You’ll want to start feeding with a general-purpose, well-balanced garden fertilizer. Use 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8, or 16-4-8 fertilizer. A granular product works well for crepe myrtle.
What do you feed crepe myrtles?
When established, crape myrtle are not heavy feeders. However, they will benefit from fertilization at any time during their life. Fertilize them in early spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food, preferably one that contains Sulfur and/or Iron. Alternatively, you can feed with a natural organic plant food.
How much fertilizer do crape myrtles need?
Too much food for crape myrtles makes them grow more foliage and less flowers. It’s better to use too little than too much. When you are planting young shrubs or trees, place granular fertilizer along the perimeter of the planting hole. Assuming the plants are transferred from one-gallon containers, use one teaspoon of fertilizer per plant.
How do you take care of a crepe myrtle tree?
With very little maintenance, crape myrtles will provide brilliant color for many years. You will need to start by siting them in sunny spots in well cultivated soil and then fertilizing crape myrtle shrubs appropriately.
Is Crape Myrtle easy to grow and care for?
When growing in the ground, crape myrtle shrubs and trees are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. Crape myrtle growing in containers will require a little more attention to watering and more fertilizer. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know regarding feeding and watering Ligustrum plants... How To Fertilize Crape Myrtle In the Ground
What is the best fertilizer for a crepe myrtle tree?
Fertilizers including 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 will work fine and are ideal for crape myrtles, but don't go overboard. Overfertilizing trees will cause excess growth and reduce the number of blooms on each tree.
Should you fertilize crepe myrtles?
Fertilize in Spring Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. This will promote optimal new growth. Remember, Crape Myrtles only bloom on new growth.
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtles?
The answer is yes! Coffee grounds make an excellent ground mulch, especially for acid-loving plants.
Do crepe myrtles need Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is often recommended as a magnesium supplement. The only way to know if your soil lacks magnesium (and that your crepe myrtle needs more) is to perform a soil test.
How can I make my crepe myrtle bloom better?
To make your crepe myrtle bloom, apply a high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertilizer in a slow-release formula in early spring. Alternatively, fertilize regularly throughout the growing season. Younger trees need monthly feeding, while more established trees benefit from being fertilized every two weeks.
How do I bring my crepe myrtle back to life?
Once the crape myrtle has become tall enough, allow nature to take its course, as the pods will drop and the tree will bloom on its own. The rule of thumb for pruning a crape myrtle is much like pruning any other plant. Remove any dead or dying branches. Thin out twiggy growth to allow air to better circulate.
Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming?
Not enough sunshine will curtail blooms on a crape myrtle. Being in a place where the tree does not get significant sunshine is a recipe for a non blooming tree. Make sure that the tree is not planted in an under-story position as the shade from larger trees and shrubs will block the needed sunshine to the tree.
What kind of mulch do you use for crepe myrtles?
During spring and summer, 4-6 inches of mulch should be placed a few inches away from the trunk to provide good air circulation. The best type of mulch for your crape myrtle is acid mulch, pine bark or oak leaves. Do not mulch with mushroom compost.
Is pine needle mulch good for crepe myrtles?
While these kinds of mulches can be good in certain circumstances, for normal garden use, plain pine bark, cypress, pine needles, or even leaves are better suited for your Crape Myrtles.
Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning yellow?
Most commonly, drought or a lack of moisture will cause crepe myrtles leaves to yellow and prematurely fall. What is this? Your plant might also have a bacterial disease or fungus, which will also start as yellowing foliage. This is also known as 'leaf scorch' and tends to affect crepe myrtles during the summertime.
How much water does a crepe myrtle need?
Crape Myrtles need at least one inch of water per week, with more during especially hot and dry weather. Still, these plants are fairly drought resistant once they've matured. Though Crape Myrtles like a good and deep soaking, issues like poor drainage and overwatering can lead to problems.
What causes sticky leaves on crepe myrtle?
What causes that? Answer: That's the honeydew secretion from crape myrtle aphids. You'll see them congregated on the plants' leaves and new growth, generally from mid-summer on. By the time the leaves are completely coated in the residue the populations will be severe.
How much fertilizer do crepe myrtles need?
If using an 8-8-8- or 10-10-10 fertilizer, use one pound of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of the planting bed for small shrubs and dwarf varieties. For large crape myrtle trees and shrubs, increase the amount of fertilizer and use a pound of fertilizer per inch of the tree's diameter.
What month do you prune crepe myrtle trees?
February is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable.
What causes crepe myrtle leaves to yellow?
Most commonly, drought or a lack of moisture will cause crepe myrtles leaves to yellow and prematurely fall. What is this? Your plant might also have a bacterial disease or fungus, which will also start as yellowing foliage. This is also known as 'leaf scorch' and tends to affect crepe myrtles during the summertime.
Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming?
Not enough sunshine will curtail blooms on a crape myrtle. Being in a place where the tree does not get significant sunshine is a recipe for a non blooming tree. Make sure that the tree is not planted in an under-story position as the shade from larger trees and shrubs will block the needed sunshine to the tree.
How often should I water my crape myrtle?
This will ensure the young roots spread properly and become well established. Always water your Crape Myrtles after applying your fertilizer. Then water once a week, or more often if you live in a dry, arid climate. 3. When to Discontinue Fertilization and Regular Watering.
How long do crape myrtles bloom?
for detailed instructions. These are the simple Secrets for growing Crape Myrtles that bloom for 5 or even 6 months per year. Remember Crape Myrtles are different from any other woody perennial in that they bloom on NEW GROWTH MADE IN SPRING AND SUMMER.
When should I fertilize myrtles?
Fertilize in Spring. Begin fertilizing in Spring with the fertilizer of your choice (liquid, slow release or granules), when the first leaves start to appear. Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. This will promote optimal new growth.
What is the best fertilizer for soil?
The easiest to use and most well known fertilizer is Miracle Gro.
Do you have to prune a crape myrtle in winter?
It essentially toughens up the plant so it may withstand the drier, colder conditions of winter. It's during this winter dormancy that you'll want to prune your Crape Myrtle if you so desire. See our.
Do crape myrtles bloom all summer?
Everyone wants to get the most blooms from their Crape Myrtles. By following these simple instructions your Crape Myrtles will bloom all summer long and amaze your friends and family. One rule of thumb to always remember, Crape Myrtles Only Bloom on New Growth! So more new growth equals more blooms.
How to stimulate a new growth of a crape myrtle?
For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted crape myrtle with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development. Root Stimulator reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants. During the First Active Growing Season.
What is the best soil for crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle grow best in an acid to slightly acid soil ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, or whether or not it's suitable for growing crape myrtle, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area.
What is the pH of a crap myrtle?
Crape myrtle grow best in an acid to slightly acid soil ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 on the pH scale.
Can crape myrtle be grown in containers?
When growing in the ground, crape myrtle shrubs and trees are exceptionally easy to grow and care for. Crape myrtle growing in containers will require a little more attention to watering and more fertilizer. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know regarding feeding and watering Ligustrum plants...
What nutrients do crepe myrtles need?
As a blooming tree, it needs micronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. It is not possible to get healthy plants without adequate fertilizer. The beauty of Crepe Myrtles in summer is fantastic. In the South, this is the most distinguished flower that can grow nicely.
What to do when your tree is acidic?
For planting this tree, you have to choose well-draining loamy soil. The root becomes rotten when water is stagnant in the soil of the tree. Organic compost also helps us to maintain the acidic level.
What is a crape myrtle?
Last Update May 29, 2021 by Autem Decker Leave a Comment. Crape myrtles are beautiful ornamental flowering trees that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They are across the board sun-loving plants and also pretty drought-tolerant ones. If you water and fertilize them properly, they will bloom your home way too beautifully than you imagined. ...
How big do crape myrtles get?
The most beautiful thing about crape myrtles is that they come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny shrubs that get only three to two feet tall and wide to medium-size varieties. And then it has all the way to tree size varieties that reach 25 feet in height.
When do crape myrtles bloom?
The primary feature of crape myrtle is its beautiful flowers which happen in late spring and usually about the first half of the summer. However, you also get some residual flowers right through the end of summer. The small growing dwarf varieties make excellent foundation plants in front of your windows.
Where to put fertilizer tip?
The fertilizers are perfectly measured and formed into spikes. You will have to put the tip near the plant where the active roots are growing. This special procedure will save you from the waste of fertilizer and ensure the proper growth of your plant.
Is crape myrtle hardy?
Crape myrtles are hardy in zone seven to nine, absolutely worth a try in ten A and six B. In areas like six-eight , the winters are harsh, and these trees get completely killed back to the ground. Many people put straw around their base in the wintertime and get killed down top that straw level and suddenly come back in the summer.
Does Carl Pool crape myrtle plant food have phosphoric acid?
Carl Pool crape myrtle plant food is formulated with plenty of phosphoric acids.
Do crape myrtles need fertilizer?
Most people don’t know that the crape myrtles need slow-releasing fertilizers that last for a long time. They need fertilizer specially made for them only. Here we have gone through the whole bunch of fertilizer for crape myrtle available in the market and picked out the best of them for you.
What type of soil does crape myrtle like?
Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. However, they prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 7.5). If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may turn yellow. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide.
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle (or crape myrtle) are summer-flowering trees and shrubs of the Lagerstroemia genus . The genus consists of around 50 species and hundreds of selected cultivars of deciduous trees and shrubs that are cultivated in warm climates. Crape myrtles are mainly grown for their long-lasting flowers with the color varying from white, lilac, pink, ...
How fast do crape myrtles grow?
One of the best things about crape myrtles is that they are fast-growers. They can grow up to 3 feet per year. Where, When and How to Plant Crape Myrtle. Crape myrtles are native to tropical and subtropical regions and are extremely heat-tolerant.
Do crape myrtles bloom in the fall?
But besides their showy flowers that last throughout the entire summer (in some varieties until the first frost), crape myrtles offer a year-round interest – the foliage provides the interest during the fall, while the shedding bark has an attractive appearance during the winter.
Is crape myrtle a shrub?
Known as the ‘Lilac of the south’, crape myrtle is grown for its flowers that have a very long bloom in the summer. Crape myrtle can be grown as a tree or a shrub, while the flowers come in a wide range of colors. If you’d like to give crape myrtle a go, take a look at this useful care guide. What is a Crape Myrtle?
Can crape myrtles grow in containers?
They can be grown as single-stem trunks, or multi-trunk trees. You can also choose tall varieties that grow over 30, or you can go for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties. They are also suitable for growing in containers.
Can I grow crape myrtle in Zone 6?
L. indica × L. faueri hybrids – These hybrids are completely resistant to powdery mildew and are more hardy than the common crape myrtle, so you can grow them in the zone 6 as well. Some of the popular hybrids are: ‘Tuskarora’, ‘Siren Red’, ‘Dynamite’.
What are the problems with crape myrtles?
The main disease problems with crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. They do have some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Varieties such as the Rikki Tikki™ series have been developed with increased disease resistance.
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their 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, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single ...
How big do crape myrtles get?
Infinitini® series crape myrtles average 2 to 4 feet tall and wide and have all the seasonal beauty of a crape myrtle tree. They can even be grown in containers!
Why is my crape myrtle not blooming?
Too much shade may also contribute to fewer blooms. Over-pruning can result in decreased flowering, as your tree’s energy will be spent on producing new branches instead of blooms. Too much water or fertilizer can cause foliage growth at the expense of bloom production.
How much sun do crapes need?
Where to plant: Crapes love the sun and are extremely heat tolerant. They should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Some partial shade during the day is fine, but may result in fewer blooms. More sun = more blooms. They aren’t picky about their soil, but do need good drainage.
How to plant magenta infinitini?
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container. Center the tree within the hole and backfill in stages, watering as you go. The top of the rootball should be slightly above ground level to allow it to breathe and take in oxygen. Stake if needed and water thoroughly after planting. Infinitini® Magenta.
Can dwarf trees grow in containers?
Dwarf varieties make excellent choices for large containers. Plant among spring- blooming trees to offer a mix of late summer color. Their non-invasive roots make them good choices for street trees or near walkways and driveways. Plant in containers for annual color in colder zones (2-5) and over-winter indoors.
What type of soil do crape myrtles like?
Crape myrtles thrive in most types of soil as long as the ground drains well. You can plant these shrubs and trees in loamy, sandy, or clay soil. Some organic matter worked into the ground helps to retain moisture and provide nutrients for healthy growth.
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles are large shrubs or small trees with multiple stems and a rounded, bushy crown. Large flower clusters that bloom during summer are the plant’s most outstanding feature. Crape myrtles have smooth peeling bark in a range of colors including, gray, cinnamon, light tan, and soft pink.
What is the problem with crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles are generally resistant to most garden pests and bugs. The most common problem to afflict the plants are crape myrtle aphids. These tiny yellowish-green sap-sucking insects feed on plant cells and leave behind a sweet, sticky honeydew. This sticky substance encourages black sooty mold on leaves. Also, aphids feeding on young leaves can cause leaf damage and distortion.
When do crape myrtle flowers bloom?
When in full bloom, crape myrtle flowers cover the tree in shades of pinks, purples, lilacs, reds, and white. The crinkled petals give the flowers a ruffled appearance. Crape myrtle shrubs and trees typically bloom from June. The flowers last throughout the summer until the end of September.
Where do crape myrtles grow?
Crape myrtle trees and shrubs thrive in USDA zones 7 through 9. Crape myrtles grow in warmer climates in the southern United States, Australia, and India.
Do crape myrtles have white leaves?
Some older cultivars are prone to powdery mildew, especially in hot, humid weather. Disease resistant crape myrtles rarely develop the white powdery stuff on leaves common to some plants.
Can a crape myrtle grow as a single stem?
Large crape myrtle shrubs can be trained to grow as single-stemmed specimen trees. Some crape myrtle varieties have large, rounded crowns that provide shade in sunny gardens. The beautiful trees add plenty of long-lasting colors and bloom longer than other landscape trees.