Crape myrtle trees don’t do well in full shade, due to issues with mildew. Some varieties of crape myrtle are more resistant to mildew than others. While full sunlight is preferable, many crape myrtle trees have been successfully grown in partial shade as well.

While these trees do require an adequate amount of water to grow properly, they are actually rather tolerant to drought. These trees do need to be watered daily for the first few weeks after planting, in order to help them establish a good root system. After this three week period of constant watering, crape myrtle trees can be watered just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.

Even though crape myrtle trees can tolerate just about any type of soil, they do benefit from fertilizing too. Use a slow release fertilizer for best results. The fertilizer should have an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium in it.

These trees actually require very little pruning. To allow the larger portions of the tree to grow more quickly, the suckers can be trimmed off around the bottom of the tree. If you don’t wish to have an actual crape myrtle tree, then the suckers can be left and you will have more of a bush instead.

These little pests love the new growth on a crape myrtle tree. Check for aphids often to keep them from spreading from the crape myrtle to your other plants. Aphids like the sticky substance on the new shoots that pop up around the bottom of the tree. You can effectively get rid of aphids by using a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.

I hope these tips give you enough substantial information for taking care of your crape myrtle tree. These trees are capable of living for many, many years and providing you with numerous blooms each summer. Do you find these care tips helpful?

Top Photo Credit: Mr.Mac2009