The common crapemyrtle
How fast does crepe myrtle grow?
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 .
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.
Which crape myrtle is the tallest?
The largest commercially available varieties of crape myrtle usually grow between 23 and 33 feet tall. Among them is the white-flowered Kiowa (Lagerstroemia ‘Kiowa’) . A mature specimen at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., is 30 feet tall.
Can you plant a crepe myrtle near your 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.
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 .
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 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.
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.
Are crepe myrtles full sun?
I have seen crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) growing in partial shade, however, they grow best in full sun . When grown in partial shade, they tend to get overly leggy and their flowers are typically smaller and fewer. In addition, many crape myrtles are susceptible to powdery mildew disease, which worsens in shade.
How tall is a 7 gallon crape myrtle?
Mature Height (in.) 144 in. Mature Width (in.) 96 in.
What is fastest growing crape myrtle?
Basham’s Party Pink is one of our favorite Crapes. It is the fastest growing crape myrtle available, growing 8′ per year! It is a very full, upright tree that grows to 30′. It’s flowers can best be described as a delicate pale pink.
What colors are crepe myrtle?
Flowers come in a variety of colours, from deep reds, to hot pinks, purples and white . Foliage: Most varieties colour well in autumn with leaf colours ranging from bright red, deep maroon, vibrant yellow, pink and burnt orange, all on the one tree.
Is crape myrtle messy?
Crape myrtles also require pruning to promote the new growth needed for blooming, to reveal the bark, and to keep the shrub or tree tidy. Moreover, with its flowers, leaves and peeling bark, crape myrtles can be messy to care for . Be prepared for plenty of raking and clean-up.
What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush . Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. ... Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes.
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.
