What month do crepe myrtles lose their leaves?
In short, it means that they lose their leaves during Autumn and winter months. However, there is a bit more to it than that. Here’s everything you need to know about the deciduous nature of crepe myrtles. From regular suckers that need to be trimmed regularly to a vigorous root system that makes it nearly impossible to get rid of, there are many hidden downsides of growing a crepe myrtle tree. As a nonnative, crepe myrtles also aren’t the best choice for gardeners who want to attract birds and pollinators to their yard.TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists provide the answers to these questions and more! How Long Does a Crepe Myrtle Live? Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more!
What are the disadvantages of crape myrtles?
Invasive roots some larger crepe myrtle varieties have vigorous root systems that can spread widely or become invasive, potentially damaging sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. Careful selection and placement of the plant can mitigate these risks. Choosing the perfect location for your crape myrtle crape myrtles grow well in usda hardiness zones 6-10, where they can enjoy long periods of sunlight and warmth. They thrive in texas’ hot climate, and their drought tolerance and minimal maintenance make them a favorite among texas gardeners and landscapers.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.Find a Sunny Location First, you need to decide where in your garden the crape myrtle should go. They need full sun and good air circulation for the best blooms. Six hours of sun a day is the minimum requirement. It will grow in most soil as long as there is good drainage.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.Do NOT cut here! The proper time to prune crape myrtle is late winter (January-February). Since crape myrtles form their flowers on new growth, there is no danger of removing already-formed buds.
Is there a difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
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. While pruning a tree is always a good idea for long-term health, crepe murder happens when crepe myrtle trees are overpruned. Overpruning is described as cutting back of main branches or “topping”. Since crepe myrtle trees grow naturally into a pretty form, they don’t need to be trimmed too much.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.Ecosystem Service Value: Crape Myrtle primarily attracts bees and other pollinators. Birds often use this small tree for protection. Uses, Other Details: Can also be seen with spellings Crapemyrtle or Crepe Myrtle.Crepe Myrtle” has a long heritage of usage in the South and is still used more often than “Crape Myrtle,” though both spellings are considered correct. If you are ever unsure of which spelling to use, just remember that both are correct, and you can’t go wrong!Another controversy surrounding crape myrtles is that they are not native to the United States. They are actually native to China and other Asian countries. These trees first made their way to England and from there to the United States by way of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1786.