What is the downside of crape myrtles?
Susceptibility to Certain Pests and Diseases Despite the availability of resistant cultivars, some Crepe Myrtles are still susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. These issues can detract from the plant’s beauty and health if not managed properly. Damage – The crapemyrtle aphid is the only significant insect pest of crepe myrtles in the Southeast. Because it feeds on the lower surface of crepe myrtle foliage, it is inconspicuous except for the copious amounts of honeydew that it excretes.The most common problems we see with crape myrtle can be “crape MURDER”, some leaf diseases, like powdery mildew, crape myrtle bark scale, aphids, and beetles.No additional winter care or protection is necessary for Crape Myrtle when grown in warmer climates. Cover the plant if possible to protect it from the elements should a rare weather event like a snow or ice storm happen.Crape myrtle do not have invasive root systems, which may be one reason they are used as sidewalk margin trees. They don’t lift the sidewalks as so many other trees do. And their beautiful fall color is another reward.
What makes white crape myrtles unique?
Long Blooming Season and Color Variety One of the standout features of the white crape myrtle is its impressive blooming season. From late spring to fall, these stunning plants provide a continuous display of vibrant color, ensuring your garden remains lively and inviting. Once established a couple of years, crape myrtles are some of our lowest-maintenance landscaping plants. Of course, the better the care you can provide for them, the more you’ll be rewarded in growth and bloom. Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, and new growth is dependent on moisture.Crepe myrtles typically do not begin to flower until they are around three years old.According to middle eastern tradition, myrtle was the first fragrant flower ever. And the reason is its complex, multifaceted smell, woody, green, fresh, slightly bitter and herbaceous, but also somehow floral, sweet and spicy.
Should crepe myrtles be cut back every year in the fall?
Crepe myrtle trees don’t necessarily require pruning every year. However, keep an eye out for suckers or crossing branches, which could have a long-term impact on the structure of your tree. White crape myrtles are versatile in size, with a typical height range of 3 to 30 feet depending on the variety. Standard varieties usually average between 15 and 25 feet tall, while dwarf varieties remain compact, reaching only 3 to 5 feet.This adaptation allows them to better tolerate cold weather, conserve water, and get rid of old or damaged leaves. So, if you’re thinking about purchasing a crepe myrtle for your home or garden, rest assured knowing that its tendency to lose its leaves in the autumn and winter is perfectly normal!Crepe myrtles can be grown as either a shrub or small tree and are often used in groupings to create privacy hedges. Their average height is between 15 and 25 feet and they can grow fast – up to 2 feet in 1 year!Crape myrtles are heat loving trees and often they are one of the last trees to leaf out in spring. They require at least three days above 70ºF to wake and show bud break. This can be as early as April or as late as early May. Once warm weather arrives in earnest they will grow steadily.
What are common problems with white crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially trouble-free small trees. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!crape myrtle plants are not poisonous to any animals. As a matter of fact, the berries that grow on many varieties during the late fall and winter are often a food source for birds. All plant parts are safe and non-toxic if consumed by pets or livestock.At the start of summer it’s smooth, gray bark often peels off to expose a polished under-bark in various shades of brown. Ecosystem Service Value: Crape Myrtle primarily attracts bees and other pollinators. Birds often use this small tree for protection.Sun: Full sun is the ideal condition, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Soil: Crape myrtle can grow in a variety of soils, but they prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?
Choosing a Planting Location Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose a bright sunny spot for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill. Crape myrtles planted in winter, spring, and fall should manage well with just one deep watering per week, but if you choose to plant in summer, you may need to add an extra weekly watering if there are heatwave or drought conditions.The best time to plant Crape Myrtles is late fall or early spring. Planting in the fall allows the roots to establish themselves before winter dormancy, while early spring planting takes advantage of the upcoming growing season.While all crape myrtles are cold hardy to USDA Zone 7a, meaning they will tolerate low winter temperatures to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, there are now many varieties that are cold hardy as far north as USDA Zone 6a, which has low temperatures to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.Best Plants To Grow With Crape Myrtle Create an elegant formal garden with boxwoods for year-round interest. Grow crape myrtle with flowering shrubs like hydrangea, spirea, and dogwood for an impressive floral display.
What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle?
As a smaller understory tree, crape myrtles have shorter lifespans than big canopy trees. Whereas many types of crape myrtles live for a few decades on average, Natchez crape myrtles generally have a lifespan of about 50 years. Crape myrtle plants that have been pruned into a stumpy habit can be revived with severe pruning. Here are the steps to take: Cut plants all the way to the ground. New branches will quickly sprout from the base.Avoid sites that get less than 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, also those that have shallow, rocky soils. Tall crape myrtles can be used as patio and entryway trees, along drives and walks and as tall, deciduous, screening shrubs along property lines.Lower limbs of crape myrtle are removed to increase clearance for pedestrians or vehicles. Other pruning may be conducted to remove crossing branches, remove suckers from the base of the plant, direct growth away from structures, and remove spent flowers, seed capsules, and dead or damaged branches and twigs.Crape Myrtle is deciduous, so the plant drops its leaves during the winter and goes dormant.
Where not to plant crepe myrtle?
Don’t plant Crape Myrtles in shade. Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look. Growing and caring for White Crepe Myrtle is relatively easy as long as you provide it with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Pruning should be done during late winter or early spring before new growth starts.First of all, pruning crepe myrtles is optional; if the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, let it grow! If you need to prune your crepe myrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crepe myrtle is the correct method.Believe it or not – Crape myrtles should be pruned like any other tree – rarely and only to correct problems and enhance their natural shape. Prune your Crape myrtles in late January to early March if necessary.