Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a favored ornamental plant, celebrated for its abundant, long-lasting summer blooms. Its versatility and vibrant display make it popular in many landscapes, adding color and visual interest. They are appreciated for their low maintenance and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Understanding Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles exhibit a diverse range of forms, from compact dwarf varieties reaching only a few feet tall to tree-like specimens that can grow over 30 feet in height. This variation in size allows them to be incorporated into different garden designs, whether as a small shrub, a border plant, or a prominent specimen tree. The flowers, which emerge in large, crinkled panicles, present a spectrum of colors including white, various shades of pink, lavender, purple, and red.
Beyond their showy flowers, crape myrtles offer year-round visual appeal. Their foliage transitions from green in spring and summer to striking hues of yellow, orange, or red in the autumn. In winter, after the leaves have fallen, the smooth, exfoliating bark becomes a focal point, peeling away to reveal a mosaic of underlying colors, adding texture and interest to the dormant landscape.
Planting and Site Selection
Crape myrtles thrive with ample sunlight, so careful site selection is important. A location receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is optimal for robust growth and prolific flowering. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
Crape myrtles adapt to various soil types but prefer well-drained, slightly acidic loam. Good drainage prevents root issues, though established plants tolerate some dry conditions. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider, setting the plant at its nursery level. Backfill with excavated soil, gently tamp to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care
Established crape myrtles tolerate drought, but consistent watering helps, especially during dry periods or in hot climates. Newly planted crape myrtles need regular, deep watering for their first few years, sometimes twice daily in warm regions, to encourage strong root development.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, kept a few inches from the trunk, to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilize in spring with a balanced tree and shrub fertilizer to support growth and blooming, especially if yellowing leaves indicate an iron deficiency.
Pruning Crape Myrtles
Proper pruning influences a crape myrtle’s health and aesthetic form. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, while the plant is dormant and before new growth begins. This timing allows for clear visibility of the plant’s structure and minimizes stress.
Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and maintain vigor. Thinning smaller, weaker branches that grow inward or rub against larger limbs also creates a healthier structure. A common mistake, often termed “Crape Murder,” involves severe topping, which results in thick, unsightly stumps and can lead to weak, spindly new growth that struggles to support future blooms. Instead, aim for a natural shape, selectively removing branches to enhance the plant’s inherent form and promote strong, floriferous growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Crape myrtles are resilient but can encounter pests and diseases. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, may appear on new growth and flower buds, excreting a sticky substance called honeydew. This honeydew can then lead to the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that covers leaves and stems, although it is primarily an aesthetic issue rather than a direct threat to plant health. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can help manage aphid populations.
Common diseases include powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Selecting resistant varieties can help prevent this fungal issue. Cercospora leaf spot, another fungal disease, causes dark spots on leaves, potentially leading to premature leaf drop. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the incidence of these diseases. Environmental stressors like prolonged drought or nutrient deficiencies can also manifest as visible problems, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, indicating a need for appropriate watering or fertilization.