The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is an ornamental tree known for its long-lasting summer blooms and attractive bark. Its resilience allows it to thrive in warmer climates. New Crepe Myrtles can be established by planting nursery stock or by propagating specimens from an existing plant. This guide covers both transplanting and cutting propagation methods.
Planting Purchased Crepe Myrtles
The best time to plant a Crepe Myrtle purchased from a nursery is during its dormant period, typically from late fall through early spring. Planting during this window allows the root system to establish itself before the stress of summer heat. If planting occurs during the summer, the plant will require extra watering attention for establishment.
Before planting, select a location that provides adequate space for the tree’s mature size and receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Proper sun exposure is essential for abundant flowering. Dig a planting hole that is shallow but very wide, aiming for a width at least three times the diameter of the root ball. The hole should be no deeper than the root ball itself.
Place the tree in the hole so that the root flare—the point where the trunk begins to widen at the base—sits level with or slightly above the surrounding grade. This placement prevents the trunk from sitting too deep, which can lead to rot. Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets without compaction.
Propagating New Plants from Cuttings
Propagating a Crepe Myrtle from cuttings creates new plants identical to the parent tree. The timing depends on the wood type, offering two windows: softwood cuttings in summer and hardwood cuttings during winter dormancy. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season’s new growth, which is still flexible and green, ideally from late May to mid-June.
Softwood sections should be six to eight inches long, cut just below a leaf node. Remove all but the top two or four leaves before planting.
Hardwood cuttings are taken in mid-winter from mature, dormant wood about a half-inch in diameter. These dormant cuttings should be four to eight inches in length and cut just beneath a node.
Dipping the base into a rooting hormone powder can significantly increase the rooting success rate and speed. Insert the treated cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite or clean sand, ensuring the medium is thoroughly moistened. Placing the container in an environment with high humidity, like a covered propagation flat, helps prevent the cutting from drying out before roots can form. Root development typically begins within three to six weeks, at which point the new plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions.
Essential Environmental Needs for Establishment
Full sun exposure is required for a Crepe Myrtle, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure robust growth and prolific summer flowers. Insufficient sunlight is the most common reason for a failure to bloom.
The tree needs a site with well-drained soil, as Crepe Myrtles will not tolerate standing water or soggy conditions. They prefer a soil pH that is neutral to slightly acidic, ideally within the 6.0 to 7.3 range. If the soil is too alkaline, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies that cause the foliage to yellow.
The initial watering schedule is important for root establishment during the first year. Newly planted specimens require consistent and deep watering, typically once or twice per week during dry or hot weather. The goal is to saturate the root zone fully, encouraging roots to grow downward. Fertilization should be light and infrequent; a balanced, slow-release liquid fertilizer applied monthly during the first growing season is sufficient. Avoid heavy feeding, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.