Bone meal is an organic fertilizer derived from steamed and ground animal bones. It primarily provides plants with phosphorus and calcium, two essential nutrients that support plant health. This natural amendment supplies these key elements in a slow-release form, fostering robust growth, particularly for plants that benefit from increased phosphorus and calcium availability.
Benefits for Crepe Myrtles
Bone meal offers distinct advantages for crepe myrtles, contributing to their overall health and abundant flowering. Phosphorus promotes strong root development and enhances flowering by supporting the energy transfer within the plant, leading to more prolific and vibrant blooms. It also aids in energy storage and transfer, contributing to the plant’s vitality and stress tolerance.
Calcium, the other significant component, is crucial for developing strong cell walls, which provide structural support and enhance the plant’s natural defenses, improving its resistance to various diseases and physical damage. This dual action helps crepe myrtles establish a robust infrastructure, ensuring effective water and nutrient absorption. These combined benefits support the plant’s long-term health and its ability to produce consistent, showy flowers.
Applying Bone Meal
Begin by preparing the soil around the crepe myrtle, loosening it gently to a depth of a few inches without disturbing existing roots. For established plants, sprinkle bone meal evenly around the drip line. For new plantings, incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons into each planting hole, mixing it thoroughly with the soil before placing the plant.
A general guideline for established plants is 5 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet, or one tablespoon per two square feet. After spreading, gently work the bone meal into the top few inches of soil. Water the area thoroughly immediately after application to help the bone meal settle into the soil and begin the breakdown process. This watering also prevents the fine powder from being blown away and helps activate nutrient release. When handling bone meal, wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust and skin irritation.
Timing Application
Apply bone meal during initial planting, mixing it into the backfill soil to support root establishment. For established crepe myrtles, an early spring application, just before new growth emerges, is ideal. This ensures nutrients are available as the plant begins its active growth cycle and prepares for flowering.
A secondary application may be considered after the first flush of blooms, particularly if the plant is a heavy bloomer or if soil tests indicate a continued need. Bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer, meaning its nutrients become available over an extended period, typically breaking down over several months. Frequent reapplication is generally not necessary; an annual or bi-annual application is usually sufficient to maintain phosphorus and calcium levels.
Important Considerations
Before applying bone meal, conducting a soil test is highly recommended to determine existing phosphorus levels and soil pH. Bone meal is most effective in slightly acidic to neutral soils, specifically with a pH of 7.0 or lower. In alkaline soils, phosphorus can bind with other elements, making it unavailable to plants.
Over-application can lead to an excess of phosphorus in the soil, which can hinder the uptake of other micronutrients like iron and zinc, potentially causing nutrient imbalances. High phosphorus levels can also interfere with beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and contribute to water pollution through runoff.
The scent of bone meal can attract animals, including pets and wildlife, who may dig up the treated area. To mitigate this, thoroughly incorporate the bone meal into the soil and store unused product in a secure location. If soil tests reveal adequate phosphorus levels, alternatives like compost or other balanced organic fertilizers can provide broader nutrient support without adding excess phosphorus.