The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) has become a common fixture in many landscapes, celebrated for its smooth, exfoliating bark and its extended summer blooming period. While its reputation as a low-maintenance, long-flowering ornamental is widespread, prospective owners should be aware of several drawbacks. These issues often relate to the plant’s growth habits, vulnerability to pests, and the maintenance burden it can place on a property. Understanding these negative aspects allows for a more informed planting decision and better management of the tree over its lifespan.
The Problem of Clean-up and Staining
The continuous debris generated by the Crepe Myrtle’s long flowering season is a major drawback for homeowners. Since the plant produces flowers over many weeks, the constant shedding of spent petals and reproductive parts creates a mess on the ground below. This requires frequent raking or sweeping, especially near patios or in formal garden settings.
As the summer progresses, the plant forms small, round seed capsules from the spent flowers, which persist into the fall and winter. When these hard, brown capsules eventually drop, they become a nuisance on walkways and driveways. If the capsules fall onto concrete or pavers and are crushed, they often release tannins that can leave noticeable, dark stains on the hardscape below.
A staining issue also arises from sap-sucking insects that feed on the tree. These pests excrete a sugary waste product known as honeydew, which drips onto surfaces beneath the canopy. This sticky residue can coat car paint, patio furniture, and concrete. Honeydew is difficult to clean and serves as a growth medium for sooty mold, a black fungus that compounds the aesthetic problem.
Common Pest and Disease Vulnerabilities
Crepe Myrtles are susceptible to a few biological threats that impact their appearance and health. The most common insect is the Crape Myrtle Aphid, a pale yellowish-green pest that feeds on the sap of the leaves. As the aphids feed, they excrete the sugary honeydew, which coats the leaves and branches.
A more serious threat is the Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS), an invasive insect appearing as small, white or gray, felt-like encrustations primarily on the branches and trunk. CMBS also produces copious amounts of honeydew, leading to heavy accumulations of black sooty mold on the trunk and limbs. While the sooty mold is largely cosmetic, heavy coatings can interfere with photosynthesis in the leaves.
Beyond insects, the plant is frequently affected by two main fungal diseases. Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe lagerstroemiae) presents as a white or grayish powdery growth on new shoots, leaves, and flower buds. This fungus thrives in high humidity and mild temperatures, and while rarely fatal, it can stunt growth and distort new foliage. Another issue is Cercospora Leaf Spot, which causes yellow spots and can lead to premature defoliation in late summer or fall on susceptible cultivars.
Managing Growth Habits and Pruning Missteps
The Crepe Myrtle’s natural growth habit includes a persistent tendency to produce numerous vertical shoots, called suckers, from the base of the trunk and the root system. For owners who desire a clean, tree-form specimen with a few main trunks, these suckers must be removed constantly throughout the growing season to maintain the desired aesthetic. Failure to remove them allows the tree to revert to a dense shrub form.
Improper pruning is another significant issue, so common it has earned the nickname “Crape Murder.” This practice involves the severe topping of main branches in late winter, cutting them back to unsightly, club-like stubs. This response to the plant outgrowing its space is detrimental to the tree’s long-term structure.
The resulting flush of new growth consists of weak, flimsy shoots that emerge from the pruning wounds. These weak attachments are far more prone to breaking off during heavy winds, rain, or ice storms. Severe topping also destroys the tree’s natural winter silhouette and creates large wounds that can invite wood decay. Furthermore, selecting a cultivar that grows too large for its location inevitably leads to conflicts with structures or an ongoing cycle of improper pruning.