All crape myrtles are sun lovers, generally cold hardy in Zones 7-10, although there are some that will work in Zone 6 as well. They are extremely heat-tolerant and
quite drought-tolerant once established
.
Do crepe myrtle trees need a lot of water?
For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive
at least one inch of water a week
. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
How often do you water a crape myrtle tree?
For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive
at least one inch of water a week
. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated. Keep at least 4 feet around the shrub clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?
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.
How much sun does a crepe myrtle need?
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 happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?
Flowers are not the only virtue of this tree. 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
.
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtles?
The answer is
yes
! Coffee grounds make an excellent ground mulch, especially for acid-loving plants.
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 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.
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.
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. You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well.
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.
Does crepe myrtle like sun or shade?
All crape myrtles are
sun lovers
, generally cold hardy in Zones 7-10, although there are some that will work in Zone 6 as well. They are extremely heat-tolerant and quite drought-tolerant once established.
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.
What month do you prune crepe myrtle trees?
When to Prune? 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.
Why is my crepe myrtle only growing from bottom?
A: These sprouts growing around the base of the crape myrtle are called suckers. If you leave them they will eventually become large making the
tree have more trunks than desired
. … This makes the tree much easier to manage. It is appropriate to prune suckers from any tree any time of year.
