Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp. and cvs., Zones 6–10) are in all places within the Southeast. Recognized for his or her long-lasting summer season blooms, enticing bark, and tolerance to warmth and drought, these versatile flowering bushes and shrubs thrive within the Southeastern panorama and will be comparatively simple to develop. Right here are some things to bear in mind when deciding on your crape myrtle that can assist you domesticate it efficiently.

Selecting a crape myrtle

Whereas I definitely endorse looking for vegetation at native shops, heading to a nursery or a big-box retailer with the concept that you wish to purchase any crape myrtle that catches your eye might not finish effectively (for you or the plant). Fashionable breeding and hybridizing have introduced us into an period the place there are crape myrtles of all shapes, sizes, bark traits, and flower colours. There are picks that may nearly act as floor covers, to people who develop 30 toes tall or taller. First, take a look at your web site and discover a cultivar whose final peak and width match your area.

Native nurseries, backyard facilities, and on-line plant retailers all carry crape myrtles. Once more, do your analysis earlier than buying. Native unbiased backyard facilities in your space can also have recommendation on picks which have completed effectively in your space.

Choosing for kind and construction

Total, these are quick growers. When you have desires of a giant crape myrtle with a kind highlighting its great exfoliating bark, look intently on the plant you’re shopping for. Usually, growers cram a number of particular person vegetation right into a container to assist fill out the pot sooner after which promote that container of vegetation. That is okay in order for you a really shrubby look. Nevertheless, if you’re in search of extra of a tree kind, it could be higher to discover a single plant that’s already trending that method from the beginning.

When and the place to plant crape myrtles 

One of the best time of 12 months to plant a crape myrtle will depend upon which choice you select and the place you reside. If you’re in USDA hardiness Zone 6 or 7, one of the best time is in spring when soil temperatures are warming. It will give vegetation the complete rising season to determine. As you progress into Zone 8 and above, you will be much less selective with while you plant. To maximise flowering, select a planting location with at the least six hours of direct daylight every day. Inadequate daylight can result in weak flowering and spindly development. At all times hold final plant dimensions in thoughts; I usually give vegetation much more room than what’s famous as their ultimate dimension. These vegetation are extremely tolerant of poor soil however will carry out finest in wealthy soil with good drainage. When you have heavy clay soil, break it up as a lot as attainable earlier than planting.

When crape myrtles bloom, and why your plant won’t be blooming

These vegetation bloom on the present season’s development and usually bloom from mid to late summer season, persevering with via early fall. If yours isn’t blooming, potential causes might embrace overly aggressive or improper pruning, an excessive amount of shade, or over-fertilization. Choosing an acceptable cultivar to your area and inserting it in a sunny location can head off many of those issues.

Pests and ailments that have an effect on crape myrtles

Though vulnerable to some widespread illnesses, crape myrtles are pretty pest resistant. Recurrently monitoring your vegetation and in search of options to issues early is all the time advisable. Among the commonest points that crop up on crape myrtles are:

• Powdery mildew: A typical fungal challenge in humid climates, finest prevented with good air circulation.
• Sooty mould: This can be a fungus that covers the leaves and appears like black goo. That is brought on by a wide range of pests (significantly aphids) that excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which ends up in the mould.
• Crape myrtle bark scale: That is an invasive insect that has the same look to mealybugs. These bugs will be discovered clustered in department crotches, in pruning websites, and on bark. This can be a more moderen pest that causes much more black sooty mould than the beforehand talked about fungus does and weakens vegetation over time. Crape myrtle bark scale is a critical pest, and it’s best to do additional analysis and see how a lot of an issue it’s in your space, as it’s not equally prevalent in all places within the Southeast.

Crape Myrtle Q&A

When discussing find out how to develop these vegetation, I’m usually requested the identical questions repeatedly by gardeners. Listed below are solutions to a few of the extra widespread questions individuals have on find out how to develop crape myrtles.

Are crape myrtles deer resistant?

Crape myrtles are typically deer resistant, although deer might browse younger development often.

Can crape myrtles be grown in pots?

Sure, dwarf and smaller types of crape myrtle can thrive in giant containers. Potted crape myrtles require extra frequent watering, particularly in sizzling climate, and might have occasional root pruning in the event that they change into rootbound.

The place are crape myrtles from, and are they invasive?

Whereas there are round fifty species within the genus Lagerstroemia, most crape myrtles we see on the market within the nursery commerce are native to Asia. Crape myrtles should not thought of invasive in most places, however they’ll produce stray seedlings on occasion in cultivation, although that is usually not a serious concern.

Are crape myrtles poisonous to animals?

Crape myrtles are thought of unhazardous to people, canine, cats, and horses, making them a secure selection for gardens frequented by pets and youngsters.

Are crape myrtles drought resistant?

As soon as established, crape myrtles are drought tolerant however profit from deep watering throughout prolonged dry spells.

Is it okay to high crape myrtles when pruning?

Topping entails chopping again the principle branches severely. This observe additionally makes the tree extra vulnerable to pests, ailments, and structural points. As a substitute of topping, use correct pruning methods to take care of wholesome development, encourage ample blooms, and protect the tree’s sleek kind whereas nonetheless controlling its final dimension.

A mature crape myrtle with exfoliating bark topped with cascading blooms is among the basic archetypes of the Southeastern panorama. They’re a unbelievable selection for gardeners in search of year-round curiosity with minimal upkeep. Their putting blooms, enticing bark, and resilience to warmth and drought make them a staple go-to plant. By rigorously deciding on the proper cultivar and following correct care practices, you’ll have a plant you may get pleasure from for years to return. Don’t neglect to frequently monitor for pests and ailments to maintain vegetation wholesome and improve their longevity. With considerate planning and care, your vegetation will thrive.

Talk about this text or ask different gardening inquiries to the writer on the Gardening Solutions discussion board. And for extra Southeast regional studies, click on right here.

Andy Pulte is a college member within the plant sciences division on the College of Tennessee.

Images, if not in any other case famous: Andy Pulte

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