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Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Nothing says summer in Oklahoma
quite like the blooms of the crepe myrtle. Crepe Myrtles were
introduced to American gardeners over 200 years ago. Today, thanks to
hybridizers, new hardier varieties have enabled even northern
gardeners to enjoy this summer bloomer. Versatility and easy
maintenance make them a popular summer flowering shrub in the Tulsa
and surrounding areas. The wide range of sizes and flower color make
the crepe myrtle an essential shrub in any sunny landscape. Flower
colors range from red to purple to pink to white, and a few colors in
between. Their heights can range from a little under two feet all the
way up to a 20+ foot tall tree form.
Planting and Initial Care
Crepe Myrtles absolutely need a sunny location in
well-drained soil. When planting, dig the hole twice the size of the
container. The planting hole should be the same depth as the
container. Amend your soil with Back to Nature® or Hu-More® to give
your crepe myrtle a good start. Place your crepe myrtle and begin
back-filling with your amended soil, tamping and applying water as you
go. After filling your planting hole apply a good time released
fertilizer such as Schultz Multi Cote® Outdoor Plant Food. Water in
well, and apply about a 2-3" cover of mulch. It is important to keep
your newly planted crepe myrtle well-watered in its first growing
season.
As mentioned before crepe myrtles come in an array of
sizes and colors. The many sizes available make the crepe myrtle a
very versatile plant that can be used in most any landscape with an
ample supply of sunshine.
- Miniatures: These will get only about 18-36" tall. They
are great for those who have limited space, but still want to enjoy
the beauty of the crepe myrtle blooms.
- Dwarf: These will grow about 3-5' tall. These are just
thing for borders or foundation plantings.
- Semi-Dwarf: These generally get between 5-10' tall. They
are a good choice for grouping or flowering shrub borders.
- Standard: Another name for these crepe myrtles are 'tree
form'. Just as the name suggests they can reach 15+ feet, and are
usually single or double stemmed. They make attractive street or
driveway trees if pruned in an upright form. They are also nice in
groupings or as background plants.
Long Term Care
Once established, crepe myrtles can stand some abuse.
They bloom on current years growth, so they need to be pruned in
early spring, or as some people put it; late winter. Removing spent
blooms will help your crepe myrtle to bloom well into fall. Don't
heavy-prune in fall as this reduces the winter hardiness of the
plant. Regular watering especially in periods of drought is
beneficial.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your crepe myrtles in early spring
with a slow released all-purpose fertilizer such as Schultz Multi
Cote®.
- Insects: No real insect problems to speak of.
- Disease: Crepe Myrtles are susceptible to powdery mildew
fungus. This disease is particularly evident in the late summer and
fall, or during periods of cool, dry weather. It will appear as a
white, cottony growth on the leaves and flowers and can be very
unsightly. We recommend using Daconil® as a fungicide. You also
might try Garden Safe® Fungicide 3® by Schultz. This is an
all natural alternative.
- Pruning: We get lots of calls about pruning crepe
myrtles. There are several different views on this; however, we
suggest that in mid-March you can cut back your shrub form
crepe myrtles to about 18-24". Then again, pruning your crepe
myrtles isn't really necessary at all! Some horticulturists actually
refer to it as crepe murder!!! The tree form crepe myrtles are a
little bit different. Wait until you see the first signs of growth,
then cut them about a foot higher than the initial growth. This will
give you height and also keep the tree form you're looking for. By
pruning the old branches you will also get a profusion of blooms.
Remember: Crepe Myrtles bloom on new growth.
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