The vaunted crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) arrived in England from its native China in 1759.
It impressed very few people, though, because it refused to bloom.
England just wasn’t hot enough.
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However, the American South was hot enough.
These easy-to-grow trees possess many outstanding features.
In the fall, they dependably produce radiant foliage in reds, oranges, and yellows.
Winter reveals their exfoliating bark, which makes their naturally sculpted trunks look like living works of art.
Shaded areas will likely result in crepe myrtles not blooming, and partial sunlight will yield poor results.
Soil
Crepe myrtles grow best in partly acidic soil.
Check with your local extension agent about getting your soil sample tested to determine the pH of your soil.
If the soil pH is over 6.5, garden sulfur is the best option for lowering the pH.
Be sure to read the app instructions because too much garden sulfur can be detrimental.
Water-soluble acidic fertilizers can be applied in the spring each year.
This soil should be well-draining.
verify the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
Mulching
Use an acidic mulch such as pine bark or oak leaves for support.
fauriei.New selections pop up all the time.
Crepe myrtle (L. indica)
This is the premier summer-flowering tree of the South.
It tolerates heat and drought and does well in most soils as long as they are well-drained.
They may freeze to the ground during severe winters in the Upper South, but will re-sprout.
Gardeners there should plant cold-hardy selections such as ‘Acoma,’ ‘Centennial Spirit,’ and ‘Hopi.’
Dark green leaves are 1 to 3 inches long and turn yellow, orange, or red in fall.
Japanese Crepe Myrtle (L. subcostata var.
The leaves are green and grow to have blades as long as 4 inches.
Small white flowers bloom in the summer.
Individual blossoms reach 2 inches long.
Leaves reach 4 to 12 inches long and turn red in fall.
The tree has smooth and mottled bark.
It is a fast grower and annual pruning in winter is especially important to control size and form.
Pruning
Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring.
Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning.
On medium and tall types, prune to a tree form.
Also gradually remove side branches on main trunks up to a height of 4-5 feet.
The tree should be open enough that a bird could fly through unimpeded.
you might determine if your crepe myrtle is protected by checking the label.
If you know your crepe myrtle isnt patented, go ahead and create more beautiful blooming babies!
Learn how to collect seeds for planting, and see ourguide to growing crepe myrtles from clippings and seeds.
Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until spring.
These trees may be easily transplanted, and only a small root ball is needed for success.
It’s best to move them in late fall or winter when they’re leafless and dormant.
See ourguide to planting crepe myrtlesfor step-by-step planting directions.
Mine have had the same problem in the past.
It still blooms the same.
Another complication comes up whenever trees are planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions.
Powdery mildew is a fungus that grows on leaves, preventing new growth and damaging leaves.
Light tip pruning or snipping off old blooms will encourage more flowers.
Once crepe myrtles have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed.
The small round seed pods or capsules usually weigh the limbs down, making them sag.
Removing the seeds takes off the weight and the branches rise up.
Using a sharp pair of clippers, cut off the seedpods.
New shoots with buds will quickly appear, and you should get a second bloom.
Plant the tree in a sunny location in your yard for optimal blooms.
Dont plant them close to the house or a fence, as they need plenty of room to grow.
The main difference between these two plants is their size.
Crepe myrtle trees grow to about 30 or even 40 feet tall.
Bush varieties are much smaller, maturing at 4 to 15 feet tall.
Crepe myrtle trees have one large trunk with large leaves and limited color options.
The bushes are more compact with a internet of smaller branches.
Both bloom continuously from summer to fall.
Youll find all sorts of visitors to your crepe myrtle tree.
Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies are attracted to the nectar.
Goldfinches, cardinals, and sparrows eat the seeds in early winter.
Deer typically stay away from crepe myrtles.
Late fall through spring is good because the tree is dormant.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Lagerstroemia indica.
