Characteristics of Selected Crape Myrtle Varieties. Stick the cutting into the soil so that half the length is above ground. Crape Myrtle is known for its drought-resistance and ability to flourish in hot, dry, exposed places and even in spots with only a little soil available. Look for resistant varieties, especially if you live in a wet, humid location. It has attractive deep bright red flowers and is a fast grower. Some species demonstrate moderate growth of between 1 and 3 feet a year. 0 or 6. Like most trees, crape myrtles should be pruned in the winter. Pole pruners or a pruning saw which you can use to cut branches more than 1½ inches thick. Allow your crape myrtle to branch and spread naturally. 6. ) in winter. 5. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Christiana. In some yards, crape myrtles look more like bushes or shrubs than trees. To show the incredible diversity within crape myrtles, this photograph was taken in a crape myrtle nursery in Celina, Texas, on June 30, while they were in peak bloom of summer. This Crape myrtle will bloom from about mid-summer until mid-fall prune off the expired blooms for a new burst of flowers. The rich green foliage is a perfect background, and in fall the leaves turn wonderful shades of orange, yellow and red. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in parking lots, and in small pavement cutouts if provided with some irrigation until well established. It depends on the variety of crape myrtle you choose, but bloom time can range between 6 and 8 weeks. Two main disease problems of crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. The ideal planting season is in either fall or early spring. One tree was dead upon arrival but they did replace without any issues. Crape myrtle plants need six to eight hours of continuous sunshine to bloom properly. 95. These plants can tolerate a few hours of shade but will not thrive in full shade. The pest is easy to identify, as it’s the only bark scale known to attack crape myrtles. These plants thrive in heat and humidity and have the potential to bloom all summer long with relatively little care. Dwarf Centennial – a purple arching crape that reaches about three feet. Water plants deeply during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Water deeply when soil is dry. It can flourish in well-drained soil with a pH of 5. Common name is in reference to the crepe-papery inflorescences and the myrtle-like ( Myrtus communis) features of the bark and foliage. Crape myrtle bushes can be excellent shrub borders. It will come down to the variety. gardener@waynegov. Crape myrtles, Lagerstroemia spp. Good foliage retention into the fall months. ) 12-15: Optimal Soil Condition: NeutralOur Catawba Crape loves full sun or about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Crape myrtle growing in containers will appreciate a little more fertilizer for best foliage color and bloom. To determine whether myrtle flowers are invasive, let’s look at how they spread. Planting Crape myrtles have a shallow, fibrous rootCrape Myrtles do enjoy a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5. Perfect Tonto Crepes. crape myrtle meaning: 1. Taller than wide. A 2012 Revolution; our beloved flowering shrub crape myrtles went black, and the world said WOW. If you need a smaller crape myrtle, choose a smaller variety. The Black Diamond series of crapemyrtles have been planted at the UF North Florida Research and Education Center (outside Tallahassee). Lagerstroemia indica or as most know it, the common crape myrtle, was introduced from China and Korea in 1747. Form may range from upright and vase-shaped to low, horizontal, and shrub-like. Southern gardeners love their crepe myrtles for summer bloom, attractive, peeling bark, and limited crepe myrtle care. The USDA zone for this plant is 7-9. Cut out any dead branches. Southern Living. unpubl. Treeland Nursery 1208 Sharp Rd. Crepe myrtle varieties Australia. Essential Pruning Tools. Note: In our “Availability”, multi-stem crapemyrtles and other trees are listed by height, single-stem trees are listed by caliper. Step 1: Start at the bottom. All summer long it is covered in big flower heads of very large flowers, of a brilliant rich purple-violet color. The most common Crape Myrtle pests include aphids, Japanese beetles, and bark scale. This bright pink variety is an exclusive variety from Indiya Charms in France. A 25-30 foot Crape Myrtle may need some pruning of overgrown branches or dead branches. Even with its superior drought tolerance, there's no need to. Creative genius and science horticulture took a giant step forward and suddenly black diamond appeared with dark black foliage with vivid pink, white, magenta, red, purple, and lavender colors. Baffling gardeners in North. Stop crape murder! It creates knobby trunks and spindly, weak branches, and is completely uneccessary if you plant the right sized crape myrtle for your needs. and L. If the tree is pruned wrong, it will require even more pruning as the new growth of smaller branches sprout out all over the tree. Check the plant’s label to pick a crape myrtle that fits your space. Dena DiFilippo. 15-20' H x 10-15' W. 00 with. Using crape myrtle aphid-resistant cultivars and insecticide sprays can reduce sooty mold. Most Crape Myrtles are fast-growing, offering between 3 and 5 feet of new growth a year, so you can be sure your new tree will quickly provide you the color for which it is known. , 1025 Holmgreen Rd. They all froze last winter. 1. After blooms disappear, the plant produces small berries that become seedpods. Severe pruning at this time of the year could result in diseased branches and slow the development of these tough trees. Read plant and insect reference guides at Daves Garden. Use a single specimen to brighten a shady spot or plant in mass for a burst of color. $312. The Muskogee Crape Myrtle. Up to 15% off. 2. Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is an upright, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree in the loosestrife family. Try planting multiple colors together for a beautiful and unique plant!The five leading purple crape myrtles are: 1. Natchez crape myrtle can thrive in the USDA growing zones 7 to 9 and is surprisingly cold hardy to survive winter temperatures down to -5ºF. 50. The genus Lagerstroemia, which is a member of the plant family Lythraceae, is where crepe myrtles are found. 95. Genus name honors Magnus von Lagerstroem (1691-1759), Swedish botanist, Director of the Swedish East Indies Company and friend of Linnaeus. 5). , 1025 Holmgreen Rd. Crape myrtles are sun-loving plants that require full sun to thrive. S. Fertilize in spring with a general purpose shrub fertilizer — cottonseed meal works great — and keep it mulched to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature. Watering them twice […] Characteristics of Selected Crape Myrtle Varieties. Remember these trees are drought tolerant and after establishment require little water. From Japan come these new, dwarf crape Myrtles–so dwarf you can enjoy them planted in the garden or in containers. Topping removes all the upper branches. Height: 11/2 ft. Description: This attractive ornamental shrub or small tree is covered in vibrant deep pink-red blooms in summer, followed by red-orange fall foliage; a captivating focal point for the garden or border; exceptional cold hardiness and heat tolerance. Summer heat brings an explosion of blooms that fill the tree until—and sometimes throughout—autumn. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in. 6 to 12. All crape myrtles should be grouped into one of these categories. e. If they do need trimming, and if it’s performed properly, minimum pruning is required. Multi Stem. Pay in 4 interest-free installments for orders over $50. It is native from the Himalayas through southern China, southeast Asia and Japan, but has naturalized in the U. In spring they produce eggs beneath their body then die. fauriei) that was begun in 1967 and completed in 1989 by the U. Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is an upright, wide-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree in the loosestrife family. This will encourage the best possible new growth. Crape-Myrtle grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil but will tolerate less hospitable positions in the landscape just as well, once it becomes established. Water deeply when soil is dry. Removing the unnecessary ones first means reducing the overall amount of pruning you need to do. . Crape myrtles are popular due to the huge variety there is in cultivars. Information provided courtesy of Fanick's Garden Center Inc. Plant in soil that drains quickly. In winter, we suggest using either container crapemyrtles or B & B trees that were dug in summer, hardened off, and stored in mulch. Twilight – which exceeds 30 feet. 4. tall x 8 ft. This is a deciduous plant that can be either a tree or a large shrub. Low-maintenance Black Diamond® Crape Myrtles are highly disease-resistant. Make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem at an inward 45-degree angle. Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone. Leaves: Crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative. Find My Store. Classifications include miniature, dwarf crepe myrtles, medium, and standard. in the River Oaks area Wednesday, July 21, 2010, in Houston. , are popular landscape shrubs and small trees. These pimples or blisters form when the crape myrtle takes in more moisture through the roots than it can transpire through the leaves, over-filling the cells. Siren Red ® – 10-12 feet tall upright branching shrub Tonto – 8-10 feet tall vase-shaped shrub. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are small deciduous trees or large shrubs (less than 30 feet) that have gained popularity with homeowners and landscapers. Utilize varieties with different bloom times to brighten the landscape all season long. They vary in length from 1/16 to ⅛ inch long. Crape myrtles are the best go-to plantation for most gardens and homeowners. As it happens, when L. Leaf and stem surfaces are covered with a black sooty substance, causing them to appear black and dirty. Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. Suitable for growing in containers. It appears as yellow or brown spots on the upper surface of the leaves, while the underside of the leaves has a white or gray downy appearance. Females lay eggs in white or gray felt-like eggsac or ovisac. From the very beginning of the spring growth this. Note: Scroll right to view continuation of table. ): pink (medium) picotee with white edge, dark pink veining in white area, more or less pyramidal panicles; 12-14’ height, multi-trunked; hardiness USDA zone 6 or 7. The main cause of leaf spot in crape myrtles is the fungus Cercospora. The blooms of crape myrtle trees are particularly attractive to honeybees, bumblebees, and a variety of native bee species. Aim to restrict your crape myrtle to three or five main trunks wherever possible. 12-4-8 or 16-4-8. This means that deer rarely browse on plants within this family, and the plants suffer negligible damage even when they do. indica and L. As a result, the leaves, branches, and trunks become covered with black sooty mold, which grows on the. The flower clusters at the top were from varieties growing to mature heights of less than 5 ft. It’s a good idea to mulch around the plant in the container for retaining moisture over longer periods of time. Thunderstruck Ruby Crape Myrtles have deep red flowers and dark burgundy foliage which makes an excellent accent piece to landscapes around Dallas, Texas. Christiana – 8-10 feet tall upright vase-shaped shrub. Choose containers that are two or three times as wide as the nursery pot that your crape myrtle came in. The experts at Florida’s Crape Myrtle Company say: '"Basham's Party Pink’ is the fastest-growing crepe myrtle tree we have ever seen. Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle 'Christiana' Lagerstroemia indica : Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle 'Christmas Time' Lagerstroemia :. Many public properties as well as medians and urban streets are lined with these plants. Small, pimple-like bumps or blisters on the undersides of the crape myrtle's leaves indicate the plant suffers from edema. Crapemyrtle. 31/2 ft. Remove any damaged or crossing branches during the late winter, as well as any suckers, or low-growing branches. (Teranodes otwayensis) BIRD FILES. If the plant is improperly placed and gets too. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to crepe myrtle trees. This pruning method is so drastic it is often referred to as “crape murder. Plant crape myrtle in the fall or early spring. This tree has a semi-dwarf habit and grows in a vase shape,. San Antonio, TX 78220 . Cut more than that and it may result in a stressed tree pushing out a lot of new growth,’ says Dean Dietrich. Suitable for. Smooth, colorful peeling bark adds year-round interest. from Virginia to Arkansas south to. Crape Myrtle is a southern garden favorite. Plant experts say the crape myrtle, popular in yards and landscapes across the metro, is slowly dying off unless drastic measures are taken. Pruning correctly is much less work than incorrectly pruning. We are the original inventors of the US Patented Miniature Crape Myrtles! We have over 55 varieties available of miniature , dwarf , medium and standard (tree) crape myrtles. What They Do: Aphid suck the plant sap out of leaves which causes two harmful effects. Crepe myrtles generally do well with a balanced fertilizer, but a soil test can help. per 100 sq. . To measure the crapemyrtle, add up the circumference of all trunks at chest high (about 4. Let me introduce some of my favorites,. Damage CMBS does not appear to kill healthy. Crape myrtle bark scale is a new pest that can cause considerable damage if not caught early. Most people don't know this. Trainable as a standard but quite striking as a multitrunked tree. The lush green foliage and colorful flowers create colorful borders around your garden. Crape myrtles have been the most popular summer-flowering shrubs in the South for the past 200 years. Crape myrtle plants need six to eight hours of continuous sunshine to bloom properly. Start fertilization when new growth begins to appear in spring and then as directed on the product label. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. In fact, the crape myrtle may refuse to bloom if it doesn't get enough light. Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree Care. Then, fill the space to the surface and mix it thoroughly. Quickly reaches 8 ft. Grows 5-8’ tall. After flowers fade and fall from the tree,. Add to cart. If the diameter is about 1 inch, the estimated size of the root ball is around 16 inches. 0 to 7. Cherry red flowers open from shiny red. Crape Myrtle Pink Velour Growth Rate: – Pink Velour Crape Myrtles are a slower growing selection. Arapaho. The different types of crape myrtles grow to varying heights, ranging from just a few feet tall to 30 or even 40 feet. Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia species) has become a dominant landscape plant in North and Central Florida and throughout the South. I used 2 teaspoon of dish soap and about 1/4 cup or less of bleach in a gallon of water. With $119+ in free shipping on. Crape Myrtle Care. Multi Stem. Lagerstroemia indica. Crape Myrtle aphids are small, yellowish green insects that feed by sucking the sap from the leaves of the tree. Watch. The Double Dynamite® Crape Myrtle, otherwise known as the Lagerstroemia Indica ‘Whit X’ Plant Patent #27,085 is a pretty well known shrub plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world. Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. Always cut away suckers and dead, crossing, or damaged limbs, but remember - overly aggressive pruning can cause damage and stunt growth. You may also want to leave a few suckers to grow into new stems as well. Crape Myrtlettes (Southern Florist & Nurseryman, Feb. ‘Christiana ’ (Carroll Gardens, Westminster, MD. Stick to the fertilization schedule discussed above unless your crape myrtle plants lack essential nutrients, required for flowering, due to poor soil conditions. Special. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. Growers created new selections of dwarf and semi-dwarf types that bloomed well, resisted disease , and were hardy. I have several Crape Myrtles from three to six feet tall. One of the most beautiful of summer-blooming shrubs and trees in southern landscapes is the Crape Myrtle. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. Number 2 takes, a confident pruner, 20-30 seconds each while Number 3 takes 2 seconds. 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep is a good size for most crape myrtles. This plant can be grown as a bushy shrub or a tree, depending upon pruning and trimming techniques. In reality this type of severe pruning results in a shorter bloom time, delayed flowering, weaker branching, and can increase insect and disease problems. A very refined shrub for the landscape. January 2012. Comparing Methods: 2 vs. The best time to prune crape myrtles is before new growth begins in the spring—typically late February. The Natchez’s bark is also distinctive, offering a shimmery-brown throughout the year. It’s important to note that this growth rate is possible under ideal. After spotting an almost-dead specimen on a Chinese freighter, André sent samples to his Chucktown. Plant it in a location that gets full sunlight. Growth Characteristics: Classified as a small tree or shrub, Crape Myrtle averages a height of 15’-25’ with a spread of 6’-15’. S. Here is the same crepe myrtle tree. However, it’s also one of the slowest-growing crape myrtles, only reaching heights of two to three feet per year. The mature bark is a grayed-orange color. Powdery mildew, sooty mold, anthracnose, and crape myrtle bark scale can be controlled with cultivar selection, insecticides, and/or fungicides. Next, improper pruning, or pruning too late, can cause crape myrtles not to. Prune crape myrtles properly. Compare. Fertilization: Regular fertilization is necessary for Crape Myrtles in pots to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. A balanced fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or a 10-10-10 will work great for these plants. Cold hardy in USDA Zones 7-9. 55, Geo. For example, the Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’ is a weeping crape myrtle with light pink flowers and grows no taller than 18” (45 cm) high. “Crape murder” is the term that has been coined to describe severely cutting back crape. This plant tends to keep a good shape naturally and requires very little pruning, but with minor work, you can tidy up the appearance and help the plant produce an abundance of flowers. Miss Sandra Crape Myrtle Green Leaf Purple Flowering Ornamental Tree. Lagerstroemia indica ‘Raspberry Sundae’. The hole in which the plant is placed should be as deep as the root ball is tall, and about 2 times as wide to allow for root expansion. 1 lb. The plant produces flowers in large clusters averaging 6 inches in length. Andrick, 1978; Pooler, 2006). Small crape myrtles can be grown as shrub borders or as ornamental foundation plants. E-mail: [email protected] to know a crape myrtle is dying #359894. Some gardeners suggest that a crepe myrtle should be pruned after flowering to encourage the plant to flower again. But many times these plants are butchered for no good reason. That plant would likely be in the 2'-3' height range. Coral Sport. This Crape myrtle is in need of pruning. ‘Summerlasting’. Mature height varies, too. How to Prune Your Black Diamond® Red Crape Myrtle. The older stems and branches have flaking bark in a range of colors, from tan and beige to gray, which makes the winter stems attractive. To achieve the multi stem look, allow your Crape Myrtle to branch along the length of the stem. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter. m. 8 – 4. Victor. Mature height: 20’+ Flower color: light red; Crape Myrtle Dynamite. We currently offer 9 different Crape Myrtle species which are fast-growing (up to 4 foot a year), sun-loving, drought tolerant, and perform well in many different soil. How to Prune Crape Myrtles in 3 StepsCrape myrtle grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil but will tolerate less hospitable positions in the landscape just as well, once it becomes established. The stem that emerges from the ground is the first degree, where it splits are the second-degree branches and where the second-degree branches split are the third-degree branches. An invasive insect pest of the widely used ornamental plant crapemyrtle has been found for the first time in South Carolina. Other than pruning, care is minimal for crape myrtles. RED Crape Myrtles Available as Miniatures, Dwarves, Medium Height or Standard Trees. 00. Crape Myrtle is an easy-to-grow perennial with a tree-like look that produces beautiful flowers. The plants are known for shoots that appear red when they are young. When. Considered a medium-sized crape myrtle perfect for the small backyard. The most common species in the United States is Lagerstroemia indica. the Current agent is Minda Daughtry. The following cultivars are showing excellent or good resistance to powdery mildew: Semi-dwarf (15 feet) – Acoma (white), Caddo (pink), Hope (blush-white), Pecos (pink), and Tonto (red). (Howard Garrett) De-stress your trees. Special Red. Characteristics of Crape Myrtle Varieties. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) 'Mandi' supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at D. S. It can be kept smaller by annual pruning. With their ease of care, short growing stature and dramatic color, these plants are certain to steal the show, making. It is a false notion to think that heavy pruning will produce more blooms. Carefully dig around your crepe myrtle's roots and remove them from the ground. Flowers give way to round seed capsules which often persist. Best known for its low maintenance and moderate growth, this shrub will likely liven up your house (or garden) with its purple colored leaves. 16. Proper planning and preventative pruning will help your crape myrtle develop into a gorgeous tree that will dazzle the neighbors. The History of Crape Myrtles. 'Crape Myrtle Guide. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in parking lots, and in small pavement cutouts if provided with some irrigation until well established. Texas A&M Crape Myrtles for Texas Show More Show Less 2 of 6 Crape myrtles at the corner of Bellmeade St. Other than pruning, care is minimal for crape myrtles. Shop. It won't be long at all before aphids are infesting crape myrtles and feeding heavily on their foliage. 5 m) tall with spreading, a vase-shaped, flat-topped crown measuring 6 to 15 ft. Some susceptibility to aphids and scale. 14 reviews. e. Thankfully gardeners and growers both saw the need for smaller, more compact crepe myrtles—or crape myrtles or crapemyrtles if you prefer—that didn't need annual pruning. June 24, 2015. The best spot for crepe myrtles is full sun and well-drained soil to help retain moisture. Oldest nursery in the US that EXCLUSIVELY grows Crape Myrtles. Choose from 18 Varieties of our Beautiful RED Crape Myrtles! Take Advantage of our Quantity Discounts Buy 1-2 Plants for $39. These crape myrtles are drought tolerant, mildew resistant and low-maintenance. A native of Asia, CMBS was first confirmed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004. Find My Store. We are frequently asked to recommend the best-performing varieties according to size and color. Poured it over the trunk and let it sit over night. Spread 2 to 4 inches (7. These trees usually take on a vase shape with shiny, bright green leaves. Crape myrtles, in particular Lagerstroemia indica L. It is a member of. Note: Scroll right to view continuation of table. It is critical to space them well to grow well-rounded, uniform finished plants. It is a versatile flowering plant with many attractive characteristics such as excellent bark color, texture, form and shape, fall foliage color and seed pods which persist in the winter. However, it’s also one of the slowest-growing crape myrtles, only reaching heights of two to three feet per year. Bronze. That means you should plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct light daily. Damage to crape myrtle is an indirect result of aphid feeding and does not result in permanent damage or long term effects on plant vigor. Crape Myrtles are one of the best shrubs for containers on hot, sunny terraces, since they love the heat and sunshine. Medium crape myrtle cultivars (growing up to about 15 feet in height) and tall or tree-size crape myrtle cultivars (often growing 20 – 30 feet tall in 10 years) are best reserved for open areas. landscapes in regions with hot summers in the U. e. Crape myrtles are one of the most commonly planted trees throughout the Inland Empire in both residential gardens and public landscapes. The crape myrtle bark scale has three life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Dwarf varieties may be grown in a container. Black Diamond Crape Myrtles are dwarf sized and stay between 8-10 feet tall and 8 feet wide at full size. 1 2. The Key Differences Between Crepe Myrtle Bush and Crepe Myrtle Tree. It works well as part of a mixed border or as a standalone plant. The trees are resilient to pests and diseases with minimal pruning required to maintain their shape. Crown shape is vase. Growing Crape Myrtles Exclusively Since 1977 Our nursery has been growing crape myrtles for over 40 years. Characteristics of Crape Myrtle Varieties. L. Clusters of flowers! Sort of reminds me of lilacs. Fertilizer labels show the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K ratio). Make sure you plant yours in a sunny spot where it is not blocked by other trees. How to Fertilize Crape Myrtles. 3. Get rid of branches growing at odd angles and detracting from the tree’s appearance. Crown uniformity is symmetrical. Crape Myrtle Natchez. 'Apalachee' is a cross between L. The Natchez crape myrtle trees are reasonably heat and drought-tolerant. Quick ID Hints: Twigs have decurrent. What you need to know about crepe myrtle. Mildew Resistance: Fair Fall Color: Orange red Mature Bark: Fanick’s Garden Center Inc. Crepe myrtles need little overwintering care. There are too many trunks, and the canopy needs to be thinned. Published: Jan. How to Plant a Crape Myrtle. Learn more. Flowering shrubs, prized for their outstanding show of blooms, should be a part of every landscape. The crape myrtle aphids feeds only on crape myrtle trees. Crepe Myrtle varies in growing habits and range in size from as small as 3′ to 6′ feet tall to as tall as 30′ feet tall. 4. Crape myrtle grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil but will tolerate less hospitable positions in the landscape just as well once it becomes established. There are just a handful of varieties with pure red flowers, and the best among. Plant type: small to medium-sized deciduous tree, often fast growing. and Del Monte Dr. Crape myrtles have relatively good deer resistance. Our next common method for growing crepe myrtle is to propagate the plant from root cuttings. 1) (CMBS), is an emerging threat to crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp. 'Choctaw' reportedly has good mildew resistance. Miss Frances displays a round, spreading growth habit with large flower heads near the tips o. (1.