What are the disadvantages of crape myrtles?
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. 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.Whether you call them crepe myrtles or crape myrtles, these summer blooming plants are extremely adaptable and fast growing and are ideal for shaping into single- or multi-trunked trees. Pruning crapemyrtles into tree-forms accentuates plant architecture and highlights the showy, dappled bark.Most local nurseries will label their plants with this information, which is just as important as flower color and bark appearance. Crape myrtle is a low-maintenance plant needing little or no pruning if planted in full sun away from walkways and roads.Some crape myrtles grow to only 3 feet tall, while others reach 20 feet or more, and you can find a variety of almost any size in between. Many of the largest varieties grow upright and develop a spreading crown, creating a lovely tree. Crape myrtles naturally grow with multiple trunks.Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.
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. Crape myrtles have a shallow, fibrous root system and are long lived.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.Whether you call them crepe myrtles or crape myrtles, these summer blooming plants are extremely adaptable and fast growing and are ideal for shaping into single- or multi-trunked trees. Pruning crapemyrtles into tree-forms accentuates plant architecture and highlights the showy, dappled bark.The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. More information on successfully growing crape myrtles is available in HGIC 1008, Crape Myrtle, and HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning.
Where is the best place to plant crape myrtles?
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. The bloom times of crape myrtles vary, depending on a number of factors. Some crape myrtles come into bloom with large clusters of flowers appearing on the tips of new branches in May, while other varieties wait until July or later. Blooms continue into fall.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.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.While you can plant crape myrtles any time of year, early spring is ideal. The roots will have time to get established while temperatures are still cool to moderate, and this is less stressful for the plant.
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. 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.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.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.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.
Do crepe myrtles prefer sun or shade?
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. Growth Rate: Crape myrtle generally grows at a medium to fast rate, adding 1’–2′ per year. Growth rates can vary depending on the variety, with some varieties growing much faster than others. Sun: Full sun is the ideal condition, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.Don’t plant next to walls, fences, large shrubs, etc. Good spacing will provide excellent air circulation which will reduce mildew issues. It’s fine to plant some smaller perennials or shrubs underneath tree-form crape myrtles as long as there is sufficient airflow.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.
Is there a difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
The crepe myrtle bush has smaller leaves and a smaller crown spread but does have a more diverse flower color range than the crepe myrtle tree. In addition to these differences, the crepe myrtle bush is much hardier compared to the crepe myrtle tree. Depending on the variety, crepe myrtles are dwarf shrubs, large shrubs, or small trees with a spreading or upright habit. Adding 1 to 2 feet per year, crepe myrtles are considered medium to fast growers. The best time to plant a crepe myrtle is between in late fall or early spring while the plant is dormant.Crepe myrtle bushes tend to grow shorter with a shrubby form. They often have several stems growing from the base. These are great as ornamental shrubs, border plants, or in group plantings. Crepe myrtle trees, on the other hand, grow upright.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.Crepe myrtles like full sun. While they will tolerate a few hours of shade per day, they need at least six hours of sunlight and are very heat tolerant, perfect for the hot Southern climate. Without the sun they need, they may not have many or any blooms.
What is the lifespan of a crape 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. Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme heat.