What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtle trees?
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.
How can I make my crepe myrtle bloom more?
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.
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?
FAQ's Fertilizing Crepe Myrtle 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.
Can you overwater a crape myrtle?
Take special care not to overwater your Crape Myrtle, especially during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Overwatering your Crape can cause its flower production to be stunted or lead to root rot and other problems.
What would cause a crepe myrtle to not bloom?
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.
Should you cut dead blooms off crepe myrtle?
Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important. Deadheading crape myrtles (removing dead or dying flowers) encourages new sprouts and blooms, but if you deadhead too late in the season, the tender new growth that is produced can be damaged by cold weather.
What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won't grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you'll encourage way more blooms to appear.
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 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.
How do you take care of a crape myrtle tree?
How to Care for Crape MyrtleFind Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. ... Use Suitable Soil. ... Fertilize Lightly. ... Treat Fungus Before It Starts. ... Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring. ... Expose the Trunk for More Beauty. ... Deadhead for Even More Flowers.
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 are my crepe myrtles 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.
Is crape myrtle a shrub?
Image by Faina Gurevich. Crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia indica) is a useful flowering shrub or small tree for warm climates. Given proper care, these plants offer abundant and colorful summer blossoms with few pest or disease issues.
Do crape myrtles need fertilizer?
Crape myrtle fertilizer needs depend a large part on the soil you plant them in. Consider getting a soil analysis before you start. Generally, feeding crape myrtles will make your plants look better.
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.
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 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 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 is the best soil for a crape myrtle?
Plant crape myrtle in full sun and provide water during dry spells. The best soil for crape myrtle is an acidic to somewhat alkaline soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center.
What is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a flowering deciduous shrub or small tree that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The boldest flowering of crape myrtle occurs in the warmest climates of its range, where it adds bold color to the garden landscape palette.
How tall does a crape myrtle grow?
The boldest flowering of crape myrtle occurs in the warmest climates of its range, where it adds bold color to the garden landscape palette. There are multiple varieties of crape myrtle, some standing only 3 feet tall and others growing as tall as 20 feet. Crape myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
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 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.
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.
Is crape myrtle safe for dogs?
Crape myrtles are listed as a safe plant according to the University of California, Davis. The ASPCA also lists them as being non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. For more safe plant choices, see 20 Common Plants Safe for Cats & Dogs.
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’.
