What time of the year is the best time to plant crape myrtles?
Plant crepe myrtles late in the year. The best time to raise crepe myrtles is in late fall, winter, or early spring , just after the plant's cold weather dormant season. You can also hold off until fall or winter roll around, provided you live in a region with mild temperatures where the ground does not regularly freeze.
When is the best time for planting crape myrtle?
The best crepe myrtle varieties to look out for include:
- Lagertroemia 'Zuni' - hardy variety that blooms with pink / purple flowers
- Lagerstroemia 'Sioux' - produces pale pink flowers and is suitable for small gardens
- Lagerstoemia 'Red Hot' - A new variety of crepe myrtle with near black foliage and bright red flowers
When can I transplant my Drift Roses?
You can plant Drift® Roses in the spring, summer or fall. Planting is summer is always more stressful on plants as temperatures are typically hotter and conditions are drier. If you choose to plant in summer, be sure to water thoroughly and consistently to help your plant get established. + Is it okay to plant my Drift® Roses in a container?
When do you cut back crepe myrtles?
Crepe myrtles respond well to pruning, which is best done in mid-winter, when trees are bare of leaves. To keep them compact, trim back branches by about 30cm all over. If you wish, you can cut them back much harder than this – they'll send out long arching branches from the site of the cut when spring arrives.
How to transplant crepe myrtle?
When you're ready to transplant the crepe myrtle, tie up the branches with twine to protect them from damage, then water the plant well and dig just outside the root-pruning trench, cutting any roots you encounter with a sharp spade.
How tall does a crepe myrtle grow?
It grows to a height of about 15 to 30 feet, with a wide-spreading, multi-stemmed form, and thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. If you want to transplant a crepe myrtle to a different spot, taking a bit of extra care before the move and choosing the time and method carefully can help ensure it thrives in its ...
Why is my crepe myrtle dormant?
Because it's a deciduous plant, the crepe myrtle becomes dormant each fall when it drops it leaves in preparation for cold weather. Fall is a good time to transplant a specimen, because the soil is still slightly warm and, even though top growth has stopped, roots can take up moisture before winter cold arrives.
Can crepe myrtle be transplanted when it's too cold?
Transplanting when the ground is too cold can put stress on the crepe myrtle.
Is a crepe myrtle a small tree?
By Joanne Marie. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Crepe myrtle works well as a showy smallish tree. The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a deciduous shrub that gets its name from its showy flowers, which resemble crepe paper.
How to protect crepe myrtle roots when moving?
When moving the crepe myrtle, it is important to protect the roots. A good idea is to transplant the tree on a surface, such as on a tarp or in a burlap sack . If you choose to use a burlap sack, tie the sack around the base of the tree to protect the entire root ball.
How to dig out a crepe myrtle?
To dig out a crepe myrtle, dig outside the range of the roots. This is done so as to leave the roots as undisturbed as possible. A crepe myrtle root ball can be two-three feet in diameter.
How tall do crepe myrtles grow?
Crepe myrtles are beautiful flowering trees that can reach 15-25 feet in height. They thrive best in hardiness zones 7-9. Transplanting a tree is never easy, but a crepe myrtle may be more likely to survive the move, as they are less sensitive to root loss. If you are considering moving your crepe myrtle, there are some steps ...
What type of soil do crepe myrtles like?
The crepe myrtle thrives best in well-draining loam, clay, or sandy soils. Additionally, the pH level needs to be at 5.5 to 7.5. Fertilizer in the soil can help a crepe myrtle readjust. Choose a high-nitrogen fertilizer, although be careful to not over-fertilize.
How much root loss during transplant?
Any damaged roots need to be removed. Generally speaking, 40% of root loss during a transplant will result in the plant’s death. Treat every root carefully so as to retain as many healthy roots during the move as possible. 3.
Do crepe myrtles need to be in the right place?
The new location for a crepe myrtle needs to be the right environment. Crepe myrtles thrive best in full sunlight. The new site also needs to have space for both vertical and horizontal growth. Do not transplant a crepe myrtle to an area that with have obstacles for growth in later years.
Can crepe myrtle be transplanted?
The transplantation process is traumatizing for a crepe myrtle, which means the plant should be out of the earth for as little time as possible. Make sure the new planting hole is large enough to provide space for the tree’s current roots, as well as allowing space for the roots to expand.
When should I prune crape myrtles?
Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so prune them in early spring before they break dormancy. Although some gardeners prune their crape myrtles in the fall, I do not recommend doing this.
How fast do black diamond crape myrtles grow?
In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!
How to make myrtles bloom?
Crape Myrtles bloom with a dose of Epsom Salts. Two: In order for your Crape Myrtle to bloom you may want to try this cocktail ( for the Crape Myrtles, not you) Mixone tablespoon of Epsom Salts into one gallon of water and pour around the roots of the plant. Repeat for the others, using one gallon per plant.
Why is my crape myrtle drooping?
If the limbs on your crape myrtle are sagging or drooping, then there are too many flowers on the branch for adequate support and even a mild rain could split the tree. Also, the number of flowers you will potentially have to remove depends on the maturity of the tree.
Is crepe myrtle toxic to dogs?
However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.
Do crape myrtles need sun?
An especially showy bloomer, the crape myrtle needs a location in full sun to put on its best display . This plant is a poor choice for a fully shaded spot, but in regions with strong, hot summer sun, it does well where it receives sun in the morning and light, filtered shade in the afternoon.
Do crepe myrtles grow back?
While a crepe myrtle does grow back, even from being cut to the ground, less is more when it comes to pruning this summer stalwart.
When is the best time to transplant a crape myrtle?
Almost like sending your firstborn off to kindergarten, transplanting a crape myrtle’s sprout is just as traumatic and as rewarding. After the tree sheds its leaves and is preparing for the change of seasons in the fall, it's a good time to transplant the sprout.
Where did crepe myrtle originate?
Sporting dense flowers in dazzling colors, they became the symbol of the South, and today, very few Southern gardens are without a crepe myrtle bursting with color. Because its scientific name includes the word “indica,” it is often thought that the species originated in India; however, its origins are in China.
How big do crape myrtles get?
It ranges in size from the diminutive 'Cherry Dazzle' series of crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia GAMAD I), which grow to 3 feet, to crape myrtles that grow over 20 feet in the wild in Northern Asia. Colors range from bright fuschia, to brilliant purple to red and white, and there are more than 50 species.
What is the spelling of crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle (lagerstroemia indica) suffers a minor identity crisis. The spelling of “crape” is the spelling preferred by most American gardeners and the American Horticultural Society.
How to grow a sprout in a bed?
Prepare its new home by digging a hole about the same size as that in which the sprout is currently growing. Add some nutrients such as compost to the bed. Dig around the sprout in a circle about 4 inches away from it and deep enough that the new rooting system is revealed. Remove the sprout and place it in its new home. Backfill and add mulch. Irrigation is important at this point, but don’t overwater it.
Where did the crape myrtle come from?
The crape (or "crepe") myrtle is a tree of the South, imported into Charleston, South Carolina, just after the close of the Revolutionary War by a French botanist (hence the “crepe”) Andre Michaux. Planting them in his garden, they flourished and soon were found in gardens throughout Charleston, and then further south.
How to transplant a sprout?
Snip the mother root from the sprout. This encourages the sprout to grow roots of its own, which it needs to be a successful transplant. Return the sprout to its original place in the soil and let it be until the following fall. At that point, it’ll have a healthy root system of its own and be ready for transplanting.
How to grow crepe myrtle from seed?
To propagate crepe myrtle from seed, gently press the seeds into moist potting mix or composted soil using a regular sized pot or planting tray. Add a thin layer of sphagnum moss and place the pot or tray in a plastic grow bag.
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crepe myrtle ( Lagerstroemia fauriei) is an ornamental tree that produces beautiful flower clusters, ranging in color from purple to white, pink, and red. Blooming usually takes place in summer and continues throughout fall. Many types of crepe myrtle also provide year-round interest with unique peeling bark. Crepe myrtle trees are tolerant of both heat and drought, making them ideal for nearly any landscape.
Do crepe myrtles have seed pods?
Once flowering ceases, crepe myrtles produce pea-sized berries. These berries eventually become seedpods. Once brown, these seedpods split open, resembling small flowers. These seed capsules usually ripen in the fall and can be collected, dried and saved for sowing in spring.
When do crape myrtle bushes bloom?
Most varieties of crape myrtle bushes flower from the middle of May or the start of June. Crape myrtle plants bloom for three or four months until the fall. Some of the hardiest crape myrtle bushes still have flowers when the first frost arrives. Crape myrtle flowers are clusters of small flowers with wrinkled petals.
What is Crape Myrtle Bush?
Crape myrtle bushes are fast-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous shrubs with multiple stems. Crape myrtles have a relatively compact growth habit with a spreading, vase-like shape and flat-topped growth. The attractive features of crape myrtle bushes are their flowers with crepe-like petals, orange or red fall foliage, and interesting pinkish-gray, mottled, peeling bark.
How much sun does a crape myrtle need?
Crape myrtle bushes need at least six hours of sunshine daily to bloom profusely. These shrubs can grow in partial shade; however, you’ll notice that they produce fewer flower clusters.
What color are the leaves on a crape myrtle?
The appealing leaves on crape myrtle shrubs are dark green in summer before turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The small deciduous, oval leaves measure up to 2” or 3” (5 – 7.5 cm) long and have rounded ends. Crape myrtle leaves have a pinnate growing arrangement and grow oppositely on stems.
How tall is a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. (0.6 – 4.5 m). Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft. (10 m) high.
What is the difference between a crape myrtle and a crape myrtle tree?
Crape Myrtle Tree. Crape myrtle bushes are smaller than trees and have multiple stems. The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush.
What is the best hedge for grape myrtle?
The best varieties for growing a grape myrtle hedge are Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Tonto,’ and Lagerstroemia indica ‘Mo num.’
When is the best time to plant crepe myrtles?
The fall planting season quickly approaches – the best time for planting most trees and shrubs. It's a good bet many for you will be shopping for crepe myrtles. Before you do, I'm going to say something so shocking it verges on heresy. There are some places you shouldn't plant a crepe myrtle.
How long do crepe myrtles bloom?
The arching canopy of a crepe myrtle looks perfect for shading a white concrete pool deck. However, some selections such as ‘Natchez' can bloom for 100 days a year. Every day that new flowers open, old flowers drop into the pool. It will also drop leaves for at least 30 days in late summer and fall. This means that unless you're a complete slob, you'll be tethered to a pool skimmer for almost a third of a year.
How much sun does a crape myrtle need?
4) Crape Myrtles need at least 6 hours of DIRECT SUN for good, long summer bloom.
When was the crape myrtle hybrid created?
Donald Egolf of the National Arboretum beginning in 1959. He started a research project to develop disease resistance (powdery mildew), hardiness (because fauriei species was more frost tender that indica) rebloomers, true flower color and unique inheritable dark trunk colors. The hybrid crape is easily distinguished from the species as it has larger rectangle leaves, larger flowers and flower clusters and is totally resistant to powdery mildew – never spray fungicide again!
What is the name of the hybrid of crape myrtle?
There are two types of Crape Myrtle frequently planted; there is Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia hybrid (indica x fauriei). The first species L. indica has small round leaves and is terribly susceptible to powdery mildew which is a white powder that causes the leaves to curl up and distort, stops photosynthesis and occurs in spring AND fall. Powdery mildew must be sprayed with several fungicide applications OR you can plant the National Arboretum Hybrids which are totally resistant to powdery mildew.
How tall do crape myrtles get?
Crape Myrtles are TREES and that means they grow TALL from 20 – 40’ in height. They have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (with no fragrance) with a very long bloom time in the summer.
Do crape myrtles need pruning?
To what am I referring, but the way the trees get brutally whacked and chopped by loppers and saws, and then get loaded into a large trailer adding to the landfill!! If they are too tall, pull them out and plant shorter varieties, but Crape Myrtles rarely or never need pruning.
Do you have to prune a tree if it has never been pruned?
Finally, you be the teacher and help educate those holding the chain saws and pruners to stop the horrible disfiguring of our beautiful sculptured trees and know, no pruning is necessary if the trees have never been pruned.
Can crape myrtles be multi trunked?
2) Crape Myrtles are either single trunk or multi-trunked and it can take a long time to turn a multi trunk into a single trunk, so purchase single trunk to begin with if that is what you need.
Selecting The New Site
Pre-Move Preparation
- You can make the transplantation process easier by preparing the crepe myrtle in advance. Keep the crepe myrtle especially well-watered for the season before the move. The goal should be one inch of water weekly. This includes rain water.
Digging Out The Tree
- To dig out a crepe myrtle, dig outside the range of the roots. This is done so as to leave the roots as undisturbed as possible. A crepe myrtle root ball can be two-three feet in diameter.
Protect The Branches During The Move
- Branches, like roots, need to be protected during the move. If too many branches are lost during the transplanting process, it can affect the overall tree’s health. Wrap burlap around the crepe myrtle’s branches to provide some extra protection.
Replanting The Tree
- Trees should be handled delicately during a transplantation. Do not drop the tree into the new hole. Make sure to gently lower the crepe myrtle to make the transition as easy as possible.
Conclusion
- While transplanting a crepe myrtle isn’t easy, it is possible. Careful preparation of the new location, gentle removal from the previous home, and proper removal of damaged roots and branches can give the tree a much better shot at survival.