Spread mulch 2 inches deep over the top. Without the necessary warmth, the tree won’t be able to survive. Since the trees thrive in warm, humid conditions, they’ll do best in a well-drained patch of soil somewhere they can receive plenty of direct sunlight. Water thoroughly using a hose, not a sprinkler. In this case, you'll want to stagger the rows so that they're offset and leave 3 feet (0.91 m) of space between each. A crepe myrtle can be perfect for filling in sections of landscaping that are too hot or bright for more temperate plants. Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica), often referred to as the “lilacs of the South”, are among the favorites of the South due to their early spring showy flowers, colorful autumn black foliage, and, in many cases, their attractive bark. Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer blooms, colorful fall foliage and attractive winter bark. If you prune in autumn, the tree could begin new vigorous growth that will then be susceptible to freezing which could kill the tree. ‘Natchez’, ‘Sioux‘, ‘Tonto‘ and ‘Tuscarora‘ all have very good resistance to powdery mildew. For more tips from our Horticulture co-author, like how to prune and fertilize crepe myrtle, read on! They will grow in shade, but blooms will be sparse, and plants will get leggy. Use this Crape Myrtle Grow Guide as a handbook for planting, growing, and caring for your Crape Myrtle trees. Place the pot on its side and slide the plant out. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 212,754 times. The best way to control powdery mildew is to prevent it. Gently tamp the soil down with your hands. Prune back trees afflicted by mold and mildew to increase the airflow around the trunk. They are slightly cold tolerant for some southern states. Requirements for Crepe Myrtle Plants Grown in Containers. Are the roots of a crepe myrtle invasive? Place the pot on its side and slide the plant out. You may need to stake the new crape myrtle until its roots become established enough to keep it from falling over in strong wind. New shoots with buds will quickly appear, and you will get a … Sometimes an aphid infestation becomes so extreme that the green leaves are damaged and flowering may be impaired. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. I hope I can do this. Remember, Crape Myrtles only bloom on new growth. Crape myrtles bloom poorly in partial sun and may not bloom at all in a mostly shady location. Germination should take place within 2-3 weeks. While this variety requires abundant sun, it succeeds in a variety of soil conditions and has just basic needs for water or fertilizer. There are also Crape Myrtle shrubs that are much smaller. Cover the pot with plastic, and put in a warm, bright place (75° to 85° F). From July to early fall, collect … It freezes here occasionally. Piling on mulch too closely or too heavily can smother the roots and endanger the life of the tree. Cut the soft, new growth if you are collecting cuttings in May or June. My crepe myrtle has foliage but it's not showing any buds. An annual feeding with a general fertilizer in early spring as soon as the leaves appear will keep them growing well. Throw away any cut branches and disinfect your pruning tools before you use them again so the disease doesn't spread. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. They require full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and well-drained soil is a must. ", now know when and how to properly prune it, as well as how to make it have more blooms. Fill a 4-inch pot with moist potting soil. Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer blooms, colorful fall foliage and attractive winter bark. Add a thin layer of sphagnum moss and place the pot or tray in a plastic grow bag. All crepe myrtles grow well in Australia. Selecting the right crape myrtle plant for your landscaping needs means you have to take more than just the color into consideration. unlocking this expert answer. The crepe myrtle is no exception. Their natural beauty, resilience, and minimal need for tending make them a welcome addition to any yard or garden. Do crepe myrtle plants lose their leaves in the winter? For more tips from our Horticulture co-author, like how to prune and fertilize crepe myrtle, read on! Some varieties of crape myrtle are resistant to powdery mildew. The crepe myrtle is a small tree, rarely growing taller than 30 feet (9 m.). Beloved by gardeners for its luxurious summer blossoms in shades of pink and white, the tree also offers exfoliating bark and an autumn foliage display. Gently loosen some of the roots along the sides and bottom, and pull them outward so they are not encircling the root mass. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Does great framing a driveway or a fence! Crepe myrtle roots travel far and wide, spreading three … We saw them while vacationing and I just had to have one. You can buy potting soil in the garden stores or mix your … Inspect the tree for damage and if it’s in good shape (they almost always are!). The Basics of the Crepe Myrtle. crape myrtle tips: 1) Do not plant in the flower beds next to the house; INSTEAD use a tall variety in the middle of the yard to provide summer shade on the west side of the house. References Dig a hole larger than the pot, twice as wide if possible. This myrtle, like all myrtles, thrives in full sunlight and moist but well-draining soils. Choose a copper-based fungicide or one that contains myclobutanil, propiconazole, or thiophanate-methyl. If you decide you need to do something about powdery mildew on your crape myrtle, you can treat the foliage with a fungicide labeled for the purpose. When planting a crepe myrtle bush, thoroughly water the soil in the plant’s pot before starting. Lightly fertilizing established older trees every 2-3 weeks can help them produce healthy new growth. When your plant arrives, open the package immediately and carefully remove the pot and tree. All crepe myrtles grow well in Australia. This step will save you backaches and heartaches in the future. Trees can reach … For smaller plants allow four to six feet and if you are planting a low hedge of very small varieties, allow two to three feet. For smaller plants allow four to six feet and if you are planting a low hedge of very small varieties, allow two to three feet. Crape myrtles benefit from an annual application of fertilizer, such as Nutricote Total Controlled Release Type 360 Fertilizer 18-6-8. A mature Crepe Myrtle “tree” can grow to be 30 feet tall in the right conditions. Crape myrtle cultivars range from 18 inches to 40 feet tall and grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. 18 years sometimes. Some varieties of crape myrtle tend to produce suckers, slender fast growing shoots, at the base of the tree. All the leaves on my young crepe myrtle are red. If your crape myrtle is in full sun, and not crowded next to other plants, powdery mildew, which abhors fresh air and a sunny spot, should not be a problem. Avoid performing "crepe murder." Last Updated: May 14, 2020 If you’re having a dry spell, or your soil is sandy, you should water every day for the first 3 or 4 months. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Once established, crepe myrtle plants are drought tolerant, but consistent watering will promote faster growing and better blooms. 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. Crape myrtles are sometimes attacked by aphids, and then sooty mold often grows on the aphid excrement. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Growing Crape Myrtles. You can control aphids by spraying with a soapy water solution. Follow label directions and don’t over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive leaf growth, production of unsightly suckers, and fewer flowers. You can also plant double rows to create a privacy screen or wind cover. When you put three to four together, they look nice but make sure that they all are the same height, fully grown and disease-free. All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer, . Because adult crepe myrtles usually grow to have a 20 foot radius, it would be recommended to plant them about 15-20 feet apart. 10% Off on Digital Gift Cards Laying the nursery pot on its side may make it easier to remove the crepe myrtle without disturbing the delicate trunk or root system. Most crepe myrtle trees planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei. Promote airflow around the trunk by trimming basal shoots, thick clusters of twigs, and intertwining branches. Once crepe myrtles have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed. Take note that the black diamond crape myrtle growth rate is about the same even though these dwarf varieties are mostly bush-like shrubs and trees. Consider the ultimate size of the small tree and note if there might eventually be problems with overhead wires, poles, structures or other desirable trees or large shrubs. Move to a well-lit, warm location, about 75 degrees F (24 C.). But they do best in Full, Hot Sun. Apply 2-3 inches of new mulch each spring when the tree begins flowering. This multistemmed, densely growing plant has a rapid rate of growth and can grow up to 3 feet each year if cared for properly. If you're battling a full-fledged infestation, it may be necessary to have your crepe myrtles sprayed with an organic insecticide. Your information and care tips help tremendously. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If necessary, measure the height of the nursery pot before digging the hole. Trees can reach … This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. If you don’t like the idea of crepe myrtles for zone 6 dying to the ground every winter, you can look for microclimates near your home. When growth resumes, these flowering trees sprout numerous shoots from each stub and develop a rounded, lollipop-like shape that is covered in flowers. How soon should I expect a crepe myrtle to start growing into a tree after planting it? Crape Myrtles are one of the most resilient and prune-able plants I have ever seen. Is it all right to arrange rocks around the tree? First, remove suckers, low-growing stems, and any dead or week branches. If the plant is stuck, you can slip a long-bladed knife around the inside edge to loosen it. Use your hands to build up a 3-6 inch high dike of soil around the outside of the root zone. Thank you. Water thoroughly using a hose, not a sprinkler. Southern gardeners love their crepe myrtles for summer bloom, attractive, peeling bark and limited crepe myrtle care. New selections pop up all the time. If you cut off new growth in spring or summer, you cut off developing summer blooms. Fill in around the roots with excavated soil, using your foot to firm it. It ranges in size from the diminutive 'Cherry Dazzle' series of crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia GAMAD I), which grow to 3 feet, to crape myrtles that grow over 20 feet in the wild in Northern Asia. Crape myrtles do best in full sun – the sunnier the spot, the better, but they should get at least 6 hours of sun each day. The nutrient is known to encourage growth. Spread mulch 2 inches deep over the top. I live in Houston, Texas. Place the pot on its side and slide the plant out. Do I need to cut off last year's flower pods when growing crepe myrtle? Crape myrtles bloom on their new growth each year, so any pruning of the main tree (as opposed to removing basal suckers) should be done during late winter when the tree is not growing. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If they will grow over 20 feet tall, allow six to eight feet between each plant. Follow the label directions exactly. Dig a hole larger than the pot, twice as wide if possible. Consider the ultimate size of the small tree and note if there might eventually be problems with overhead wires, poles, structures or other desirable trees or large shrubs. When should I prune back crepe myrtles? Water thoroughly. Your crepe myrtle tree will also need regular fertilizing in order to achieve healthy growth. Instead, just thin your crape myrtle. This will prevent the growing trees from overtaking their surroundings. Spread 3-6 inches of an organic mulch over the top of root ball to help hold in soil moisture. To grow crepe myrtle, start by planting a crepe myrtle sapling in a sunny outdoor spot in late fall, winter, or early spring. When planting a crepe myrtle bush, thoroughly water the soil in the plant’s pot before starting. Water the plant thoroughly. Crepe Myrtles are a great small tree for smaller gardens. Here in Southern California, mature Crape Myrtle trees that are 15-20 years old are commonly seen at 20-25 feet tall and are the choice tree of many cities. Just allow your plant to branch and spread naturally. 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. What species would you recommend to "entwine together" to end up with one tree blooming two colors? If you are planting a screen of Crape Myrtles, space the plants according to how tall they will become. Copyright © 2020 Perfect Plants. Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. With a months-long bloom period, graceful growing habit, colorful fall foliage and exfoliating bark, crape myrtle is the ultimate year-round specimen tree. For these reasons, crape myrtles are ranked as one of the South’s most popular ornamental trees. I feel like I will, "I have numerous baby crepes growing out of a stump and is spreading outside of it into the grass. Inconsistent pockets of poorly-mixed fertilizer in the soil can stall the development of healthy roots. Is this normal? Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Thanks! Though not as common as the other mostly pink colors, a red color is nothing to worry about. In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Such branches won't flower. The crape myrtle black diamond stays small so they do not need much pruning. Yes. In heavy clay soils add eco-gypsum to break up the clay and improve drainage. The common crepe myrtle is a deciduous, small-to-medium shrub or small … Crepe myrtle trees, in many varieties, overlook an abundance of southern landscapes. Water in with eco-seaweed and apply some mulch to keep weeds away and help retain moisture. Plus, plant tags frequently underestimate mature heights by five feet or more. As always, be sure to check the USDA growing zones to make sure you are zoned correctly. Fill in around the roots with excavated soil, using your foot to firm it. 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. Avoid planting crepe myrtles at the tail end of summer. How long does it take to grow from seedling to maturity? Species of crepe myrtle are either deciduous or evergreen. The most common response is to cut back the offending tree to ugly, three-foot stumps. Crepe myrtles are well-suited for a variety of soil types, and don’t need to be fed as much as other trees of similar size. Lagerstroemia indica is the most commonly cultivated species in the United States. The supporting stakes are just to make sure the young plant doesn’t fall over completely. Crape myrtles can be used as a large deciduous hedge or screen, if planted together, or as a distinctive focal point framing a gate warmly welcoming visitors. If planted in the winter months, you can water once a week. Beautiful in Any Season. 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. Avoid over-pruning (also commonly referred to as “crepe murder.”) Trimming too much growth at once can weaken the tree and leave it susceptible to damage and disease. New selections pop up all the time. Leave about half a foot (0.15 m) of space between the mulch layer and the trunk. Follow label directions explicitly. Keep the young tree well watered during its first growing season. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. While growing crape myrtles is not an issue in areas they are hardy too, for your crape myrtle to truly flourish we’ve created this guide to steer you in the best route. Water the soil if it is dry and place the pot in a shady or partly shady spot until you can plant the crape myrtle. This practice involves chopping away all the stems to an even height, leaving nothing but stubs. Find out everything you need to know about crepe myrtles with Our Crepe Myrtle Guide Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Diseases that don't clear up on their own after a few weeks can often be knocked out with a commercial chemical fungicide like Daconil or Immunox. Crepe myrtles need full sun to perform well. The most common reason for a newly planted crape myrtle tree to die is the lack of enough water. Crepe Myrtles provide something beautiful to look at in all seasons. Your Crape Myrtle will still bloom and be beautiful so long as it's watered and fertilized properly. The small round seedpods or capsules usually weigh the limbs down, making them sag. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? How to Grow Acoma Crape Myrtle . We chose crepe myrtles to, "I want to plant a myrtle on my property, and I'm glad I read the article about the amount of direct sunlight that's, "Pruning and how to get more flowers by cutting off each dead flower was helpful. Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide. Thank you. The crepe myrtle’s in-between size makes it a versatile choice for many landscaping needs—it’s low enough to serve as an attractive hedge or property boundary, yet tall enough to provide shade and cover from the wind. Cut the unwanted branch back to a branch that has at least. Test the pH of the soil before and after adding other substances to keep track of changes in the acidity. A perfect spot would be to line driveways or fences because they provide a beautiful site for years to come. The Acoma crape myrtle is a rewarding shrub or small tree to cultivate since it produces weeping branches with lush foliage and delicate blooms. ", required in order for the myrtle to flower. Perfect Plants’ Black Diamond crape myrtle trees get only 10-12 feet tall and spread just 8 feet across, but some of the older cultivars (such as ‘Natchez’, ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘Tuscarora’) get considerably larger. If you wait until fall or winter to plant your crepe myrtles, they won’t begin sprouting leaves until the weather warms up. To find a clear concise, point-formed article that brings the facts, is perfect for him and for me. If your desire is for a standard (single trunk) tree shape, the suckers should be pruned off as they appear. If you are planting a screen of Crape Myrtles, space the plants according to how tall they will become. Crape myrtles do not tolerate soils that stay waterlogged for extended periods. These hardy trees have few pest or disease problems, and they require little water and fertilizer. Spread properly and become well established during periods of drought to keep your crepe myrtle are resistant powdery. Zones 7 through 9 with a soapy water solution crepe myrtle “ ”... Everything you need to cut off last year 's flower pods how to grow crepe myrtles growing crepe myrtle.! For part of the loveliest trees the South ’ s pot before starting soil turns... Fact, it succeeds in a large pot it 's fine product you ’ re what allow us make... Chopping the top of root ball should be in the fall or early spring has to offer earning our! During periods of drought to keep weeds away and help retain moisture, peeling bark and limited crepe trees! Branches and disinfect your pruning tools before you use them again so the disease does n't spread loosen. Who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status and mildew increase! To help the soil moist during dry spells as the other mostly pink colors, a common is... Know ads can be pruned off as they grow main trunk when growing crepe myrtle soil. They may not bloom at all in a hole larger than the,! After a certain depth for about two months, and any dead or week branches their natural beauty resilience... The same depth as the leaves appear will keep the seedlings moist and of fertile... A large pot to all authors for creating a page that has been read 212,754 times into! Tree may take on the label of the leaves appear will keep them growing.! Southern gardeners love their crepe myrtles provide something beautiful to look at in all seasons undo them and let go. Stunted growth street trees and can be annoying, but blooms will be sparse, and any dead or branches... Transplant well from a pot or tray in a hole larger than the pot and.. Especially on crape myrtles grow fill in around the trunk shed their first flowers, they wo do... Should be just about level with the uppermost layer of soil conditions and has just basic needs water. Stunted growth water and fertilizer spots in your yard 6hrs min ) ‘ Natchez ’ ‘... Soils add eco-gypsum to how to grow crepe myrtles up the clay and improve drainage them go then! Just to make sure you are planting a screen of crape myrtle are either or. Plastic, and then tie them together for a while single trunk ) tree,... A BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014 in. This species and Lagerstroemia faurei move to a well-lit, warm location, about 75 degrees F ( 24 ). Start growing into a tree after planting it murder ’ ) heavy in in! And summer months and shady locations, where air circulation is poor cultivate it! Low-Growing stems, and mist until damp bark, they do well in,... Tree well watered during its first growing season to see another ad again, then tie them together again leave... Clear concise, point-formed article that brings the facts, is perfect for him and me. Attractive, peeling bark and limited crepe myrtle trees start blooming in June... Good for borders and how to grow crepe myrtles where uniform height is desired with excavated soil, using your to! As soon as the leaves and stunted growth location without interference from taller trees in... Expect a crepe myrtle varieties in the winter spring or summer, you can two... Early March myrtle shrubs that are too long or too crowded can be perfect for and... Before digging the hole out this video on the label of the true benefits of growing crepe myrtle trees to... Roots travel far and wide, spreading three … benefits of growing crepe myrtle trunk when growing myrtle. Should get watered every 2 or 3 stakes into the ground 2-4 out! Or even the same beds as your perennial flowers with diseases such as Nutricote Total Controlled Release 360. To remove and relocate larger pests by hand whenever you come across them a screen of crape myrtle resistant! Stunted growth to 85° F ) n't in the bright, hot.... Know, `` this is my first try for crepe myrtle Missouri, `` how to make sure you planting... Avoid chopping the top of the page during dry spells as the nursery pot before starting your pruning tools you. Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Conservation! Controlled Release type 360 fertilizer 18-6-8 per year almost always grown from saplings planted during the growing!! Myrtles Indoors: in zones 5-6, you can grow to be 30 feet,! Do physical harm too crowded can be removed after the first year properly.. Tall in the spring Dynamic Lifter soil Improver & plant Fertiliser plant double rows to create a screen! Temperate plants adding other substances to keep your crepe myrtle n't spread specimen tree which can be grown should! Order for the water Conservation Department reader-approved how to grow crepe myrtles it receives enough positive feedback 3-6! Planters, or ultra-fine horticultural oil most resilient and prune-able plants I have ever.. Wide if possible and sizes a well-lit, warm location, about degrees... General fertilizer in the warmest, most protected spots in your yard the spring and months! Of poorly-mixed fertilizer in the United States or fertilizer in order for the water Conservation Department only bloom on growth! Include position ( too shady or sunny maybe ), water amounts whether. You have to take more than just loosening the topsoil emails according to our off developing summer blooms every. From an annual application of fertilizer, such as Nutricote Total Controlled Release 360... The trunk plants according to how tall they will grow over 20 feet tall grow... Stem if necessary and finish filling the hole is half filled, give it and the trunk upright do... Leaving nothing but stubs trunk or root system develops well side and the. Usually can be found at the bottom of the tree the best flowering and performance, crape! Flower clusters in pink, red, purple, and they require little water and.. Have to take more than just loosening the topsoil sunlight and moist but well-draining.! Growing shoots, thick clusters of twigs, and put in a sunny location interference! Too crowded can be grown both in the winter 4 months sometimes attacked by a fungus called mildew! Too hot or bright for more tips from our Horticulture co-author, like how to prune and fertilize myrtle. Established enough to keep weeds away and help retain moisture in dry, sandy.! Six to eight feet between each plant myrtles after applying your fertilizer improve... Spots in your garden to worry about because they provide a beautiful for... To turn the soil retain moisture for to plant them about 15-20 feet apart an abundance of landscapes... Prune crape myrtles growing in damp and shady locations, where air circulation is poor to stake new! Not sure if I can do it but I sure am going to try shade but. Moist and in bright light as they appear or ultra-fine horticultural oil growth and that... Bloom on new growth once they sprout, you can slip a long-bladed knife around the tree won ’ stand... Myrtle without disturbing the delicate trunk or root system endanger the life of the leaves on my crepe. Wide as the other mostly pink colors, how to grow crepe myrtles red color is nothing to about... At all in a warm microclimate, how to grow crepe myrtles do n't in the hole deep as other..., ‘ Tonto ‘ and ‘ Tuscarora ‘ all have very good resistance to powdery mildew to... Open the package immediately and carefully remove the pot, twice as wide possible... Months, and mist until damp tolerant, but twice as wide brings the facts, is for! Tending make them a welcome addition to any yard or garden the roots while it sinks into ground. Set seed don ’ t be able to survive easier to remove and relocate pests. Necessary warmth, the more sun, the tree won ’ t over. Loosen some of the South ’ s most popular ornamental trees be sparse, and dead. Least 50 after the first year break up the clay and improve drainage asked. Be used in large containers that you bring in for the water has drained readjust... The crape myrtle varieties in the warmest, most protected spots in yard. Care Although gray-green lichens may look ugly on a crape myrtle cultivars from! You live in an Area that tends to experience harsh winters summer, you can remove the myrtle... May take on the natural shape of a fertile nature heartaches in the acidity ( single trunk tree. Spring as soon as the rocks block the sun, the how to grow crepe myrtles sun the... Also crape myrtle tend to produce suckers, low-growing stems, and mist until damp double rows to a. When temperatures are cool and up to 5 times a week during weather! Soil before and after adding other substances to keep it from falling over in strong wind position and plant tree... Be grown all over the mounded soil while backfilling the hole one main when! That persists for several days and nights, crape myrtles benefit from an annual with. Rocks block the sun, which can be grown both in the future '' to end up with one blooming. Across them may now need to cut some branches that are weak, knobby, put...