs, while wax myrtles include evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs and trees. 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.

Is a crape myrtle a hardwood tree?

You would think that crepe myrtle wood would burn slowly. It is a hardwood, after all. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case. Crepe myrtle wood, as with all woods, will need to be seasoned before you burn it. Once you have seasoned it, the wood will become lighter and far less dense. Most people compare the burn of myrtle wood to that of pine.

How to plant a crepe myrtle with success?

Planting Your Crape Myrtle Tree

• Watering Your Tree. Now fill the hole with lots of water, letting it soak down into the ground and into the root ball. ...
• Finishing the Planting. Now put back the rest of the soil, firming it gently down. ...
• Planting in a Container. Crape Myrtle trees grow well in pots or planter boxes and they will live for many years in a large pot.
• Staking. ...

Is crepe myrtle a hard wood?

The various strains of the Crepe Myrtle produce a variety of beautiful flowers. The tree itself has a very hard wood that can be used in craft applications. The Crepe Myrtle tree, with the scientific name Lagerstroemia indica, can be as short as 3 feet or as tall as 200 feet at maturity depending on the species and how it is pruned.

Is there a difference between crepe myrtle bush and 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.

Can a crepe myrtle bush become a tree?

Whether you call them crepe myrtles or crape myrtles, these summer blooming plants are extremely adaptable and fast growing and are ideal for shaping into single- or multi-trunked trees. Pruning crapemyrtles into tree-forms accentuates plant architecture and highlights the showy, dappled bark.

Are all crape myrtles trees?

Some species grow as trees, while others grow best as shrubs. Once established, crepe myrtles are drought and pollution tolerant.

What is the difference between crepe myrtle and crape myrtle?

Commonly called the “lilac of the South,” the spelling of this tree is a litmus test of geographic origins. Crepe myrtle is the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling; north of some unspecified crepe-myrtle line, it becomes crape myrtle.

How do I make my crepe myrtle grow like a tree?

1:011:51Gardening Tips : How to Prune a Crape Myrtle Into a Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd new growth on it you want to trim out all the bottom branches and the bottom suckers. So thatMoreAnd new growth on it you want to trim out all the bottom branches and the bottom suckers. So that all of the growth will go to the top of the plant. And then you want to go up the plant. And for every

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.

What is the difference between a myrtle tree and a crepe myrtle tree?

Crape myrtlemyrtleMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia and wax myrtle differ slightly in soil and other needs. Wax myrtle grows in sun to partial shade, while crape myrtle requires full sun to ensure flowering. Crape myrtles are tolerant of dry soil, but cannot tolerate saline water near coastal areas.

Are crepe myrtles a messy tree?

The Crepe MyrtleMyrtleMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia 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.

How far should crepe myrtles be from house?

Plant large type crape myrtlesmyrtlesMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia 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.

How long do crape myrtles live?

around 25 yearsCrepe myrtlesmyrtlesMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia 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.

Are crepe myrtle roots invasive?

Crepe myrtlemyrtleMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia 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.

Is crape myrtle invasive?

One issue with crape myrtlesmyrtlesMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia is they easily reseed themselves. Many non-native species that reproduce prolifically like crape myrtles are oftentimes considered invasive. If left unchecked, these plants can outcompete native species, tipping the balance of nature in an unfavorable position.

How long does it take a crepe myrtle to grow into a tree?

five to 10 yearsCrape myrtles grow quickly. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year.” Crape myrtles generally grow between 15-25 feet tall, so most trees take five to 10 years to mature. These trees live more than 50 years when properly maintained.

What is the difference between a myrtle tree and a crepe myrtle tree?

Crape myrtlemyrtleMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia and wax myrtle differ slightly in soil and other needs. Wax myrtle grows in sun to partial shade, while crape myrtle requires full sun to ensure flowering. Crape myrtles are tolerant of dry soil, but cannot tolerate saline water near coastal areas.

How do you keep crepe myrtles from getting taller?

Remove extraneous or interior branches that might cross between trunks or rub against each other, cut low branches to encourage vertical growth and prune unwanted new trunks to the ground. Eliminate any growth equal to or less than pencil width to prioritize nutrients to the main branches.

What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle tree?

around 25 yearsCrepe myrtlesmyrtlesMyrtus (commonly called myrtle) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. It was first described by Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753. Myrtus.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyrtusMyrtus - Wikipedia 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.’

What is the name of the small shrub that produces crepe-like flowers that are a deep pink-purple?

Another small crape myrtle bush is the Petite Orchid cultivar. The dwarf shrub produces crepe-like flowers that are a deep pink-purple color. Its fast growth and short stature make the Lagerstroemia petite orchid shrub best for planting at the front of the house, along borders, in rock gardens, or in containers.

What Is the Crepe Myrtle Bush?

The crepe myrtle bush, also known as the Lagerstroemia indica, has multiple stems and purple, red, pink, and white flowers. They blossom in the summer and attract gorgeous pollinators to your yard.

How tall is a crepe myrtle?

Depending on its size variety, a standard crepe myrtle bush grows between 2 and 15 feet in height. Dwarf shrubs are 2-5 feet tall, semi-dwarfs are 3-6 feet, and shrub-like trees are 6-15 feet. Flowering varieties often have broad crowns that extend wider than the bush’s height. The spread is about 5-15 feet wide.

How much sun do crepe myrtles need?

Ensure you plant them in full sun, or at least a spot that gets six hours of sunlight daily. If you live in an area with a lot of clouds, you’ll likely get fewer flowers. Crepe myrtle bushes may grow in hardiness Zone 6, but they prefer Zones 7-10. Overall, they can handle most soil types.

Why are crepe myrtles invasive?

Experts consider crepe myrtles potentially invasive because of how quickly the tree sprouts from the seeds. It could crowd out native plants if the seed escapes cultivation. Most crepe myrtles for sale are hybrids without seeds, so you will not experience significant spread throughout your yard.

How to make a crepe myrtle tree shapely?

You can create a shapely tree from a single- or multi-stemmed crepe myrtle by identifying a solid shoot to train as a trunk. Remove the other shoots and stake the trunk. Cut off the lower branches to expose the bottom half of the trunk. Repeat as it grows, thinning the stronger stems that look like competition to the trunk.

How fast do crepe myrtles grow?

Crepe myrtles grow at a medium to fast rate of one to two feet each year.

Can crepe myrtle survive a drought?

However, crepe myrtle bushes can survive a light frost, drought, and poor soil quality. For the most part, these shrubs prefer warmer climates. They’re popular in the American South for a reason. So much so that the Crape Myrtle Society of America is in McKinney, TX.

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.

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.

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, ...

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?

How tall do crape myrtles grow?

Crape Myrtle Varieties. The plants come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, from statuesque trees 30 or more feet tall, to low-growing mass-groundcovers that stay under 3 or 4 feet. Different varieties can be naturally rounded or upright and vase-shaped, and are easily pruned to accentuate either.

What is the color of the crape myrtle?

The super frilly, crepe-like individual flowers of white, pink, lavender or deep red — and even some bi-colors — are arranged at the ends of twigs in either small loose clusters or tight, heavy football-size panicles, and appear all season on new growth.

How to pick a new crape myrtle?

This leaves size and color as the main points of consideration as you shop for a new crape myrtle. Since there is a broad color offering in each size range, go ahead and plan for a particular color, and then choose a variety with your color choice that stays within your size limits. This strategy helps you minimize pruning and avoid problems in the future.

When do crape myrtles bloom?

Crape myrtles are wildly popular in the South for good reason. They bloom in the summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service. The larger varieties grow rather quickly, providing a bit of shade in addition to the seasonal color.

Can I spray crape myrtle?

Spraying a large crape myrtle can be difficult, so systemic drenches are often the recommendation treatment. I'm not a fan of these types of products for curing infestations, but they seem to do a tolerable job as preventatives where the problems have been known to exist in the past.

Is crape myrtle a sun lover?

All crape myrtles are sun lovers, generally cold hardy in Zones 7-10, although there are some that will work in Zone 6 as well. They are extremely heat-tolerant and quite drought-tolerant once established.

Is crape myrtle a pest?

While there are a handful of insect pests that feed on crape myrtle, the plant itself is very resilient and generally blooms unfazed by this annoyance. Overall they are quite simple to grow and very rewarding with color, shade and architecture for the landscape.

What is a crepe myrtle tree?

The crepe myrtle tree is also commonly known as ‘crape myrtle,’ ‘crepe flower,’ and ‘Indian crape myrtle.’ Botanically speaking, its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indica. This is a deciduous plant that can be either a tree or a large shrub. It thrives in warm temperatures, being hardy through USDA Hardiness Zones 7–9, and so is popularly cultivated in these types of climates around the world. It is especially popular in the Southern United States, where it is a common sight in backyards and lining residential streets. The tree is actually native to parts of Australia and Asia.

How tall is a Crepe Myrtle?

There are many cultivars of crepe myrtle available, with dwarf varieties that do not exceed three feet in height, through to large trees that can range in height from 30 feet to 100 feet. Dwarf cultivars that work well as low hedging or in borders include ‘Hopi,’ ‘Zuni,’ ‘Prairie Lace,’ ‘Centennial,’ ‘Victor,’ and ‘Acoma.’.

How to get myrtle to bloom again?

If you have a more traditional cultivar or crepe myrtle, which does not stay in flower for long, then pruning away spent flowers will encourage it to bloom again. By doing this, you can sometimes get three or even four blooming periods from your plant each year. To prune for improved flower production, simple cut away spent blooms when they fade to fruits or seed pods. This will also tidy up your tree if you don’t like the look of spent flowers or seed pods. The seed pods can also be quite heavy and might drag down your tree branches under their weight, and this is another reason that is in favor of pruning the crepe myrtle.

Why is crepe myrtle so popular?

The bark of the tree has a mottled effect, and it sheds itself throughout the year to reveal fresh bark beneath. The flowers of crepe myrtle are the reason why it is so popular. It blooms in abundance in summer and fall, with huge panicles of densely packed, crinkled flowers. Crepe myrtle flowers come in various colors, ...

What is the term for the way people cut back crepe myrtles?

The trend to drastically cut back a crepe myrtle by entirely lopping off the upper section led to the coining of the term ‘crepe murder, ’ which refers to the way many people find the winter stumps of crepe myrtle to be unattractive. ‘.

How tall do watermelon trees grow?

Larger varieties, like ‘Sioux,’ ‘Natchez,’ ‘Muskogee,’ ‘Miami,’ ‘Watermelon Red,’ and ‘Dynamite’ will typically reach a minimum of 25 feet tall, so they should be planted in a wide open space, away from the house and in a spot where they can grow unrestricted. If you follow these guidelines, then your crape myrtle will be a very low maintenance ...

How to keep a tree in good shape?

The best practice to ensure good shape and health is to remove all of the tips of the tree. This is known as ‘tipping’ and will reduce the size of the tree while retaining an attractive look. This is a time-consuming process that might be difficult if the tree is very large, and you cannot reach all areas of it.

What color are the leaves on a crape myrtle?

The leaves turn from dark red to orange in the fall, and the bark is multicolored. Queen’s crape myrtle (L. speciosa) is the most vibrant of all crape myrtles. Its large clumps of pink, white, lavender or purple flowers blossom in June and July. Then, the leaves turn red in the fall. The bark is smooth and dappled.

Where did the crape myrtle originate?

History of the Crape Myrtle. Native to China and Korea, the crape myrtle has been in America since the country was founded. Southern Living reports that the crape myrtle disdained the British climate when it arrived there and refused to flower due to the cold weather.

What is the name of the tree that bears orange bark?

Botanists cross-bred the crape myrtle with a Japanese cousin, the Lagerstroemia fauriei. A new cultivar was created that brought us the peeling, jigsaw-puzzlelike orange, white and brown bark on the trunk that identifies most crape myrtles today. Cultivars with names that associate with Native American Indians ...

What is the name of the Japanese crape myrtle?

Japanese crape myrtle (L. fauriei), native to Japan, is a tall (20 to 30 feet) tree that boasts a puff of small white flowers that bloom in spring and fall and contrast with the tree’s shiny brown bark. Indicia crape myrtle (L. indicia) is available in dwarf shrubs and trees and is a Southern favorite. The leaves turn from dark red to orange in the fall, and the bark is multicolored.

When do crape myrtles bloom?

Queen’s crape myrtle (L. speciosa) is the most vibrant of all crape myrtles. Its large clumps of pink, white, lavender or purple flowers blossom in June and July. Then, the leaves turn red in the fall. The bark is smooth and dappled.

Do crape myrtles need a soaker hose?

All crape myrtles are easy to grow, and they do not need a lot of attention. They love heat, and the reflection off a road or sidewalk encourages their growth. Soil needs are also minimal, and their strong roots even grow in clay. They do need 45 minutes with a soaker hose when drought conditions are prevalent, and you should not plant them in areas that get soggy during the rainy season.

What zone do crepes grow in?

Named for their crepe-like appearance, they are most prolific when grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 and above, and some hybrids can tolerate the cold of zone 6, where temperatures can fall to zero degrees Fahrenheit.

What Is The Crepe Myrtle Bush?

• The crepe myrtle bush, also known as the Lagerstroemia indica, has multiple stems and purple, red, pink, and white flowers. They blossom in the summer and attract gorgeous pollinators to your yard. Depending on its size variety, a standard crepe myrtle bush grows between 2 and 15 feet in height. Dwarf shrubs are 2-5 feet tall, semi-dwarfs are 3-6 f...

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Planting Requirements

Pruning and Care

Potential Problems

So, How Do You Cultivate A Crepe Myrtle Bush?