Crape myrtles (or crepe myrtles) will grow in full sun or part shade.  Too much shade will decrease the size and number of blooms.  They like well drained soil, but will tolerate most soil types.  It is recommended that organic material be used when planting (i.e., soil conditioner/compost, mushroom compost, cow manure or turkey poop). This will make a stronger plant.

 

A fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs should be used.  The first application should be applied late February/early March.  A second application should be applied in the summer, if using a 3-4 month or 5-6 month fertilizer. “Bayer Tree and Shrub 12 Month Fertilizer with Insecticide” is a good choice that will both feed the plant and stop insect problems.  Always follow the label directions on the fertilizer you are using (rate of application and duration of application).

 

• Most crapemyrtles are drought resistant once they are established.  Hardy usda zones 7-9.
• Blooms appear in late spring/early summer. Great fall color - yellow, reds and oranges.
• Crapemyrtles can be used in place of a small tree, or a small tree for small spaces.

 

Severe pruning is not recommended.  This causes the plant to put energy into regrowing limbs and reduces flower production.  Heavy pruning is called “crape murder” as it weakens the plant.  A light trim to deadhead spent blooms will produce a second bloom.   Selective pruning in january/february to shape up the plant is recommended (see diagrams attached).  Suckers can be pruned off any time of the year.

 

Powdery mildew is a fungus that affects some crapemyrtles.  Daconil fungicide or similar product will stop the problem.

 

White flies, aphids and leaf beetles are insects that affect crapemyrtles.  As mentioned above the “Bayer Tree and Shrub Fertilizer with Insecticide”  will take care of these insects.  Other products label for ornamental plants are also available.  Always follow the label instructions regarding the amount to use and the duration of the product.

 

Crape Myrtles for Sale:

 

ACOMA - WHITE BLOOMS, 5-10’, LOW SPREADING HABIT. HIGH MILDEW RESISTANCE.

 

 

CATAWBA - DARK PURPLE BLOOMS, 10-15’, UPRIGHT HABIT, MILDEW RESISTANCE, EXFOLIATING BARK

 

CENTENNIAL SPIRIT - RED BLOOMS, 10-20’, ROUND GROWTH HABIT. MILDEW RESISTANT. EXFOLIATING BARK

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CHOCTAW  - PINK BLOOMS, 20-30' TALL  10-15' SPREAD, UPRIGHT GROWTH HABIT.

 

DELTA JAZZ® CRAPEMYRTLE - BRIGHT PINK BLOOMS 8-12' HIGH 4-6' SPREAD

 

MIAMI - DARK PINK BLOOMS, 10-20’, UPRIGHT, RAPID GROWTH.  MILDEW RESITANT, EXFOLIATING BARK.

 

MUSKOGEE - LIGHT LAVENDER BLOOMS, 10-20’, BROAD TALL TREE, EXFOLIATING BARK.

 

NATCHEZ - WHITE BLOOMS, 15-20’, TALL ARCHING HABIT, CONSIDERED BEST OF CRAPEMYRTLES WITH EXFOLIATING BARK. 

  

SIOUX - LIGHT PINK BLOOMS, 10-15’, DENSE UPRIGHT, HIGH MILDEW RESISTANCE, COPPER COLOR EXFOLIATING BARK.

 

TONTO - RED BLOOMS, 5-10’, DENSE SHRUB,EXFOLIATING BARK.

 

TUSCARORA - WATERMELON RED, 10-20’, BROAD VASE SHAPE, HIGH MILDEW RESISTANCE, EXFOLIATING BARK.

 

TUSKEGEE - .DARK PINK BLOOMS 12-15' UPRIGHT GROWTH HABIT

TWILIGHT - DARK PURPLE, FAST GROWING, 10-20’.

 

*All crape myrtles listed subject to availability.