Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp. and cvs., Zones 6–10) are all over the place within the Southeast. Identified for his or her long-lasting summer time blooms, enticing bark, and tolerance to warmth and drought, these versatile flowering timber and shrubs thrive within the Southeastern panorama and will be comparatively simple to develop. Right here are some things to bear in mind when choosing your crape myrtle that can assist you domesticate it efficiently.
Selecting a crape myrtle
Whereas I definitely endorse looking for crops at native shops, heading to a nursery or a big-box retailer with the concept you wish to purchase any crape myrtle that catches your eye might not finish effectively (for you or the plant). Fashionable breeding and hybridizing have introduced us into an period the place there are crape myrtles of all shapes, sizes, bark traits, and flower colours. There are alternatives that may virtually act as floor covers, to those who develop 30 toes tall or taller. First, take a look at your website and discover a cultivar whose final top and width match your area.
Native nurseries, backyard facilities, and on-line plant retailers all carry crape myrtles. Once more, do your analysis earlier than purchasing. Native impartial backyard facilities in your space may have recommendation on alternatives which have executed effectively in your space.
Deciding on for type and construction
Total, these are quick growers. When you have goals of a giant crape myrtle with a type highlighting its great exfoliating bark, look intently on the plant you’re shopping for. Typically, growers cram a number of particular person crops right into a container to assist fill out the pot sooner after which promote that container of crops. That is okay if you would like a really shrubby look. Nonetheless, in case you are on the lookout for extra of a tree type, it will be higher to discover a single plant that’s already trending that means from the beginning.
When and the place to plant crape myrtles
The perfect time of 12 months to plant a crape myrtle will depend upon which choice you select and the place you reside. If you’re in USDA hardiness Zone 6 or 7, the most effective time is in spring when soil temperatures are warming. This can give crops the total rising season to ascertain. As you progress into Zone 8 and above, you will be much less selective with while you plant. To maximise flowering, select a planting location with not less than six hours of direct daylight every day. Inadequate daylight can result in weak flowering and spindly development. At all times preserve final plant dimensions in thoughts; I typically give crops much more room than what’s famous as their remaining measurement. These crops are extremely tolerant of poor soil however will carry out greatest in wealthy soil with good drainage. When you have heavy clay soil, break it up as a lot as potential earlier than planting.
When crape myrtles bloom, and why your plant won’t be blooming
These crops bloom on the present season’s development and sometimes bloom from mid to late summer time, persevering with by means of early fall. If yours isn’t blooming, potential causes might embody overly aggressive or improper pruning, an excessive amount of shade, or over-fertilization. Choosing an acceptable cultivar on your area and inserting it in a sunny location can head off many of those issues.
Pests and ailments that have an effect on crape myrtles
Though prone to some widespread illnesses, crape myrtles are pretty pest resistant. Commonly monitoring your crops and searching for options to issues early is at all times advisable. A few of the most typical points that crop up on crape myrtles are:
Powdery mildew: A typical fungal problem in humid climates, greatest prevented with good air circulation.
Sooty mildew: It is a fungus that covers the leaves and appears like black goo. That is attributable to quite a lot of pests (significantly aphids) that excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which results in the mildew.
Crape myrtle bark scale: That is an invasive insect that has the same look to mealybugs. These bugs will be discovered clustered in department crotches, in pruning websites, and on bark. It is a newer pest that causes much more black sooty mildew than the beforehand talked about fungus does and weakens crops over time. Crape myrtle bark scale is a severe pest, and it’s best to do additional analysis and see how a lot of an issue it’s in your space, as it’s not equally prevalent all over the place within the Southeast.
Crape Myrtle Q&A
When discussing easy methods to develop these crops, I’m typically requested the identical questions repeatedly by gardeners. Listed below are solutions to a few of the extra widespread questions folks have on easy methods to develop crape myrtles.
Are crape myrtles deer resistant?
Crape myrtles are typically deer resistant, although deer might browse younger development sometimes.
Can crape myrtles be grown in pots?
Sure, dwarf and smaller kinds of crape myrtle can thrive in giant containers. Potted crape myrtles require extra frequent watering, particularly in scorching climate, and might have occasional root pruning in the event that they turn out to be rootbound.
The place are crape myrtles from, and are they invasive?
Whereas there are round fifty species within the genus Lagerstroemia, most crape myrtles we see on the market within the nursery commerce are native to Asia. Crape myrtles will not be thought of invasive in most areas, however they’ll produce stray seedlings occasionally in cultivation, although that is sometimes not a serious concern.
Are crape myrtles poisonous to animals?
Crape myrtles are thought of unhazardous to people, canines, cats, and horses, making them a secure alternative for gardens frequented by pets and kids.
Are crape myrtles drought resistant?
As soon as established, crape myrtles are drought tolerant however profit from deep watering throughout prolonged dry spells.
Is it okay to high crape myrtles when pruning?
Topping includes chopping again the primary branches severely. This observe additionally makes the tree extra prone to pests, ailments, and structural points. As a substitute of topping, use correct pruning strategies to keep up wholesome development, encourage considerable blooms, and protect the tree’s sleek type whereas nonetheless controlling its final measurement.
A mature crape myrtle with exfoliating bark topped with cascading blooms is without doubt one of the traditional archetypes of the Southeastern panorama. They’re a unbelievable alternative for gardeners searching for year-round curiosity with minimal upkeep. Their hanging blooms, enticing bark, and resilience to warmth and drought make them a staple go-to plant. By fastidiously choosing the correct cultivar and following correct care practices, you should have a plant you’ll be able to take pleasure in for years to come back. Don’t neglect to recurrently monitor for pests and ailments to maintain crops wholesome and enhance their longevity. With considerate planning and care, your crops will thrive.
Talk about this text or ask different gardening inquiries to the creator on the Gardening Solutions discussion board. And for extra Southeast regional studies, click on right here.
Andy Pulte is a school member within the plant sciences division on the College of Tennessee.
Photographs, if not in any other case famous: Andy Pulte
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