You
can plant crape myrtle near the foundation as they have non-invasive roots
, according to Dayton Nursery. However, be sure to plant them far enough away from the foundation and the building so the shrub can grow to its full size without being blocked by the building.
Do crepe myrtles spread?
The common crape myrtle can reach a height of 15–25′ and a
spread of 6–15′ at maturity
. With ideal planting conditions this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24′′ per year.
Are crape myrtles invasive?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. … You don’t have to worry about this issue because
crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
How do you keep crepe myrtles from spreading?
Remove suckers regularly as soon as they appear. They are easier to deal with and cause less damage to the tree when they are removed early.
Prune them all the way back to their point of origin at the trunk or a root
. Make a flush cut.
What is so bad about crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially
trouble-free small trees
. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold.
Do crape myrtle trees have invasive roots?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. … You don’t have to worry about this issue because
crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
What happens if you don’t prune crepe myrtles?
Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it’s done,
it ruins the tree’s graceful natural shape for the rest of its life
.
Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?
Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose
a bright sunny spot
for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
A crepe myrtle lifespan can
exceed 50 years
. So that’s the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.
What month do crepe myrtles bloom?
The lovely, long-lasting blooms make them attractive. Most years, crape myrtles start blooming
between mid-May and early June
. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety.
What time of year should crepe myrtles be pruned?
If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in
mid-February
to avoid winter injury. Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height. Pruning is also not necessary for blooming.
Can you dig up and replant crepe myrtles?
Moving crepe myrtles requires a bit of digging. First, dig out a new planting hole. It has to be large enough to fit all of the tree’s current roots, but somewhat wider, to allow those roots to expand. Next, you
need to dig out the tree
.
How far apart should crepe myrtle trees be planted?
To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6′-10′ apart, and
Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8′-12′ apart
. For a more individual plant look, plant Dwarfs 10′ apart and Standards 15′ apart.
What animal eats crepe myrtles?
Goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches, cardinals, and house and white-throated sparrows
visit the trees continually from early December through late February to devour the abundant seed crop that crape myrtles provide.
What kills crepe myrtle?
Glyphosate
kills virtually any plant it touches. Herbicides containing glyphosate may be painted on freshly cut stumps or sprayed onto the foliage to kill the crape myrtle.
Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?
Many beautiful plants contain toxins that present a danger to puppies and other animals. 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.
