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.
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.
Why is it called a crepe myrtle?
They are not authentic myrtles—the myrtle name is
due to their small leaf shape that resembles that of a true myrtle
. “Crape” refers to the crinkly flowers that resemble crepe paper. The genus name is attributed to Magnus von Lagerstroem (1696-1759), a Swedish merchant and naturalist.
Is a crepe myrtle a true Myrtle?
it was first introduced in the U.S. in the south (Charleston, South Carolina) in 179. It was quickly dubbed “crepe myrtle” due to its myrtle-shaped leaves and petals resembling crepe fabric.
Lagerstroemia is not related to True or Common Myrtle
(Myrtus communis).
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
.
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 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.
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 is the black stuff on my crepe myrtle?
Sooty mold
is the black, crusty material that encompasses the leaves during the growing season. … Sucking insects, such as aphids and scales, are attracted to crape myrtles and will suck the leaves for plant juices. As they digest the plant nutrients, they excrete a very sugary substance that we call honeydew.
What does myrtle tree mean in the Bible?
The myrtle is not mentioned in the Bible until the time of the captivity. The first reference is in Nehemiah 8:15 in regard to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. … As an evergreen, fragrant shrub associated with watercourses, the myrtle is
a fitting symbol of the recovery and establishment of God's promises.
Is myrtle a tree or a bush?
The Myrtle Tree (or Myrtus communis) is
a dwarf tree or shrub
that's cherished for its abundance of dainty, evergreen leaves that adorn the branches year round. In summer, the tree blooms with gorgeous star-like blooms that release their fragrance into the air.
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.
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 if my crepe myrtle is too tall?
Crapes can benefit from late-winter pruning to remove dead, weak or crossing branches and suckers. … If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual, transplant it, if possible, and replace it with a shorter variety. If it's only a bit too tall,
prune the top branches back 2 feet to a side branch
.
Should crepe myrtle trees be cut back?
Though many people plant crape myrtles, few people prune them correctly. Correct pruning yields gracefully shaped trees with more blooms that are held upright on strong stems. … Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so prune them
in early spring before they break dormancy
.
How far should a crepe myrtle be from the house?
Plant large type crape myrtles a
minimum of 6ft away
from a structure (house, etc). 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.
