‘Young Devotion’ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a popular cultivar known for its vibrant, extended blooms. This compact shrub is a reliable choice for various garden settings due to its hardiness and consistent beauty.
Key Characteristics of Young Devotion
‘Young Devotion’ is a dwarf, compact shrub, typically reaching 3 to 5 feet in height and spread. Its smaller size suits various garden designs. The foliage remains green through the growing season, then transitions to attractive fall colors.
It produces abundant, deep pink to red blooms in panicles, displaying striking flowers from summer into autumn. These crinkled, crepe-paper-like flowers add significant ornamental value. ‘Young Devotion’ also resists common Crape Myrtle diseases, especially powdery mildew. This cultivar thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, adapting to diverse climates.
Planting and Care Essentials
Optimal growth and flowering of ‘Young Devotion’ Crape Myrtle depend on understanding its environmental needs and providing consistent care. This includes attention to location, soil, watering, fertilization, and pruning.
Location and Soil
‘Young Devotion’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for dense flowering.
It prefers well-draining soil but tolerates various types like clay, sand, or loam, provided drainage is adequate. Waterlogged conditions harm root health. The optimal soil pH for Crape Myrtles is between 5.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering and Fertilizing
Newly planted ‘Young Devotion’ shrubs need regular, deep watering during their first growing season, about once or twice a week. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings to prevent oversaturation. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells, especially before and during bloom. Water at soil level to reduce foliar disease risk.
Fertilization should be approached thoughtfully to promote blooms without excessive leaf growth. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth starts. Fertilizers with a balanced N-P-K ratio or slightly higher phosphorus (e.g., 10-10-10 or 12-4-4) are recommended for flowering shrubs. High nitrogen over-fertilization can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers; avoid fertilizing late in the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning ‘Young Devotion’ shapes the plant, improves air circulation, encourages new flower production, and removes dead or diseased wood. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, as this minimizes stress and allows clear visibility of its structure.
Specific techniques include removing suckers from the base or roots, which divert energy. Remove crossing or rubbing branches to prevent damage and improve air circulation. Deadheading spent flower heads can encourage more blooms. Avoid severe topping, known as “Crape Murder,” as it disfigures the plant, creates weak growth, and reduces flowering.
Landscape Uses and Benefits
‘Young Devotion’ is versatile in landscape designs due to its compact size and long blooming period. It suits small gardens and performs well in containers for patios or balconies.
It can be used in perennial borders, mass plantings for visual impact, or as foundation plantings. When planted in rows, it forms a low, informal hedge. Its extended flowering season, attractive fall foliage, and appealing bark texture provide year-round aesthetic appeal. Its low-maintenance requirements, once established, add to its desirability, making it appealing for busy gardeners.
Addressing Common Issues
While ‘Young Devotion’ Crape Myrtle is robust, addressing potential challenges ensures its continued health and vibrant display. Prompt identification and management of issues helps maintain the plant’s vigor.
Aphids are common pests, appearing as small, soft-bodied insects on new growth or leaf undersides. Their feeding causes leaves to curl or yellow and they excrete honeydew. A strong water spray can dislodge aphids, or insecticidal soap can be applied for persistent infestations. Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization helps deter aphids, as they are attracted to succulent new growth.
Though ‘Young Devotion’ resists disease, powdery mildew is a widespread fungal concern for Crape Myrtles. It appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and flower buds, especially in humid conditions or poor air circulation. Adequate sunlight and air movement mitigate this issue. If ‘Young Devotion’ does not bloom, common reasons include insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization (nitrogen favors leaf growth over flowers), or improper pruning that removes flower-forming wood. Addressing these factors resolves a lack of flowering.