Traveling across the country in a small van

This deciduous shrub is native to the tropical areas between Asia and Australia, and is known best for its blooms in mid-summer to early fall. The crape myrtle ‘Apalachee’, is a mildew-resistant hybrid created by the U.S. National Arboretum, in Washington, DC.

It is mainly grown as trees in warmer areas but shrubs in colder areas due to increased death rates and below-ground resprouting, as it cannot tolerate the colder temperatures as well. It has dark green leaves that turn dark red and orange in the fall, gray bark that exfoliates with age, and long panicles of flowers.

These trees are best suited for average, well-drained, loamy clay soils in full sun, and benefit from slow-release fertilization to prevent susceptibility to winter injury, along with the applications of a winter mulch. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=250246&isprofile=1&basic=crape%20myrtle

What month do crepe myrtles bud?

What Month Does Crepe Myrtle Bloom? – Crepe myrtles start to leaf and bud in the spring. The flowers then bloom in summer. Depending on the specific cultivar of crepe myrtle and the planting zone, there is some variety. Crepe myrtle thrives in a warm climate and with lots of light. Expect leaves about a month after the last frost as a rule of thumb. Furthermore, allow about two months after this for flowers to develop. For example, in zone 8, the latest frost date is March 28th. As a result, crepe myrtle trees should have leaves and buds by roughly the end of April.

Approximate flowering time begins two months later, at the end of June. Similarly, in zone 7, the last expected frost is April 3. Crepe myrtles begin leafing, then, in early May. In addition, blooms can occur by early July. In zone 10, where frost is uncommon, crepe myrtle can potentially bloom by mid-May.

Blooms last a long time, up to 100 days. Some varieties are bred to enhance early, long-lasting flowers. Good pruning and dead-heading spent flowers can extend the season. No matter what zone you’re located in, keep in mind that micro-climates and other weather anomalies may affect these outcomes. For this reason, you may want to use these guidelines for your specific region. For example, by knowing the specific date of your last frost, you can better predict when your tree will flower.

What time of year do crepe myrtles flower?

SERIES 19 | Episode 08 – A favourite and spectacular tree is the Lagerstroemia indica, or crepe myrtle. I planted one in my backyard about 12 years ago and it’s absolutely amazing. I chose it because of its versatility. It flowers from early January through until the end of March, has beautiful spring growth, autumn foliage and a spectacular trunk, with patterned bark.

1. The Lagerstroemia indica species of crepe myrtle are probably the most widely available in Australia and flower in a range of colours – white, red, pink and deep mauve.
2. The crepe myrtle flowers are wonderful – each petal is really like crepe paper, very wrinkly and crinkly, and that’s where it gets its name.

Remember that crepe myrtles can be grown as a standard, a miniature, a low-growing spreading plant, a small shrub, a small tree and even a large tree. Some to look out for are:

Lagerstroemia indica, ‘New Orleans’ is available in shrub-form but can also be grown as a standard. It looks great in a large pot and is perfect for a courtyard garden. ‘Natchez’ – will eventually reach about eight metres and it’s got a clear, white flower as well as quite spectacular markings on the trunk. The development of hybrids between the L.indica and the L.fauriei species has resulted in varieties of crepe myrtle that are resistant to a fungal disease known as powdery mildew, and that’s a major problem that can afflict the older varieties of the crepe myrtle. Another hybrid is ‘Yuma’ with its fantastic mauve flowers There are also low-growing varieties such as ‘Houston’ which grows to about 60 to 70 centimetres high, spreads out to maybe a metre or a metre and a half. These plants are low-growing and have been specially selected to grow as standards. For white flowers in the garden, it’s hard to go past ‘Pixie White’. It grows to about two metres and suits garden beds, either growing singularly or as a massed feature.

All crepe myrtles grow well in Australia. They especially like a hot and dry climate. They transplant well from a pot or buy them as a bare-rooted plant in winter. Get them established with plenty of water, to ensure the root system develops well. Once established, crepe myrtles are remarkably drought-tolerant.

And pruning a crepe myrtle is really simple. Wait until the flowers have finished and then cut it back at least 30 centimetres. I like pruning quite hard because in spring the branch will shoot out with new growth. But if you don’t want to prune, then just let the plant grow to its natural shape. Propagate crepe myrtles from hardwood cuttings taken in winter.

Crepe myrtles create interest all year and are adaptable to many sized gardens. All varieties provide striking colour in summer, wonderful autumn foliage and in winter have beautiful, ornate bark.

Can crape myrtles grow in Maryland?

​​​The Big Tree Program originated in Maryland in 1925, went national in 1940, and is run by American Forests, www.americanforests.org, Each state has a State Coordinator who collects data, measures trees, and biannually submits certain trees to American Forests as potential National Champions.

In Maryland, the DNR Forest Service handled the program until 2007 when budget cuts forced them to transfer responsibility to the Maryland State Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards, a volunteer group. The Cecil Forestry Board handles the day-to-day operation for the State, and I serve as State Coordinator.

We are funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service for Urban and Community Programming, and partially by grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. There are many reasons why the program started and continues to this day. First, it serves to reward those owners who care for their big trees.

1. About 90% of our registered trees are “backyard trees”, as opposed to forest-grown trees.
2. Trees grown in back yards tend to have less competition and receive more nutrients and water from the owners (lawn fertilizers often benefit the trees more than the lawn).
3. Each big tree owner receives a certificate, a thank you letter, and a list of the trees of that species registered in Maryland.

Second, the program provides a reference for scientific studies. From time to time I am contacted by researchers who are studying a particular species and need to know where the big examples are located. Third, the program provides a record over time of changes to species distribution.

Thirty years ago one would not find examples of Southern magnolias and crape myrtles in northern Maryland; today they are very common. The program helps to document these changes. Finally the program provides locations of rare and unusual species for those who wish to improve their knowledge and identification skills.

Trees are the cheapest and perhaps the most effective way now available to remove pollutants from the air and nitrogen and phosphorus from non-point pollution sources before they enter the Chesapeake Bay. While it is important to promote the planting of trees to reduce Bay pollution, it is also important to encourage the protection of “backyard” trees, as they are a critical component of our efforts to clean our air and water.

• In addition the cooling effect of large shade trees in summer should not be minimized as we consider ways to reduce our energy consumption.
• Citizens who plant, maintain and protect “backyard” trees should be recognized and thanked for their efforts.
• As volunteers with the Maryland Big Tree Program, we are happy to do so.

– John Bennett Volunteer Coordinator Maryland Big Tree Program 410-287-5980 [email protected] www.cecilfb.sailorsite.net ​

Why is my crepe myrtle not blooming?

Crape Myrtle with NO Blooms Published on: August 15, 2017 This interesting puzzle came as usual from the Vallejo Farmers’ Market. An older couple came by with questions about a crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia indicia or L. hybrid) that was planted by a landscaping company in their front yard several years ago.

Actually, there are 2 of these bushes/trees planted there and neither one has ever bloomed! What could possibly be the matter with them and what can be done? As usual, we started at the beginning: the who, what, where, and how. As insulting as it sounds, beginning by asking if the plants in question were actually crape myrtles, since plants even in nurseries are mislabeled or put in with other “like looking” plants as this happens –a lot.

This is why it’s so important to make sure that any plant you purchase has some form of identification: a stick in the pot, an attached hang tag, or a can label, so that later you can go back to the id and verify you planted the desired plant or tree.

In this instance, there was no id of any sort to be had; on the planting plan, the variety of tree wasn’t listed as to variety, just “crape myrtle”. Then came the “20 questions”: where are these trees planted, sun or shade, or both; how often are they watered; have they been fertilized and with what; are they in a lawn area or with grass right up to the trunk; if you pruned them, when and how much; and other questions that occur to the booth members.

Believe me, these questions are very important as to the information we give out. Without answers, we at the booth can merely be tossing out ideas blindly! Being told that the trees are in the sun, watered 4 times a week, yes, but with an unknown fertilizer, no lawn or grass, and yes, “he pruned them”, the cloudy crystal ball became just a little clearer.

We suggested less water, no fertilizer for awhile, and no pruning, and sent the couple on their way. Looking up crape myrtle care in books and Internet, I later found that we were mostly on the right track and a little off at the same time. Here are some of the mistakes we make with our crape myrtles: 1.

Pruning too late. If no flowers appear, it can be because the tree was pruned late in the season, mistakenly removing the new wood which causes the buds for the flowers to never really develop. Never prune a crape myrtle BEFORE it blooms. Having said that, just when do crape myrtles bloom? They usually bloom after other flowering trees and are usually one of the last flowering trees to bloom.

• My own crape myrtle just went into bloom last week; I’ve been admiring others I see in Vacaville and Vallejo for awhile, but this one takes its own time coming into bloom.
• If you have an older crape myrtle that doesn’t bloom the way YOU think it should, wait until after crape myrtle bloom time and encourage it to bloom by PRUNING IT CAREFULLY and LIGHTLY.

If you trim away any dead branches that are inside the tree, this allows more sunshine and air to reach the interior. Don’t just hack away; you can also enhance the look of the tree carefully as you prune.2. No blooms to lack of sun. Not enough sunshine will curtail blooms on a crape myrtle.

Being in a place where the tree does not get significant sunshine is a recipe for a non blooming tree. Make sure that the tree is not planted in an under-story position as the shade from larger trees and shrubs will block the needed sunshine to the tree. Full sun is a blooming crape myrtle’s best friend.3.

Why aren’t my Crape Myrtles blooming?

Fertilizer. If that crape myrtle is getting plenty of sunshine and still not blooming, it could be a lack of phosphorus. Checking the soil around the tree may prove this out. OR too much nitrogen may be the problem; both of these situations cause no blooms.

Should you cut crepe myrtles back every year?

Growing Conditions – Crepe myrtles need full sun to perform well. They will grow in the shade, but blooms will be sparse, and plants will get leggy. These hardy trees have few pest or disease problems and require little water and fertilizer. Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning.

• Some gardeners top them annually, which ruins their natural shape and beauty.
• Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base.
• Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching.
• In the winter, you can remove old seedpods by clipping the tips of branches.
• Summer blooms and fall colors make crepe myrtles a garden favorite.

As the leaves disappear in winter, beautiful exfoliating bark will emerge, which decorates their gracefully sculpted trunks. For year-round interest, remember this Southern classic. Plant one now, and watch your tree change with the seasons.—Charlie Thigpen

What is the lifespan of a crape myrtle?

Crepe Myrtle Trees’ Lifespan: How Long Do They Live and What Determines Their Longevity? – Crepe myrtles are beautiful trees that can add a touch of elegance to any landscape. But how long do crepe myrtles live? What determines their longevity? What is their life cycle? And when is the best time to plant them? TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists provide the answers to these questions and more! How Long Does a Crepe Myrtle Live? Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years.

• However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
• It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme heat.
• The crepe myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance tree, which may contribute to its long lifespan.
• Did You Know: The oldest known crepe myrtle is found in Roncade, Italy, at 132 years old.

The Crepe Myrtle Life Cycle Stages A crepe myrtle goes through four stages in its life cycle: seed, sapling, mature tree, and senescent tree. The seed stage is when the crepe myrtle grows from a seed to a sapling. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the conditions in which the crepe myrtle is growing.

The sapling stage is when the crepe myrtle grows from a sapling to a mature tree. This stage can also last several years, depending on the conditions in which the crepe myrtle is growing. Once the crepe myrtle reaches maturity, it will enter the senescent stage, during which the tree will slowly begin to die.

The crepe myrtle’s lifespan will depend on how long it takes for the tree to reach the senescent stage. From Establishment to Decline The crepe myrtle life cycle begins with planting. The best time to plant crepe myrtles is in the spring or fall. This gives the trees a chance to establish themselves before the sizzling summer months arrive.

1. Once crepe myrtles are established, they need minimal care.
2. However, they should be fertilized early spring and late fall to promote growth.
3. Water crepe myrtles regularly during the first growing season to help them establish a strong root system,
4. After the crepe myrtle is established, it will begin to bloom.

Crepe myrtles typically begin to bloom in late spring or early summer. The blooms last until late summer or fall and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Once the blooms fade, crepe myrtles produce small, round fruits that are loved by birds.

• As crepe myrtles age, they will begin to lose their lower leaves.
• This is normal and does not mean the tree is dying.
• Crepe myrtles should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.
• At the end of its life, a crepe myrtle will have a very thin canopy with only a few leaves.

What Can Shorten the Life of a Crepe Myrtle? There are a few things that can shorten the life of a crepe myrtle, including:

Improper Care: Crepe myrtles need very little care, but they must be watered regularly during their first growing season. They should also be fertilized in early spring and late fall. Pests and Diseases: Crepe myrtles are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, aphids, scale insects, and borers. These can be controlled with proper care and treatment from a certified arborist. Winter Damage: Crepe myrtles are not tolerant of cold weather and can be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures. They should be planted in an area that is protected from the wind and has good drainage.

What Can Increase the Life of a Crepe Myrtle? There are a few things that can help crepe myrtles live longer, healthier lives:

Regular Pruning: Pruning crepe myrtles helps to remove any dead or diseased branches. This allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. Proper Fertilization: Fertilizing crepe myrtles in early spring and late fall helps them to grow strong and healthy. Adequate Water: Watering crepe myrtles regularly during their first growing season helps them to establish a deep, strong root system.

TreeNewal’s Certified Arborists Can Help! If you have crepe myrtles on your property, TreeNewal’s Certified Arborists can help you care for them and ensure they have a long, healthy life. We offer a variety of crepe myrtle services, including planting, fertilization, watering, and pruning.

Contact us today to learn more! If you need advice or assistance keeping your crepe myrtles in their best shape, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice. To learn more about Crepe Myrtle Trees’ Lifespan: How Long Do They Live and What Determines Their Longevity?, call our Argyle and Southlake -based teams at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message,

We’re a little different than the average tree services company. Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists! Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line. Healthy trees, healthy lives.

Will a crepe myrtle bloom twice a year?

Cut off spent crape myrtle blossoms by late July to encourage flowering again. I’ve heard that if you deadhead crape myrtles, they’ll bloom again. Is this true? Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important.

July Deadline: If the blooms on your crape myrtles are already fading by the end of July, deadheading can encourage another (probably smaller) bloom in late summer. Leave Late Bloomers Alone: Depending on your climate, many popular crape myrtle varieties don’t start blooming until June and keep on going straight through until fall. These varieties shouldn’t be deadheaded – not only can they be damaged by cold weather, but they probably won’t have time to produce more blossoms anyway.

To deadhead your crape myrtles, simply snip off the flower heads once the color begins to fade. If you aren’t trying to encourage a second bloom, leave the blossoms alone and enjoy the lovely seed heads that follow.

What month do crepe myrtles lose their leaves?

What Month Do Crepe Myrtles Lose Their Leaves? – Normally, a crepe myrtle will lose its leaves from late fall into early winter. Considering this species is deciduous, you can expect a crepe myrtle to lose the majority of its foliage by around late November.

How many years does it take for a crepe myrtle to mature?

How Long Does It Take a Crape Myrtle To Grow? – Crape myrtles grow quickly. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year.” Crape myrtles generally grow between 15-25 feet tall, so most trees take five to 10 years to mature. These trees live more than 50 years when properly maintained.

Where should you not plant a crape myrtle?

How to Not Fail Growing Crape Myrtles – by | May 13, 2021 Crape Myrtle season is almost upon us. Soon, every roadside, landscape, and gas station parking lot in the deep south will be lit up in gaudy colors from white to hot pink to fire engine red. A well-placed Crape Myrtle ( Lagerstroemia hybrids) can turn even the most boring landscape into a picturesque photo op once summer rolls around.

1. These toughest of flowering trees also ask very little of gardeners to look their best, thriving in many varied settings with a wide range of care given to them.
2. Despite their low-maintenance nature, I see all too many Crape Myrtles languishing in landscapes.
3. While it is difficult to fail with Crape Myrtles, it is not impossible if you site and maintain the trees incorrectly.

This summer, follow these three tips to get the most out of the best small tree a southern landscape can offer. Properly sited, pruned, and maintained crape myrtle. Photo courtesy of Daniel Leonard.

1. Do not murder your Crape Myrtles, For any reason. No other tree gets lopped off each year to a random height in the belief that it makes it prettier. While your “murdered” crape may indeed produce more flowers the following season, you are permanently damaging the tree, giving rot and decay a foothold, unnecessarily making the tree more susceptible to storm damage, and ultimately shortening the tree’s lifespan. The only pruning that should be done to the species is an occasional “limbing-up” to expose the gorgeous flaky bark underneath and to remove dead or dying branches.
2. Don’t plant Crape Myrtles in shade, Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look. There are many wonderful small landscape trees like Greybeard, Redbud, and Japanese Magnolia that make excellent Crape Myrtle alternatives in shady sites. If you can’t put a Crape in full sun, plant something else.
3. Keep the area under the canopy free of turfgrass, Turf is a wonderful feature in lawns, just not directly under crape myrtles. Grass does an excellent job of scavenging nutrients and water that otherwise would benefit the crape myrtle above. Also, having grass inside the dripline forces homeowners and landscape professionals to cut the grass right up to the trunk. This often leads to soil compaction from heavy mower traffic and damage from lawnmower decks and string trimmers, which damages the thin Crape Myrtle bark and can even girdle and kill the tree. Either kill out the grass and weeds under the canopy with a nonselective herbicide like Glyphosate and then mulch or plant a shade loving groundcover like Asiatic Jasmine.

Crape Myrtle is one of the most rewarding plants Panhandle gardeners can grow as well as one of the easiest. By following just a few best practices, not overpruning, planting only in full sun and keeping the ground free of turfgrass under the canopy, pretty much every landscape can enjoy success with the species.

Are crepe myrtles high maintenance?

How to Care for Crape Myrtle For beautiful, long-lasting summer blooms, few plants are as prolific as crape myrtle. But just what do you need to do to ensure these stunning specimens will thrive in your landscape? About Crape Myrtle Crape myrtle, also called crepe myrtle or loosestrife, is a group of roughly 50 tree and shrub cultivars in the genus Lagerstroemia,

There is great diversity among these plants – some are deciduous while others are evergreen, sizes range from just barely one foot tall dwarf varieties to towering giants that can grow taller than 100 feet, and the native range of the genus spreads from India to Asia, Indonesia and Australia. What they share and what makes all crape myrtles distinct and desirable in landscaping, however, is their stunning frilly, crinkled or rippled blooms as well as peeling bark that gives textural distinction to their trunks and stems as well.

Flower colors range from deep purple to lavender, ivory, bright white, pale pink, magenta and red. Crape myrtles are cultivated worldwide, most often in tropical and subtropical climates where the warm weather helps them to thrive and show off their outstanding beauty.

1. These plants are often used as colorful hedges or privacy screens, while larger plants make amazing focal points and eye-catching specimens in any landscape.
2. Smaller varieties may even be grown in containers.
3. Proper Care for Crape Myrtle Crape myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance choice for landscaping in the appropriate region, but they do require some specific care for their showy blooms to flourish.

To help your crape myrtle look its very best

Find Full Sunlight Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. With less sunlight, blooms will not be as prolific and their colors may be diminished. Use Suitable Soil These plants are not demanding about the pH of their soil, though neutral or slightly acidic soils are best. Soil must be well-draining, however, as crape myrtle is susceptible to root rot. Fertilize Lightly For brighter flowers and healthy growth, a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen is preferred, but avoid too much fertilizing that would promote excessive leaf growth rather than flowers. Treat Fungus Before It Starts Crape myrtle is susceptible to powdery mildew, sooty mold and other fungal infections, and treatment with a general fungicide can reduce the risk of an infected plant. Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring These plants bloom on new wood, so late winter or early spring pruning is essential to promote flowering. Remove suckers, tangled branches or irregular shapes to keep the best size and form. Expose the Trunk for More Beauty Don’t miss out on the delicate peeling bark of larger crape myrtles. Prune away branches from the lower 4-5 feet of the trunk to expose the bark for year-round interest. Deadhead for Even More Flowers Early-blooming varieties of crape myrtle can be encouraged to rebloom later in the season with judicious dead-heading, but note that the second bloom will not be as lush as the first.

Crape myrtles can be a stunning addition to any type of landscape, whether you are looking for a colorful hedge, an eye-catching specimen or any burst of floral wonder to add to your yard. Knowing how to properly care for these plants will ensure that you have an amazing show of blooms all summer long. : How to Care for Crape Myrtle

Will crepe myrtles survive a freeze?

Crape Myrtle Cold Hardiness – If you live in an area that experiences cool falls and cold winters and you want to add crape myrtles to your garden, you will want to consider crape myrtle cold hardiness. Crape myrtles like sun and heat, so if your region is especially cold, they might not be the shrub for you.

1. Typical crape myrtles can usually tolerate winter temperatures that drop as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Temperatures lower than 0 degrees and multiple hard freezes may cause crape myrtles to die back completely during the winter.
3. Overwintering crape myrtles indoors can be a solution in cooler climates.

For example, Garden Design recommends planting crape myrtles in zones 2 through 5 in containers so they can be brought indoors during the winter. Today’s Homeowner suggests that if you go this route, bring the plants in after their leaves have died back, water them monthly and cease fertilizing so they can become dormant for the winter.

What fertilizer makes crepe myrtles bloom?

Prune in late winter, fertilize in early spring – Late winter is the time to prune crape myrtles, but it isn’t necessary to prune all of your crape myrtles every year. Some trees may not need to be pruned. Prune the trees so that they maintain a natural shape, and thin out branches to allow light into the canopy.

1. Do not just cut off the top of your crape myrtle trees.
2. This pruning method is so drastic it is often referred to as “crape murder.” Then, to maximize spring growth and summer bloom, fertilize crape myrtles in early spring just prior to new growth.
3. Fertilizers including 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 will work fine and are ideal for crape myrtles, but don’t go overboard.

Overfertilizing trees will cause excess growth and reduce the number of blooms on each tree. Soil test results will include a recommendation for the proper amount of fertilizer, which can be applied directly over the tree’s mulch.

What helps crepe myrtles bloom?

What do you put on crepe myrtles to make them bloom? – To make your crepe myrtle bloom, apply a high-phosphorus, low-nitrogen fertilizer in a slow-release formula in early spring. Alternatively, fertilize regularly throughout the growing season. Younger trees need monthly feeding, while more established trees benefit from being fertilized every two weeks.

What kind of fertilizer is best for crape myrtles?

Best Fertilizer For Crape Myrtle – Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio like 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 for Crape Myrtle plants. Slow-release fertilizer is a good choice and will support consistent growth. Always water the plant immediately after applying slow-release fertilizer to help the roots soak up the plant food.

What time of year does myrtle flower?

In mid to late summer, this bushy, evergreen shrub is festooned with fragrant, white, fluffy flowers, followed by round, purple-black berries.

Why are crepe myrtles not leafing out?

My Crepe Myrtle Has No Leaves – Crepe myrtles are one of the last plants to leaf out in spring. In fact, many gardeners worry that there is something seriously wrong when the only problem is that the tree’s time just hasn’t arrived. The time of year varies with the climate.

• If you don’t see leaves by mid spring, check the branches for tiny leaf buds.
• If the tree has healthy buds, you’ll soon have leaves.
• Is a crepe myrtle tree appropriate for your climate zone? Crepe myrtles are suitable for temperatures in 6 or 7 through 9, depending on the cultivar.
• When winter temperatures are too cold or when you have a freeze too late in the year, leaf buds can suffer injury.

In areas that have no freezing temperatures in winter, the tree doesn’t receive the expected signal that winter has come and gone. Crepe myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it will know when to break dormancy. If your crepe myrtle is not leafing out, check the buds.

Remove a leaf bud and cut it in half. If it is green on the outside but brown on the inside, it has suffered cold damage from late freezes. Buds that are brown all the way through have been dead a long time. This indicates a chronic problem that may have affected the tree for years. Scrape off some of the bark near the dead buds.

If the wood under the bark is green, the branch is still alive. If you find dead wood, the best treatment is to cut the branch back to the point where the wood is healthy. Always make cuts just above a bud or side branch. Crepe myrtles make lovely street trees, so we often plant them in the,

• Unfortunately, trees planted in this location suffer a lot of stress that can inhibit crepe myrtle leaf growth.
• Stress factors for crepe myrtles used as street trees include heat, drought, and environmental pollution such as salt spray and car exhaust.
• Frequent watering can reduce the amount of stress on the tree.

You should also and weeds in the immediate area to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.

Is my crape myrtle dead?

Is My Crape Myrtle Dead?! – Published by Adriene Vesci in Bucks Country Gardens • Landscape • Lawn & Garden • Plants Have you ever had the chance to sit back and enjoy the handsomeness of a Crape Myrtle for the first time, only to have its gnarly bark bare of beauty and seem lifeless the next season? Well, you’re not the only one! We often get panic phone calls of allegedly “dead” Crape Myrtles.

• Here are a few tips to ensure happy and healthy Crape Myrtles for years to come! Dead or Alive?! If you think that your Crape Myrtle has gone too soon, don’t fright! Scratch the bark with a knife starting at the top of the plant; if green flesh is beneath the bark, it is still alive.
• Just leave it alone and be patient we know, this can be the hardest part! It is because they are extremely late bloomers that most people think they’re dead.

However, if the bark is brown, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is gone. Start at the top and cut the plant back. Work your way down the plant until the green flesh emerges under the bark. Cut it all the way back until that point and see if it pushes new growth.

• Care + Tips These beauties are drought tolerant, low-maintenance, generally disease and insect resistant, and like lots of sun.
• Typically in zone 6, Crape Myrtles start to bloom in July, but this can vary depending on the weather; and, they flower for very long periods of time.
• They do bloom on new wood, so it is important to take proper care of them during the cooler months.

We recommend checking the root ball weekly and watering regularly up until the ground freezes, as well as mulching before the ground freezes. It is important to insulate the root ball during the winter to ensure proper growth later on. After the frost date passes in the early spring, remove the mulch from the ground and let the root ball warm up from the sun. will take the job of warming the root ball. Fertilize Crape Myrtles in the spring with Espoma Tree-Tone, but do not fertilize in the fall. If the summer brings hot and dry weather, keep your Crape Myrtles watered. You may want to check the root ball more often if the summer graces us with such conditions.

During the growing season, make sure that you prune the dead or spent flower heads regularly to promoted constant growth and continued flowering. General Information Crape Myrtles put on a show all year round. Their flowers speak for themselves, but their bark is also very pretty and showy. At Bucks Country Gardens, you can come pick out Crape Myrtles ranging from shades of white to hues of pinks and reds.

Some of the varieties we are carrying this year are: Sioux, Muskogee, Tonto Red, Hopi Pink, and Natchez. If you think your Crape Myrtle is dead, don’t fret! Follow the care steps above and take the proper precautions. If you still aren’t sure, take some pictures and come speak to one of our Pharmacy Experts. They are sure to lead you in the right direction! Jessie Tanski | Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator David Jones | Horticulturist, Arborist, & Customer Service Specialist

What month do crepe myrtles lose their leaves?

What Month Do Crepe Myrtles Lose Their Leaves? – Normally, a crepe myrtle will lose its leaves from late fall into early winter. Considering this species is deciduous, you can expect a crepe myrtle to lose the majority of its foliage by around late November.