The Complete Guide to Crepe Myrtle Trees is available from the UGA Cooperative Extension.
The crepe myrtle tree provides year-round interest and color with its 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, with many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single or multi-trunk specimen.You can find the perfect crape myrtle with all of these options.
There are pictures, design tips, and Frequently Asked Questions on this page.
There are different varieties for zones.It's possible that the above-ground branches will die back completely if the roots are only root hardy in zone 6.New spring growth will emerge if this happens.
Standard single and multi-trunk trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide in a single year.Smaller dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties can be found from 6 to 18 feet tall, so make sure you choose the right one for your location and design.
A single- or multi-trunk tree can be grown from crape myrtles.There are varieties that grow as shrubs.
Most trees and shrubs are planted in the fall or early spring to give them time to establish their roots before the heat of summer hits.If you want to plant crape myrtles in the summer, be sure to water them well.
The crapes love the sun.They should be planted in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.It is fine to have partial shade during the day.More sun means more blooms.They need good drainage, but aren't picky about their soil.
Just as deep as the container, dig a hole twice as wide.Water the tree in stages as you go through the hole.The rootball should be slightly above the ground to allow it to breathe and take in oxygen.Water thoroughly after planting if necessary.
If you don't have enough space for a tree in your garden, we have a solution for you.The crape myrtles in the series are 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.They can be grown in containers.
Are you looking for something a bit larger?You can find a selection at 3 to 6 feet tall and wide.There is increased disease resistance and fabulous foliage that transitions from deep burgundy to silvery green.
Pruning should be done in the winter when the myrtles are not active.
A good cleaning up in the winter is recommended for trees and shrubs.Any crossing or branches crowding the center should be removed.
Pick one that will grow into the right size and shape naturally and you'll be good to go.The mature size and shape of your tree can be confirmed by checking the plant tag information.
A common mistake is over-pruning and lopping the tops off, which can result in your tree or shrub putting all of its energy into producing new branches and leaves.Larger bloom clusters on new branches can cause them to droop and break, and some say that this creates larger blooms the following season.This creates knobby growth at the cut point that is more susceptible to disease and distracts from the beauty of the tree.
The foliage of crape myrtles can turn yellow if the soil is too alkaline.Any type of soil requires good drainage.
During the first growing season, lightly fertilize once a month.At the first signs of new growth in spring, apply a slow-releasefertilizer for established trees.In the spring and summer, apply a light feeding twice a month as they are heavy feeders.After every application offertilizer, be sure to water well.A layer of mulch protects the roots during the winter.
The crape myrtles are tolerant of the weather.They should be watered twice a week in hot weather during the first few growing seasons.
There are diseases with crape myrtles.They have some susceptibility to pests.Increased disease resistance has led to the development of the Rikki Tikki series.
Up to 20 feet tall, 10 to 15 feet wide, or trained as a single or multi-trunk tree.
The zones are 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.In fall, there are yellow, orange and red foliage.The series is also available in purple, white, orchid, and bright pink.
In fall, there are yellow, orange and red foliage.The series is also available in purple, white, orchid, and bright pink.
The zones are 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.There are bright pink flowers, green, purple and silver foliage.
Why is my myrtle not growing?If your crape is still establishing itself, be patient as it may not bloom fully until their second season.Too much shade can cause fewer blooms.Your tree's energy will be spent on producing new branches instead of blooms, as over-pruning can result in decreased flowering.Foliage growth can be caused by too much water orfertilizer.
Is the crape roots myrtle a problem?The roots of a crape myrtle are weak and not aggressive.They don't produce heavy side roots that can cause damage.Shallow crape myrtle roots have the potential to compete for water with surrounding grass.
Are crape myrtles poisonous?According to the University of California, Davis, crape myrtles are a safe plant.They are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.Plants that are safe for cats and dogs can be found in the 20 Common Plants Safe for Cats & Dogs.
Is crape myrtle deer resistant?crape myrtles are rarely eaten by deer.
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