These flowering trees make a gorgeous addition to any landscaping project. The dark pink blossoms resemble crepe paper and appear during the summer months. The flowers on some crape myrtles range between white and deep purple, depending on the variety of tree. If you’ve recently acquired one of these beautiful trees, then the following 5 tips on caring for a crape myrtle tree should be very handy.
5. Plant in Full Sun to Partial Shade
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.
4. Don’t Overwater
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.
3. Fertilize during Growing Season Only
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.
2. Prune Only Occasionally
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.
1. Protect New Growth from Aphids
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
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I water a newly planted crepe myrtle?
- Hey there! For a newly planted crepe myrtle, you’ll want to water it deeply once or twice a week. Just make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Overdoing it can drown the roots!
- How much water does a new crepe myrtle need?
- Great question! Each time you water, aim for about 1-2 inches of water. This helps the roots settle in and grow strong.
- What's a good routine for watering a transplanted crepe myrtle?
- I got you! When you’ve just moved your crepe myrtle, water it deeply 2-3 times a week for the first few months. As it gets established, you can reduce the frequency.
- Is there a home remedy for crepe myrtle fungus?
- Yep, there is! A mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water can do wonders. Spray it on the affected areas every week until the fungus clears up.
- Any tips on caring for a young crepe myrtle?
- Definitely! Aside from proper watering, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Trim any dead or crossing branches. Most importantly, be patient; they take a little while to wow you with those blooms!