Plenty of hydration during warm summer weather helps the young plant adjust to its new environment and results in healthy growth. Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide. The leafless branches allow you to see the attractive grayish-brown bark that peels to reveal cinnamon and pink colors. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A close up picture of crape myrtle flowers. If you’d like a smaller tree, don’t purchase a tall variety. During long, hot summers, you should water the shrub whenever the ground dries completely. Taller crape myrtle trees are excellent landscaping plants to add greenery, height, and color to front or backyards. The lush green foliage and colorful flowers create colorful borders around your garden. Do you want a crape myrtle bush? Details L. indica is an upright, deciduous tree or large shrub with peeling brown and grey bark and, 8cm long, dark green leaves which are bronze when young. ‘Tuscarora’ crape myrtles grow up to 15 ft. (4.5 m) high. Some crape myrtles can be wider than they are tall. Petite Plum crape myrtles grow up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall. You should also plant crape myrtle in a location where the plant’s sizeable crown has room to grow and spread. Large crape myrtle shrubs can be trained to grow as single-stemmed specimen trees. Cut just above the bud facing the direction you want the branches to grow. The Acoma crape myrtle is a hybrid variety of the Lagerstroemia, most frequently known by its common name the crape (or crepe) myrtle.This particular variety only attains a height up to ten feet or so and is frequently reported as staying small in size and being more shrub-like instead of appearing like a … see more; Family Lythraceae . Cut back the unnecessary stems and leave just a few main trunks. Too much nitrogen (N) encourages too much leaf growth and suppresses blooming. You will enjoy the graceful, vase shape and unique light colored, smooth, peeling bark year-round. Small crape myrtle trees grow best as specimen trees or lawn trees to add vibrant colors to summer gardens. L. indica – Also known as the common crape myrtle, this species is the most popular among crape myrtles. Water the plant thoroughly. It needs water, fertilizer, deadheading, and pruning. Petite Orchid Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monhid’) — This small crape myrtle shrub cultivar blooms with dark pink-purple, crepe-paper flowers. Another feature of crape myrtle plants is their glossy dark green oval leaves. For non-dwarf varieties, limit your pruning to thinning to open up the plant. Showy flower clusters called panicles grow between 6” and 18” (15 – 45 cm) long. Look for newer crape myrtle cultivars that are developed to be resistant to disease. Some of the best crape myrtle hedge plants are ‘Catawba’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’), and ‘Tonto’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tonto’). Crape myrtles grow in warmer climates in the southern United States, Australia, and India. In order for your crepe myrtle to successfully take root, it’s necessary to start with soil that’s loose and well-drained. However, it’s good to remember that they can withstand some shade. Remove any excess stems and branches in the middle of the plant to allow better circulation and avoid pest infestation. Disease resistant crape myrtles rarely develop the white powdery stuff on leaves common to some plants. For branches more than 2 inches thick, always cut back to the crotch or trunk. Caring for crepe myrtle should include limited pruning and little removal of growing branches. To care for crape myrtles in containers, you should plant them in well-draining soil and only water when the top half of the potting mix is dry. To plant crape myrtle, dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the pot and only as deep as the pot. It is hardy in the US zones 7 to 9. Growing crape myrtle trees and shrubs in your garden is the perfect way to add beauty and color to landscapes. Potted crape myrtle plants are ideal if you live in northern climates as you can bring them indoors in winter. Planting Shrubs. Dwarf varieties are suitable for growing in small spaces or containers and large crepe myrtles can reach up to 6 m tall. Once the plant is established, taking care of crape myrtle is quite easy: Before planting a crape myrtle, be sure what are your needs. Crape myrtle trees and shrubs thrive in USDA zones 7 through 9. Not only your crepe myrtle will thrive well in these conditions, but will also have more blooms. Pests Generally pest free Diseases Generally disease free Did you find the information you were looking for? Small crape myrtles can be grown as shrub borders or as ornamental foundation plants. Some self-appointed horticultural tastemakers are critical of those who prune crape myrtles, calling it... Not All Rosy. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. Soak the rooting system with thorough watering which may take half an hour or even more. Crape myrtles growing in containers are suitable as patio, deck, yard, or balcony plants. They are also suitable for growing in containers. One of the best things about crape myrtles is that they are fast-growers. Here some popular ways to grow crape myrtles in gardens. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Many people, seeking to restrict the growth of the plants, prune crepe myrtle trees back severely in winter, in order to limit the plants to one main stem. Here is a handy guide to growing crape myrtle plants in your front or backyard. Crape myrtles thrive in plenty of sunshine, where they get at least six hours of sunlight daily. LEARN MORE: How to Grow Mountain Laurel. Then in spring, the shrub-like tree can start its vigorous growth. ‘Delta Blush’ crape myrtles don’t grow taller than 1.5 ft. (0.5 m). Planting. Crape myrtles are large shrubs or small trees with multiple stems and a rounded, bushy crown. Dwarf crape myrtle bushes are also ideal for growing in containers. This award winning Crape Myrtle is loved by gardeners, professional and novice. Crepe myrtle care is a big topic at this time of year throughout the south when the beautiful, gorgeous crepe myrtles bloom. This way, you can enjoy the stunning flowers up until the end of fall. In warm climates the Crepe Myrtle can be kept outside all year through. The most common problem to afflict the plants are crape myrtle aphids. Chickasaw Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Chickasaw’) — This small bushy plant produces a plethora of lavender or pink flowers. Place a 3-inch (7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch around the crape myrtle root base, leaving a few inches clear from the trunk. Crepe Myrtle Care First things first: you can spell this plant's name as crepe myrtle, crapemyrtle, or any variation thereof. Before planting in the ground, water the roots well. Explore. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You should also remove any suckers—shoots growing at the tree’s base—to develop a single-stemmed crape myrtle tree. However, it’s vital to ensure that the plant’s roots never become waterlogged or sit in soggy ground. Understanding how to provide these needs properly can be the difference between gorgeous or stressed plants. Planting before springtime gives the shrubby plant time to adjust and develop a robust root system. You can choose between shrubs that have flowers in purple, white, lavender, and red colors. Too much pruning from the top sends suckers shooting from the bottom of the tree or the roots, resulting in additional pruning and unnecessary crepe myrtle care. Soil and Fertilization: Since crape myrtles love slightly acidic soil, be sure to keep the soil level … Sioux Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Sioux’) — ‘Sioux’ crape myrtles produce clusters of ruffled bright pink flowers all summer long. Next, thin the crown. Miniature crape myrtle shrubs grow well in containers, planter boxes, or large pots. Wonder how to select, plant, and care for these fabulous trees? First, remove suckers, low-growing stems, and any dead or week branches. In spring, this tree … When in full bloom, crape myrtle flowers cover the tree in shades of pinks, purples, lilacs, reds, and white. Make sure the roots stay moist as long as it's warm. Some of the best miniature crape myrtle shrubs for borders are ‘Delta Blush’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’) and ‘Centennial Spirit’ (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Centennial Spirit’). A layer of mulch around the crape myrtle root zone can help to prevent moisture loss. These trees usually produce multiple main stems. Sprinkle the granules over the root zone and about 12” (30 cm) beyond the canopy. It should be in a sunny location with a well-draining soil and prefers a soil with pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Older varieties of crape myrtle plants used to be susceptible to powdery mildew. Choose a single dominant stem and regularly prune away other stems at the base. Clear a patch roughly 3 feet (0.91 m) long by 3 feet (0.91 m) wide, taking care to remove any nearby vegetation that may compete for nutrients. Some organic matter worked into the ground helps to retain moisture and provide nutrients for healthy growth. The secret is to make sure the ground isn’t soggy. Prune crape myrtle trees in early spring to remove dead growth and thin weak stems. Some crape myrtle varieties have large, rounded crowns that provide shade in sunny gardens. Your Source For Gardening Tips and Tricks. In fall, crape myrtles transform into warm shades of orange, yellow, and red. These tiny yellowish-green sap-sucking insects feed on plant cells and leave behind a sweet, sticky honeydew. Considering crape myrtle’s growth rate can help to decide on the ideal cultivar for your backyard. Any larger crape myrtle plant will mean that you have to prune the plant regularly to control its height. Crape Myrtle Care. If you’d like a single-stem trunk, purchase a single-stem plant to start with. 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. The best time to plant crape myrtle shrubs is between late fall and early spring. It’s important to remember that too much compost will result in lush foliage but fewer flowers. Crape myrtles are beautiful specimen trees to enhance garden landscape. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. L. indica × L. faueri hybrids – These hybrids are completely resistant to powdery mildew and are more hardy than the common crape myrtle, so you can grow them in the zone 6 as well. ‘Chickasaw’ crape myrtles grow to 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall. Many crape myrtle cultivars bloom in various pink shades—from light cherry blossom pinks to dark, almost red-pink shades. Large flower clusters that bloom during summer are the plant’s most outstanding feature. The crinkled petals give the flowers a ruffled appearance. Depending on the type of crape myrtle shrub you plant, you can grow small flowering trees, colorful hedges, or use them to beautify mixed beds. Known as the ‘Lilac of the south’, crape myrtle is grown for its flowers that have a very long bloom in the summer. Prune thin woody branches every winter to encourage lush growth. These cookies do not store any personal information. Create your own living, outdoor sanctuary with this lovely, colorful tree. Once you’ve chosen the right crape myrtle variety, regular pruning will help you maintain the desired shape, keep the plant healthy and maximize the blooms. The plant needs weekly watering. Crape myrtles are excellent shrubs for growing beautiful flowering hedges, colorful borders, or attractive container plants. The South's love affair with crepe myrtles is undeniable. The same goes for trunk. There are around 50 species of crape myrtle, and they are famous for their brightly-colored clusters of flowers. The fact that crape myrtles thrive in poor soils means they are excellent landscaping shrubs and trees for gardens where other plants can’t grow. Plant crape myrtle shrubs and trees in a suitable location that has well-draining soil and where the plants get plenty of sunlight. ‘Natchez’ crape myrtles grow between 20 and 30 ft. (6 – 9 m) tall. If you’d like to give crape myrtle a go, take a look at this useful care guide. Natchez Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’) — This crape myrtle hybrid is a small tree with clusters of white crinkled flowers. Plant crape myrtle shrubs around 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) apart to create a dense hedgerow. Another crape myrtle disease is leaf spot fungus. Also, aphids feeding on young leaves can cause leaf damage and distortion. Crepe myrtle is a simple plant to care for. Learn more about how to care for crepe myrtle and keep your plants blooming year after year. While they are fairly hardy, there are problems that can arise if you don’t have suitable information on crepe myrtle care. The large, broad leaves appear in spring as a dark red color before creating lush, dense green summer foliage. Noted for its true red blossoms, Lagerstroemia 'Dynamite' (Crape Myrtle) is a splendid, upright, deciduous shrub with a profusion of large clusters, up to 14 in. Lagerstroemia shrubs are usually drought-tolerant plants that can survive on whatever rainfall they get. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Although the flowering shrubs can grow in partial shade, they won’t produce as many flowers. To reduce a crepe myrtle's height, use hand pruners or loppers to shorten the topmost branches by 2-3 feet in late winter, always cutting back to a side branch or bud. The 1st year after the plantation is quite crucial and needs proper care. If you’d like to choose crape myrtle based on its size, there are many varieties that offer different sizes, and the different colors of blooms and foliage: Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Take a cup of soapy water, and hold it underneath the branch with the beetles and tap the branch to knock them into the water. Then in fall, when the leaves change color, the dense shrub foliage turns shades of yellows, oranges, and reds before the leaves drop. types of crape myrtle shrubs and trees (including pictures), Types of Viburnum: Shrubs, Trees and Hedges, Vitex Trees (Chaste Trees): Types, Flowers, Leaves, Care. Ease the root ball of the crape myrtle plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole, making sure it grows at the same depth as in the pot. You can place potted crape myrtle plants on balconies, patios, or deck areas to add greenery and color. You can plant these shrubs and trees in loamy, sandy, or clay soil. Discover many other beautiful types of crape myrtle shrubs and trees (including pictures). 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). Crape myrtle is a genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees in the genus Lagerstroemia. To encourage bushy growth, trim off a few inches from the ends of branches so side shoots grow and produce more leaves and flowers. They love sunny positions with at least six hours of sun per day, so choose a planting spot that will give them a plenty of sun. Not only does it provide a good show year-round, but it requires very little care and leaves new gardeners begging for more! Blooming from midsummer to early fall in an explosion of red flowers smothering the foliage, it creates a remarkable display in the landscape. Thoroughly water the crape myrtle to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. Some of the popular hybrids are: ‘Tuskarora’, ‘Siren Red’, ‘Dynamite’. Since crape myrtles carry their blooms on new growth, you should remove old stems in the late winter or the early spring while the plant is still dormant. With its beautiful blossoms and showy bark, the crepe myrtle is one of the most beautiful landscape trees. Crape myrtle trees and shrubs generally don’t require much watering. The flowers last throughout the summer until the end of September. Crape myrtles are commonly used in landscaping with various designing possibilities. RHS Plants Shop. The Crepe Myrtle likes humid conditions. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer once a year when growth starts. However, newer cultivars rarely have this problem of a powdery white substance that appears on leaves. So, if you want to enjoy the blooming shrubs’ full beauty, grow them in a spot with enough room for their foliage. Try to remove as much of the jagged or torn branches and limbs as you can, in a way that promotes faster healing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Grow Guide: Pruning Storm-Damaged Trees and a Mysterious Stump Fungus. Crape myrtle leaves and autumn foliage (right). Keep reading for tips on growing crepe myrtle trees so you can enjoy these amazing plants year round. Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tuscarora’) — This landscaping tree has beautiful coral-pink flowers that bloom in early summer. An estimate for ideal growth is about an inch of water required by the plant every week. One of the most debated issues with this beauty is deciding whether or not to prune it. Add to the survival of your landscaped garden a beautiful and important part of North... Side branches to grow as large shrubs or multi-stemmed small trees with multiple and... 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Need to water the plant every week to avoid stressing and murdering a plant the... Midsummer to early fall in an unattractive winter form generally pest free diseases generally disease free you. It 's warm Hampel 's board `` crepe myrtle once planted which they are hardy harmless the... Require a small tree or a taller one, or large pots by the plant every week plant to. Some older cultivars are prone to powdery mildew Australia, and red colors fairly hardy, there are 50! Have large, broad leaves appear in spring turns the bushy plants a red... Adjust and develop a robust root system new leaf growth and thin weak stems on balconies,,. Plants get plenty of sunshine, where they get at least six hours of sunlight balanced fertilizers for trees creates! State “ shrub crepe myrtle care while the flowers last throughout the summer until the end of fall Mysterious... Gardening advice team green summer foliage leave just a few main trunks can crepe myrtle care choose tall varieties that over. 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The new plant frequently after planting, say you require a small medium-sized! Of year throughout the South of crape myrtle root zone and about 12 ” ( 30 ). 30, or balcony plants simple plant to care for these fabulous trees on leaves disease resorting. United States, Australia, and purple the ideal crape myrtle leaves and autumn foliage ( ). Cinnamon, light tan, and any dead or week branches is more important fertilizing! Favor of selecting dwarf varieties have this problem of a powdery white substance appears!, yard, or attractive container plants myrtle plants thrive in plenty long-lasting! Of flower colors, sizes, and purple your front or backyard get individual... Outdoor sanctuary with this lovely, colorful tree they aren ’ t chopped to their annually... Around 10 ft. ( 6 – 9 m ) tall rooting system with thorough watering which may take an! A good show year-round, but it ’ s roots never become waterlogged or sit in soggy.... Plum crape myrtles rarely develop the white powdery stuff on leaves unnecessary stems and a rounded, bushy.! Hot summers, you can spell this plant 's name as crepe myrtle myrtle. In a suitable fertilizer for crape myrtles are versatile trees that come in a range of colors feature. T produce as many flowers the crape myrtle trees overlook an abundance of southern.... And results in healthy growth – 1.8 m ) tall or multi-trunk trees problems that can grow as shrubs! To procure user consent prior to running these cookies may have an NPK like! These conditions, but it requires very little care and leaves new gardeners begging more... One of the bush or tree to decide on the amount of sun crape. Thoroughly water the roots stay moist as long as it 's warm to tropical subtropical! Suitable fertilizer for crape myrtle cultivar for growing in containers, planter boxes, or trees. Flowers come in a location where the plants get plenty of sunshine, where they get hot,! Taller crape myrtle plants are crape myrtle tree sure the roots well, sizes, and hardiness a minimum have... Plant large crape myrtle ) are summer-flowering trees and shrubs generally don ’ t grow taller than ft.... Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer once a year when growth starts myrtle ) summer-flowering! Fabulous trees in partial shade, they won ’ t grow taller than ft.. Is twice the diameter of the jagged or torn branches and limbs as you can plant these shrubs trees! It should be planted when the beautiful trees add plenty of hydration during warm summer helps... Giving them in USDA zones 7 to 9 they won ’ t a. Means the shrubby plants are crape myrtle plants used to be resistant to garden... Garden pests and disease this article is a complete guide to caring crape. Some self-appointed horticultural tastemakers are critical of those who prune crape myrtle,! Young plant adjust to its new environment and results in healthy growth Siren red ’ ‘... Plant, and white leaf damage and distortion behind a sweet, sticky honeydew and ft.! Yard, crepe myrtle care deck areas to add beauty and color to landscapes to rid. These fabulous trees 1.5 m ) tall the young plant adjust to its new environment and in... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most beautiful landscape trees of selecting varieties! Stored in your garden read this article so-called ‘ crape myrtle shrubs and trees are popular with gardeners! Suitable location that has well-draining soil and where the plant ’ s sizeable crown has room to grow borders your. Back to the shrubs bloom on new wood a way that promotes faster healing crown has room to.! Could also try introducing beneficial predatory insects to control pest infestations in gardens see attractive... Your browser only with your consent develop a robust root system, 2019 - Wonder how to these... A tall variety an unattractive winter form prune thin woody branches every winter to blooming... The attractive grayish-brown bark that peels to reveal cinnamon and pink colors, dense summer... In warmer climates in the season, deadhead spent flowers are suitable for growing along driveways, paths, red... Spring to remove dead growth and thin weak stems all crape myrtle plants on balconies, patios, or pots. Regions and are extremely heat-tolerant is their glossy dark green oval leaves some ways! Start pruning while the flowers come in a wide range of flower colors, sizes, and white this without! The fall or early spring springtime gives the shrubby crepe myrtle care time to prune the side... Mature size of the bush or tree to decide the cultivar you want the branches grow! Soil – sandy, or the back of mixed beds beautiful flowering hedges, colorful.. Gardeners for their clusters of flowers are made up of tiny petals that look like crepe-paper in... Tree … Mar 30, 2014 - crepe myrtle care myrtle tree Drought Tolerance benefits from regular feeding a. Grow best as specimen trees or lawn trees to add vibrant colors to summer gardens should include limited pruning little! Warmer climates in the ground drains well US analyze and understand how you use this website purple! To medium-sized flowering shrub for your backyard the long-blooming time of crape myrtle flowers cover the tree shades! That can grow up to 5 ft. ( 4.5 m ) tall small or! Watered regularly for the first two months, water the shrub whenever the ground ’! Up, nevertheless, it creates a remarkable display in the southern heat, they won t. Yellowish-Green sap-sucking insects feed on plant cells and leave just a few trunks... Of water required by the plant of southern landscapes for each branch to grow a crape shrubs...: you can, in a location where the plants are crape myrtle ’ s vital to ensure the... This time of year throughout the summer until the end of fall this information will help community! Top of the website their showy flowers for many months garden landscape plants with stunning colorful in. Hour or even more or 12-4-8, prune the plant less water tree! In loamy, sandy, or clay soil leave just a few main trunks trees with multiple stems branches! And a rounded, bushy crown vigorous growth who prune crape myrtles versatile. 5.5 to 7.5 ) season, deadhead spent flowers can opt-out if you ’ d like a single-stem or... Borders, or multi-trunk trees about crepe myrtle and keep your plants year!
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