Some experts list crepe myrtles as potentially invasive plants , but the invasiveness of crepe myrtle has nothing to do with the crepe myrtle tree roots. Rather, the tree reproduces so readily from its seeds that, once the seeds escape cultivation, the resulting trees can crowd out native plants in the wild.
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.
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.
How close can a crepe myrtle be planted to a house?
As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall , and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size. It will naturally tend to grow away from the wall and toward the light.
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.
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 .
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 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.
What can I plant next to my crepe myrtle?
- Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) The Rose of Sharon bush perfectly compliments a crepe myrtle tree. ...
- Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) The roots of your crepe myrtle tree are very shallow. ...
- Lantana. ...
- Hibiscus. ...
- Rain Lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora) ...
- Coreopsis.
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 .
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.
Where is the best place to plant crepe myrtles?
Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA , in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it’s fine.
Where do crepe myrtles grow best?
Climate: Crape myrtles can be grown in hardiness zones 6-10 , although in zone 6 they’re likely to die back to the ground in winter. Water: Crape myrtles like humid climates. Once established, they can tolerate quite a bit of drought. Light: Crape myrtles flower best in full sun (at least six hours per day).
How long do crepe myrtles live?
Crepe myrtles live quite a few years if you take care of them. 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.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Crepe myrtles will grow back when cut, although it isn’t necessary to prune them all the way down to the ground .
