The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) is a dazzling addition to any Southern landscape. With its vibrant blooms and long bloom time, it’s no wonder these flowering trees have earned the nickname “crepe myrtle madness.” But keeping your crepe myrtle healthy and thriving requires proper planting and care. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to cultivate stunning crepe myrtles, plus we’ll explore why Morning Dew Landscape is your perfect partner for ensuring these beauties flourish in your yard.
Understanding Your Crepe Myrtle
Crape myrtles come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf varieties reaching 3-5 feet to taller selections reaching 20-30 feet. Bloom colors range from classic pinks and purples to vibrant reds, lavenders, and even white. Choosing the right variety depends on your desired height and color preference.
Planting Your Crepe Myrtle for Success
Timing is Key
The best time to plant crepe myrtles is in late fall or early spring. During these cooler months, the tree can focus its energy on root development before the summer heat arrives. Avoid planting during the hottest months of the year to minimize stress on the new tree.
Location, Location, Location
Crape myrtles thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also prefer well-draining soil. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water may pool around the roots.
Digging the Perfect Hole
Prepare a planting hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball of your crepe myrtle. Dig the hole deep enough so the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Gentle Care During Planting
Carefully remove the crepe myrtle from its container, gently loosening any tightly bound roots. Place the tree in the prepared hole and backfill with soil, ensuring the root flare (the area where the trunk widens) is exposed. Tamp down the soil gently to remove air pockets.
Watering Wisely
Water your newly planted crepe myrtle thoroughly during the first few weeks, especially during dry periods. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or deep watering with a hose at the base of the tree. As the tree matures, watering needs decrease, and established crepe myrtles are quite drought-tolerant.
Mulching for Moisture
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Pruning for Beauty
While not essential, proper pruning can enhance the growth and flowering of your crepe myrtle. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Avoid the drastic “crape murder” pruning technique, which involves cutting off large branches of mature trees, as this harms the tree and reduces flowering.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Crepe Myrtle Scale
This white, scale-like insect can weaken your crepe myrtle. Look for sticky sap and sooty mold on leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Powdery Mildew
White, powdery patches on leaves indicate this fungal disease. Apply a fungicide according to label instructions.
Why Choose Morning Dew Landscape for Your Crepe Myrtle Needs?
Taking care of crepe myrtles can be rewarding, but it also requires knowledge and experience. Morning Dew Landscape can be your trusted partner in ensuring your crepe myrtles reach their full potential:
- Expert Knowledge: The certified arborists and horticulturists at Morning Dew Landscape possess in-depth knowledge of crepe myrtles and other landscape trees. They can assess your specific soil conditions and recommend the best crepe myrtle variety for your location.
- Planting Done Right: Their experienced technicians will handle the entire planting process – from selecting the perfect location to proper root ball handling and post-planting care instructions. You can rest assured your crepe myrtles are off to a healthy start.
- Targeted Maintenance: Morning Dew Landscape offers ongoing maintenance plans that include targeted fertilization, pest control, and proper pruning techniques to optimize the growth and flowering of your crepe myrtles.
- Tree Health Monitoring: Their team will regularly monitor your crepe myrtles for any signs of disease or insect infestations and take timely action to address them.
Give us a call today in Marietta Ga for all of your plant and shrub installations.