They are heavy feeders and need to be fed often with nitrogen-rich fertilizers like ammonium sulfate or urea. The most common disease the Crepe Myrtle gets hit with is Powdery Mildew. Crape myrtles grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Scientifically named Lagerstroemia, this plant is commonly referred to as both Crepe Myrtle and Crape Myrtle. This guide will cover the basics of how to grow crape myrtles so you can enjoy them for years to come! Is Mulch the Best Ground Cover for a Rose Garden? You should use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content and apply it at a rate of 5 pounds per 100 square feet of ground space. Doing so will help boost the soils fertility and get the roots off to a good start. Business Hours:

When it comes to their care, one of the most important things for a crape myrtle is sunlight exposure. Though they tolerate drought fairly well when established, flowering will be best when plants are provided sufficient supplemental water during prolonged periods of dry weather.

Be sure to plant your Crepe Myrtle where theres no shade so it is exposed to sunlight throughout the day. Crape myrtles grow naturally as vase-shaped shrubs and don't require annual pruning. Defining qualities that make the Crepe Myrtle the perfect choice for a landscaping plant are being fairly simple to take care of, blooming in the summer and having a visually appealing look. Crape myrtles are beautiful flowering trees that can be found in many homes across the United States. The first reason is that it helps rejuvenate the plant by stimulating new growth. Things you want to look out for when pruning: Using a pruning tool cut these unwanted branches off that are getting in the way of the growth of your crepe myrtle to keep it growing in a natural and healthy way. After planting a young crape myrtle I suggest watering it in with a solution of Root Stimulator. You can broadcast a balanced 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formula on the area beneath the plant, covering the ground under the plant's branches as far out as they extend. The key to a long-lived crape myrtle is proper fertilization. To ensure you dont end up with a giant tree in your front lawn make sure to check which kind of Crepe Myrtle you plant. In addition to shade trees, Chambersville offers a large variety of evergreen trees and shrubs for the purpose of privacy plantings and noise barriers. Information entered by Gardenality members is not endorsed by Gardenality, Inc. Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Avoid using fertilizer that is too high in nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer) as this can cause accelerated growth that can weaken branches and also diminish flowering. Water Needs: During the first summer, newly planted crape myrtle should be watered enough to keep soil moist but not constantly soggy or wet. Gardenality does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It can tolerate dry spells, but this could compromise flowering, especially if soil remains dry in early spring when new growth begins. For the first year, this application should be repeated every month from March to August. Pruning is a common practice in the landscape industry. Crape myrtles flower on new growth, so the best time to prune them is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This article provides instructions for fertilizing a Crape Myrtle, How To Fertilize & Water A Eucalyptus Tree. A trick to promote even more growth is lightly pruning your Crepe Myrtle plant in spring right before blooming season. Before planting a new crape myrtle, it's helpful to amend the soil in the planting area with an organic material such as compost or a good planting mix or soil conditioner/amendment. After planting a young specimen, you should add about 1 teaspoon of a granular fertilizer mixed into the soil at the perimeter of the planting hole, or you could dilute it in water and pour in into the soil. If soil contains clay, adding peat moss can help improve drainage while also adding nutrients. Fertilizing these attractive plants at the correct time is important in helping them grow well and bloom profusely year after year. This can be done by adding compost or fertilizer to the soil around the trees roots. Are you looking for an organically-grown crape myrtle tree?

You can do so by testing the pH levels of the soil. Sunday Monday: Closed. One application in the spring is sufficient once a plant is well established and you should not exceed this rate, since too much fertilizer can stimulate growth of foliage over flowers. Chambersville Tree Farms is a locally run business in the North Central Texas area that offers a wide variety of evergreen and deciduous plants. Make sure to give it the proper care needed and in return this plant will itself prove its worth. Powdery mildew can be combated by moving the plant to a favorable location with sufficient sunlight and good air circulation. An affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn a percentage from qualifying purchases made on Amazon. They can be planted in USDA zones 7-10 but if you live outside of these zones it is best to consult with your local garden center before planting one because they may require more care or maintenance than other types of plants.

Her work has appeared in health, medical and scientific publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. I could go on and on about how beautiful Crape Myrtle are and how no landscape where they will grow is complete without at least one. This plant thrives in sunlight so as long as it receives a good amount of sunlight it will continue giving you beautiful flowers. They can grow up to 20-25 feet tall and have a lifespan of about 20 years. Crepe Myrtles are fast growing plants so before using it make sure fertilizer is absolutely necessary to avoid overgrowth. 7032 CR 971 Celina, TX 75009 Fertilizing an established crape myrtle each spring helps the plant produce more blooms, keep the foliage nice and green, and maintain overall good health. Crepe Myrtles are a fast growing plant and depending on its type can grow less than 3 feet (dwarf) or upwards of 20 feet (tree).

Follow instructions on product label for application rates. Never use any information from Gardenality to diagnose or treat any medical problem. Crape myrtles are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a flowering plant that is both beautiful and easy to grow. Adding fertilizer just before a rain is a good practice, since rain helps move nutrients into the soil quickly. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine. Not only will too much nitrogen cause accelerated growth, you'll get more foliage and less flowers. I would recommend a fertilizer high in nitrogen to encourage the bloom of your Crepe Myrtle. If you see that the pH is not between 5.0 to 6.0, which is the normal level, then you can balance the levels by adding fertilizer. So here goes Crape Myrtle thrive in a slightly acid to acid soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. For your convenience we offer Delivery and Planting services to the Dallas area cities. Please contact us for further questions on availability. Another indicator that adding fertilizer may be a good idea is if you notice a lack of flowers blooming. Or check with your local extension service to see if they provide soil testing services. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Phone: (972) 837-4223 How To, Fertilize, Feed, Crape Myrtle, Crepe, Tree, Water. Sun Needs: Crape myrtle perform and flower best in full sun. The first step in preparing your soil for planting is to break up any large clumps or chunks with a shovel or garden rake. Crape Myrtles are in the family Lythraceae, which is made up of over 600 species of flowering plants. These trees are a great addition to any garden or landscape but there are some things you should know before planting them. These plants also need regular moisture. Water regularly in the beginning stages of growth then you can water occasionally once the plant has established its roots since the Crepe Myrtle is quite resilient and drought resistant. Again, I suggest using a slow-release shrub and tree type fertilizer containing micronutrients, avoiding the use of quick-release fertilizers that are high in nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer). Crape myrtles need full sun exposure and they thrive best in warm climates. Copyright 2022 Chambersville Tree Farms | Japanese Maples, Shade Trees, Roses & Crape Myrtles in North Texas, 2 Tips For Caring For Your Evergreen Tree, The Best Time to Start Planting in Spring, Increase the Lifespan of Your Crape Myrtles with These Simple Tips. They flower best in full sun, although when grown in areas with hot summers they should receive light shade in the afternoon heat. Whether its to beautify your yard or make a special gift, we have the perfect crape myrtles for you! It is used to maintain trees and shrubs, and to remove dead or diseased branches. Wait to feed until after new leaves have emerged and any chance of a late frost has passed. When it comes to showy, colorful blossoms, few plants can compete with the crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) -- which is also sometimes spelled crepe myrtle. Do I Need to Prune a Natchez Crepe Myrtle. But this article is about feeding these trees. A crape myrtle will also need plenty of water to keep it healthy and flowering all year long.

A nice light organic fertilizer that contains a good dosage of nitrogen is the Alaska Fish Fertilizer.

Email: Click Here. Soil preparation is important because it ensures that the soil has all the nutrients in it needed for a plant to grow. They need lots of sunlight, well-drained soil, and occasional pruning to keep their shape. The second reason is it will help you to identify any diseases or pests that could have affected the plant. This disease is caused by fungus that grows due to the plant being in damp settings as well as places with low sunlight and poor air circulation. Some plants, like crape myrtles, require more fertilizing than others. This will make it very happy. I also broadcast a dose of a slow-release, granular, "shrub and tree" fertilizer that contains micronutrients. The best time to prune shrubs is in the early spring before their leaves emerge. PlantYourWorld.com is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. The Crape Myrtles in this family all have flowers that grow on long stems and come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Follow instruictions on the product label for mixing and application. Crape myrtles are beautiful flowering trees that are native to eastern Asia but can be found in many parts of the United States. Crape myrtles need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. How much amendment you add to the native soil removed from the planting hole will depend the type of soil and its fertility. The two most important factors that a Crepe Myrtle plant needs for healthy growth are sufficient sunlight and rich well-drained soil. University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Crape Myrtle Culture, University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension: Lagerstroemia Indica, The Fertilizer Requirements for Potentilla Fruticosa. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and come in a variety of colors such as pink, purple, red, white, and more. The rate should be 1/2 pound of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of ground. For some varieties, removing spent flowers can also stimulate new growth and a second, lesser round of summer blooming. If you notice any signs of stress, it may be time for repotting or trimming the branches. The best time to fertilize your crape myrtle is during the spring months when the leaves begin to appear. You can purchase a test kit at your local nursery and garden center or buy a soil test kit online here. You should avoid pruning in late summer or early fall, since this stimulates the plant to put out new growth, which could be injured by winter cold. Renowned for its long blooming period that can last up to four months, the crape myrtle is named for its large clusters of flowers that resemble crinkly, delicate crape paper. Gardenality.com was designed and developed by web development firm, Dot Designers. Soil preparation and fertilizer requirements are important factors in the growth of plants. However, what many people do not know is that your crape myrtles require very specific care to thrive. If so,contact us now! Crepe Myrtle pruning is an important part of its care as this will help the plant breathe and allow sunlight to reach every part of it. We do not offer a warranty for plants & trees. Another simple way to get rid of diseases is by pruning the diseased parts of the plant if only a few branches are affected. Address: With this somewhat narrow range, it might be a good idea to test the soil and make adjustments if necessary. Broadcast the fertilizer around the outside perimeter of the tree, where you would find most of the feeder roots. Best Fertilizer Spreader Drop vs Broadcast vs Tow Behind vs Handheld, uneven branches (including branches growing in the opposite direction as all the others). The growing operation is open to the public along with delivery and planting services. Any high-nitrogen formula such as 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 can give the new plant the boost it needs. Fertilizing an established crape myrtle each spring helps the plant produce the most blossoms and also keeps it growing well. These plants are typically seen as ornamental, but they also have other uses. Chambersville Tree Farms, Inc. was established in 2004 to supply North Central Texas with quality trees and shrubs, at competitive prices.

Do not add peat moss to clay soils as it retains too much water, which clay itself already does. If they are not getting enough sun, they will begin to show signs of stress such as drooping branches and browned leaves. However, you could train a young plant to a tree-like form by removing all but one or two main branches. Meet the Gardenality Team. Before planting a new crape myrtle, it's helpful to amend the soil in the planting area with an organic material such as compost, which boosts its fertility. Make sure to dig a much wider planting hole in clay soils - at least 2 to 3 times the width of the container the crape myrtle was growing in. Pruning each year by cutting branches back by one-third can also help boost blooming, since it stimulates new shoots that produce flower buds. Next, add organic matter like compost to help provide nutrients and improve moisture retention in sandy soils. Hardiness Zones: Most crape myrtles grow well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, though some will tolerate the colder temperatures in Zone 6. Tuesday Saturday: 9am-4pm Fertilizers are used to provide additional nutrients that may be lacking in the soil. When planting in heavy, compacted clay soils, I recommend thoroughly mixing in an amendment at a 50/50 ratio with the existing soil. Whether you decide on a tree or a bush the Crepe Myrtle will make a great addition to your lawn. A newly planted crape myrtle does best when watered once each week for the first two months, followed by monthly watering once established. Crepe Myrtles bloom throughout the summer.