So, in conclusion, crapemyrtles trees are usually grown as small trees with 3 to 5 trunks that are kept free of small limbs up on the lower part of the tree (up to 2/3 of the height).
How fast do dwarf crape myrtles grow?
This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24′′ per year .
Are there dwarf crape myrtle?
Crapemyrtles come in a wide selection of varieties. Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less .
Are dwarf crepe myrtles fast growing?
Take note that the black diamond crape myrtle growth rate is about the same even though these dwarf varieties are mostly bush-like shrubs and trees. In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year . Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!
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 tall do dwarf crape myrtles get?
Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less . Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.
Can you plant crepe myrtles close to the house?
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 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.
Do crepe myrtles need full sun?
To help your crape myrtle look its very best... 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. These plants are not demanding about the pH of their soil, though neutral or slightly acidic soils are best.
What can I plant with dwarf crepe myrtle?
Feed dwarf crape myrtle in the spring, using a granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons .
Which crape myrtle is the best?
Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.
Will crepe myrtle bloom if not pruned?
It is important not to prune the tops of crepe myrtle trees to make them bloom . Topping may yield larger flowers but does not increase the overall volume of blooms. Extreme topping often results in weak growth that tends to bend of break in summer rains.
Should you cut back crepe myrtles?
Crepe myrtles respond well to pruning, which is best done in mid-winter, when trees are bare of leaves. To keep them compact, trim back branches by about 30cm all over .
Can I prune crape myrtle in summer?
Pruning crepe myrtles in summer is not the optimal time of year to trim your trees, unless you wait until after they bloom . ... Floridata notes that some cultivars continue to bloom for as long as 120 days, making this tree or large shrub a popular landscape plant.
What is the best time of year to plant crepe myrtles?
Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. But a lot of folks buy and plant their crepe myrtle in summer because they select it while it is blooming. That works too, but watering well during the summer months is crucial to transitioning it into your garden.
