As mentioned earlier, crepe myrtles are an entire genus of plants called Lagerstroemia. Powdery mildew is a powdery white to light gray-colored fungus that will grow on succulent stems, leaves, buds, and flowers. Crape Myrtle is a southern garden favorite. 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. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to crepe myrtle trees. VICTOR (6'-10' Dark Bright Red) $39. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients. Starting at $49. Dig a big hole at least twice as wide as the root ball to prepare. Then, look for higher branches that are growing inward toward the center of the tree, and get rid of those. Christiana. Scientifically formulated for optimum plant growth, Carl Pool’s Crepe-Myrtle Plant Food was specifically crafted with crepe myrtles in mind. 95. Lagerstroemia grow very large in production. And since Crape Myrtles are easily pruned, you can implement them as hedges, garden accents. Shipped in a 3 Gal. Dwarf Crape Myrtles mature between 6'-10' Add a splash of summer time color to your landscaping & boarders or privacy to your property! Great for privacy hedges. Foliage may yellow (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. Usually, crape myrtle bushes only grow a few feet high. Growing Zones 6-10. 00 with. From its gorgeous colors to flower petals that resemble crepe paper, a Red Rocket adds visual interest to your landscaping. com is Better. The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. 6 to 12. The habit of crape myrtles is to produce multiple trunks, which can cause the plant to get crowded as it matures. 2. After blooms disappear, the plant produces small berries that become seedpods. Growing Crape Myrtles Exclusively Since 1977 Our nursery has been growing crape myrtles for over 40 years. Crape Murder. Affected leaves, flowers and shoots are covered with a white powdery growth that occurs mostly during spring or fall when nights are. It is preferable to trim a standard variety as a tree, instead of a bush, but it can take a few years to change. Essential Pruning Tools. In recent years, the Indian Summer range of crepe myrtles has been released, offering a fabulous range of brilliant colours and excellent resistance to powdery mildew disease, which can effect some of the older varieties during humid summer weather. Step 5. Introduction to Plant Food. Crape Myrtles are one of the best shrubs for containers on hot, sunny terraces, since they love the heat and sunshine. They come in a wide variety of colors and heights, but they all have very much the same needs when it comes…. Crape Myrtle Care. 00. indica was first brought to the U. The Tuscarora crape is not demanding when it comes to soil types. Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle 'Christiana' Lagerstroemia indica. Post Authored by Susan Condlin. S. Some gardeners suggest that a crepe myrtle should be pruned after flowering to encourage the plant to flower again. Some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Sun Exposure: Choose a site that provides full to mostly sun. The Black Diamond Crape Myrtle is a new breed of dwarf Crape Myrtle with deep purple to black foliage and a wide range of vibrant colors. Crape Myrtle at Sunset Pruning your Crape Myrtle. Still stunning in Florida landscapes during the winter months, its bark takes on a striking exfoliated appearance that ranges from tan, white to coffee brown. It’s popularity stems from the many flower colors and relative small size for urban trees. Other Names: Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle Group/Class: Barista Collection Brand: Walters Gardens Description: This exciting ornamental shrub or small tree produces volumes of vibrant, large bubblegum pink blooms over dark blue-green leaves; a captivating focal point for the garden or border; mature heights are taller in southern climates; blooms on new. The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a tree known for its beauty. S. Queen crape myrtle tree is the big mama of crapes, with giant pale purple blossoms, and a shade tree form. . ‘Christiana ’ (Carroll Gardens, Westminster, MD. So, before buying and planting, make sure to select a variety that has a mature height and width that will fit the planting area. 0 to 7. Information provided courtesy of Fanick's Garden Center Inc. Now the good news is that Crape Myrtles are one darn tough plant. Fuchsia d’Été Crape Myrtle. The Black Diamond will flower for months, giving at least three seasons of interest. Extension Horticulture Specialist Jeff Wilson shows you how to prune crape myrtles to achieve a natural shape in our previous blog post. Crape Myrtles are one of the best shrubs for containers on hot, sunny terraces, since they love the heat and sunshine. Get rid of branches growing at odd angles and detracting from the tree’s appearance. These twigs or pencil limbs are less than 2 inches in diameter. comThe Garnet Queen Crape Myrtle belongs to the Lagerstroemia indica family and is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach up to 20-25 feet tall when grown in ideal conditions. How to Prune Your Black Diamond® Red Crape Myrtle. This leads to the development of sooty mold (a black fungus) that grows on the honeydew. Anything over 30% is considered over. The Crape Myrtle is a tough act to follow, but the Weeping Willow sure can hold its own! The tree’s characteristic “weeping” foliage is quite striking, and some say it adds a relaxed, serene element to any yard it inhabits. S. 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. Quickly reaches 8 ft. ft. Add to cart. The genus name honors Swedish botanist Magnus von. Skip Richter, Travis County Extension Horticulturist Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension Fanick's Garden Center, San Antonio, TX 78220. With proper care and maintenance, crape myrtles can beautify outdoor spaces for years to come. Crepe myrtle, though often listed as a shrub, is not really a shrub or low-growing tree. Branches that grow into the center of. , 1025 Holmgreen Rd. An invasive insect pest of the widely used ornamental plant crapemyrtle has been found for the first time in South Carolina. This easy to grow, eye-catching flowering tree enhances any large garden, and looks excellent in front yards. The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. An ideal soil pH is an acidic one of 6. Crepe — also spelled “crape” — myrtle is native to China and Korea. Additionally, the densely packed foliage helps protect against harsh sunlight and creates a cooling effect on hot days. Figure 1. The same tree after pruning. Put the plant in the hole deep as the nursery container, but twice as wide. Due to the nearly black foliage, the cheery pink flowers retain a glowing effect in direct or partial sunlight. Good soil preparation is essential for the growth and flowering of crape myrtle. 26, 2021 at 4:52 PM PST. Characteristics of Crape Myrtle Varieties. It has often been referred to as the Flower of the South. Crape myrtle requires a warm, sheltered and sunny spot. With ideal planting conditions this shrub grows at a fast rate. It has a handsome trunk, with pale gray bark that sheds in strips, revealing creamy tan bark underneath, creating fascinating mottled. from Virginia to Arkansas south to. Always cut away suckers and dead, crossing, or damaged limbs, but remember - overly aggressive pruning can cause damage and stunt growth. Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. Raspberry Sundae is very upright and columnar reaching 15-20 tall at maturity. 3 feet tall and wide. After image posted above. , top it),which permanently ruins their growth structure and can make them extremely. Miss Frances is a new introduction from the Southern Living™ line with three seasons of breathtaking color. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Christiana') in the Crepe Myrtles Database - Garden. All four trees are growing and thriving. 15-20' H x 10-15' W. The sublime Natchez Crepe Myrtle displays pure white blooms for long lengths of the summer, from June to September. wide. National Arboretum in 1990, and has been recognized as a Georgia Gold Medal winner (1996) and Mississippi Medallion plant (1999). While aphid infestations normally don't make pecan trees look visually worse, crape myrtles. 95. 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. Proper crape (or crepe) myrtle pruning. First Editions. The Twilight Magic Crape Myrtle is a tall, upright deciduous flowering tree, reaching as much as 16 feet in height, with a spread of up to 8 feet wide. Roots are yet another good indicator of a dying or dead crape myrtle tree. Join Jane, as she gives tips and tricks to keep your crape myrtle blooming all summer long! In this video, Jane demonstrates how to cut flowers, prune sucker. Place the crepe myrtle in quality soil, cover, and water deeply. To determine if your crape myrtle needs to be pruned, examine the direction in which the trunks and branches grow. Not only is the Muskogee one of the few Crape Myrtle varieties with rich lavender-purple flowers…but it also deliver. container with minimum height of 18 in. in the south (Charleston, South Carolina) in 179. Information provided courtesy of Fanick's Garden Center Inc. Growing the Twilight Magic™ Crape Myrtle Size and Appearance. Crape Myrtle Photo Gallery by Color ; Select color at left to view varieties with similar color flowers. Common name (s): 'Apalachee' crape myrtle. Aim to restrict your crape myrtle to three or five main trunks wherever possible. It typically grows to 15-25’ tall. This type of equipment can repeatedly damage the base of the. Note: In our “Availability”, multi-stem crapemyrtles and other trees are listed by height, single-stem trees are listed by caliper. Absolutely you should feel comfortable planting a 1 gallon Natchez crape myrtle. Bloom time varies, depending on the variety. Width: 15’-25’. Powdery mildew and sooty mold can also affect your Crape Myrtle though they’re not traditional pests. tall and wide. in 1786 by André Michaux (plant adventurer and botanist to King Louis XVI), its entry point was Charleston. Crape Myrtle Photo Gallery by Color ; Select color at left to view varieties with similar color flowers. Place your crape myrtle where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun per day. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are small deciduous trees or large shrubs (less than 30 feet) that have gained popularity with homeowners and landscapers. It has a relatively narrow form for a Crape Myrtle, growing only 4 to 8 feet wide, so it is ideal for a smaller garden, or for mixing among other shrubs. Red Rocket is a full, tree-sized Crape Myrtle, quickly passing 12 feet in height. But your coastal garden with saline soil and salt. For more, see our in-depth guide to growing and caring for crape myrtles in your garden and the best deer resistant flowers and plants. Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia species) has become a dominant landscape plant in North and Central Florida and throughout the South. They have a long blooming season starting in May and lasting well past summer; with flowers lasting 90 to 120 days. $ 121. The Muskogee crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica x Fauriei) is the largest crape myrtle, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet if well taken care of. It was introduced into the United States in the early 19 th century and gained popularity in the southern United States due to their ability to thrive in our warm climate. Crape Myrtle is an easy-to-grow perennial with a tree-like look that produces beautiful flowers. 1. Lagerstroemia indica, the crape myrtle (also crepe myrtle, crêpe myrtle, or crepeflower) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae. 4. However, they prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5. 4, 1972, advert. Make sure the mulch is not mounded around the base of the tree and that a gap is left around the trunk for air circulation. 86: 1988): Deep rich red flower trusses. Miss Frances is a new, true-red flowering crape myrtle. Crape myrtles grow well in almost any soil but do best in loam, silt, or clay soils. L. This easy to grow, eye-catching flowering tree enhances any large garden, and looks excellent in front yards. Lagerstroemia indica or as most know it, the common crape myrtle, was introduced from China and Korea in 1747. Backfill with dirt from the pit after breaking clods up, and remove any rocks or other debris. 5. Buy 1-2 Plants for $39. The common crape myrtle is used as a specimen in a variety of ways including a lawn, recreational play area, and butterfly, children’s, cottage or pollinator gardens. These crape myrtles are drought tolerant, mildew resistant, and low-maintenance. 3 feet tall and wide. Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone. Mandi. Most crape myrtles may not even need to be pruned each year. Crape Myrtles come in many sizes, so the wrong choice may leave you with a baby plant where you wanted a full-sized tree. Crape myrtles thrive in pots as long as the container is the right size. plus. It is a large tree which grows 30 to 60 feet tall by at least 20 to 40 feet wide in its native habitat though it tends to. Planning Start by selecting a spot that will allow plenty of space for the mature plant. The official name of this eye-catching plant is Lagerstroemia. W. At first, we thought that this was a reaction to the drought. Model # CRMPMA01G. Herbicides are effective in killing crape myrtle trees, but they must be used with caution. How much to prune: Properly prune your crape myrtle by removing 25% of the crown, and no more than 30%, Moorman said. Victor. Check the plant’s label to pick a crape myrtle that fits your space. Park Seed Co. Female scales produce fluffy white filaments that cover their body. Flowering continues through the summer and into fall. 2. Crape myrtles have relatively good deer resistance. Shutterstock Benefits of pruning a crape myrtle. $ 280. E-mail: [email protected] to know a crape myrtle is dying #359894. Deciduous. Lagerstroemias are available in different mature sizes; some are shrubs, growing between 5-8 feet. The most common species in the United States is Lagerstroemia indica. Ideal as a landscape accent or container specimen. The unique combination created a Crape Myrtle with dark burgundy-blackish plum foliage and deep red flowers which is similar to the Best Red Black Diamond. and Del Monte Dr. It is native from the Himalayas through southern China, southeast Asia and Japan, but has naturalized in the U. This pruning also helps balance the above-ground portion of the tree with the root system, which will be reduced during the transplanting process. Semi-Dwarf Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles (from 4 to 12 feet tall) Cheyenne – 8-10 feet tall rounded head shrub. insect pest of Crape-Myrtle but ‘Muskogee’ is resistant to powdery mildew. Other Names: Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle. See morePlant database entry for Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Christiana') with 41 data details. 5 m) broad. Crepe Myrtle Care. Deciduous. Morning sun is preferred because it will dry off the foliage from any overnight dew quickly. indica x L. If the soil is too alkaline, the foliage may turn yellow. Description. Plant database entry for Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Christiana') with 41 data details. We are frequently asked to recommend the best-performing varieties according to size and color. (4. View all varieties of Crepe Myrtles. Severe pruning at this time of the year could result in diseased branches and slow the development of these tough trees. Look for resistant varieties, especially if you live in a wet, humid location. Crepe myrtle, though often listed as a shrub, is not really a shrub or low-growing tree. Crapemyrtle. Sometimes owners of crepe myrtles who want them to stay shrub-sized. One of several planted along a fence line in a rural landscape on Hotz Road near Thomaston, this black diamond Crimson Red crape myrtle is a shrub size that can get as large as 8-12 feet tall and. There are. S. The History of Crape Myrtles. Semi-Dwarf Red-Flowered Crape Myrtles (from 4 to 12 feet tall) Cheyenne – 8-10 feet tall rounded head shrub. 241-243, 247. The deep red and black colors are perfect for. Like all of our Crapes, this one is highly resistant to disease, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. The USDA zone for this plant is 7-9. A common problem is the careless use of mowers and string trimmers around the base of thin-barked crape myrtle trees. The quentisential tree for the Southern garden. 7°C) and up to 115°F (-46°C). Water periodically during dry spells. Skip Richter, Travis County Extension Horticulturist Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension Fanick's Garden Center, San Antonio, TX 78220. Height: to 6–8m, width variable. It’s so lovely to have these gorgeous blooms mid summer when everything else is about to wilt in this heat. 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. The detailed selective pruning of number two limits excessive wild growth while number 3 is quick and easy but could cause some wild growth. Like all trees, crape myrtles require periodic. Melissa. Excellent resistance to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Purple blooms and black foliage. ) with true red flowers are now widely available, thanks to new and dramatic improvements in crape myrtle flower color. $42. They feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the sap, leading to curled or yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and a sticky substance on the leaves or ground beneath the tree, known as honeydew. A more permanent solution to disease and pest problems (including the dreaded white scale) results. Crape myrtles are available in a range of sizes – from 10 to 12 feet to 25 to 30 feet tall. Height: 11/2 ft. $312. A healthy, well-structured crape myrtle will have only a few main trunks. Natural Look. And. Name: crepe (or crape) myrtle (various Lagerstroemia species, crosses and hybrids). Christiana. Sometimes owners of crepe myrtles who want them to stay shrub-sized will cut the main central branch (i. 54 /gallon (39) Model# 14845. If you want to transplant your crepe myrtle yourself, this shouldn't be too difficult. Within a week, the eggs hatch, and the first instars (earliest nymphal stage), typically referred to as crawlers, emerge from the eggsacs. The trees are resilient to pests and diseases with minimal pruning required to maintain their shape. It is perfect as a specimen tree on a lawn, at the back of shrub beds, in the corners of your. Horticultural interest in this genus has resulted in a vast range of cultivars; it is best to check with local. General Information. In 1790, shortly after the American Revolution, the French botanist André Michaux brought plants of Crape Myrtles to Charleston, South Carolina, then an important city of the historic South. Note: In our “Availability”, multi-stem crapemyrtles and other trees are listed by height, single-stem trees are listed by caliper. By Roslyn Anderson. There are Crape Myrtle hybrids with moderate aphid resistance, like Muskogee, Natchez, Tuskegee, Hopi, and many others. Crape myrtle trees produce flowers in pink, white, lavender, magenta and rose. The crape myrtle is deciduous. The second school of thought - and at least for now, this is where I am - is that the crape myrtles are going to have been relatively unaffected by the cold, but will get a little later-than-usual. Dynamite. What They Are: Crape myrtle aphids are a soft bodied insect that is pale yellowish-green in color with black spots on the abdomen. To measure the crapemyrtle, add up the circumference of all trunks at chest high (about 4. Information provided courtesy of Fanick's Garden Center Inc. How to Plant a Crape Myrtle. 5-5 ft. Crape myrtle will thrive in almost any type of soil – sandy, clay or loamy. Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is also a pest, feeding on leaves and flowers. Natural Look. The genus Myrica, which. 15 m) of space between the mulch layer and the trunk. Good spacing also allows for better airflow, preventing foliar diseases. 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. A light 1-2 inches mulch layer of pine fines or pine straw can help to hold moisture around the roots during drier winter months. Less is more when it comes to pruning Crape Myrtle. 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. But many times these plants are butchered for no good reason. 87-Quart Purple Magic Crape Myrtle Tree In Pot (With Soil) - Glossy Green Leaves, Dark Purple Flowers. Note: Scroll right to view continuation of table. 95 Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle Tree $59. e. In winter, we suggest using either container crapemyrtles or B & B trees that were dug in summer, hardened off, and stored in mulch. It is highly resistant to the mildew that damages older types of Crape Myrtles so it looks clean, healthy and spectacular all summer long. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil in diameter while the plant is young. It has attractive deep bright red flowers and is a fast grower. 7. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in. Phone: 210. Shop. Learn more. Loppers to cut branches a ½ inch to 1½ inches thick. The Miss Sandra Crape Myrtle is a small tree reaching 20 feet within 10 years, with a dense, leafy crown and upright spreading growth. If you want a white-flowering crape myrtle, for instance, you may plant an Acoma that grows to be 10 to 12 feet tall or a Natchez that grows to be 25 to 30 feet tall. 95 Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica), often referred to as the “lilacs of the South”, are among the favorites of the South. Some crape myrtle trees sprout from the base of the trunk and roots even without severe heading. 5 feet off the ground). Crape myrtle bushes are small plants, ideal for growing as foundation plantings or in containers. The genus Lagerstroemia, which is a member of the plant family Lythraceae, is where crepe myrtles are found. Our multi-stem crapemyrtles are pruned to have 3 to 5 equal trunks. Allow your crape myrtle to branch and spread naturally. 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. Utilize varieties with different bloom times to brighten the landscape all season long. 1303 E-mail: [email protected] of its large size and striking flowers, the Black Diamond® crape myrtle is a popular choice for landscaping. In fact, the crape myrtle may refuse to bloom if it doesn't get enough light. Crape myrtles are excellent for use in landscaping. L10725 - Dynamite™ Crape Myrtle. Like most trees, crape myrtles should be pruned in the winter. Some Crape Myrtles will tower between 30 and 40 feet, while. Powdery mildew is a powdery white to light gray-colored fungus that will grow on succulent stems, leaves, buds, and flowers. twigs of crape myrtle. VICTOR (6'-10' Dark Bright Red) $39. fauriei) that was begun in 1967 and completed in 1989 by the U. I used 2 teaspoon of dish soap and about 1/4 cup or less of bleach in a gallon of water. Carefully dig around your crepe myrtle's roots and remove them from the ground. One of the most beautiful of summer-blooming shrubs and trees in southern landscapes is the Crape Myrtle. ) in Georgia. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. The Mystic Magenta Myrtle is an impressive specimen. The bumps eventually rupture, and the spots turn tan. As they feed, scale excrete large amounts of honeydew (a sugary liquid) which coats the leaves and limbs of the crape myrtle. Dwarf (3-5 ft. As mentioned earlier, crepe myrtles are an entire genus of plants called Lagerstroemia. Form may range from upright and vase-shaped to low, horizontal, and shrub-like. 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. Crape Myrtles have deep roots and are heavy feeders. Powdery mildew is the main disease problem of the crape myrtle. 3). Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim back about one-third of the tree’s overall size. 189 reviews. Foliage may yellow (chlorosis) in alkaline soils. Crown density and growth rate is moderate. 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. Overwintering. Leave about half a foot (0. Crape Myrtles should only be pruned rarely, like any other tree. S. The Ruffled Red Magic Crape Myrtle is a medium-sized upright shrub which will reach 12 feet tall within a few years, with a width of about 8 feet. To correctly prune a mature crepe myrtle, you need three tools: A hand pruner to clip twigs and branches less than ½-inch thick. The past couple of summers have been banner years for crape myrtles, especially in our own World Collection Park of the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney. crape myrtle meaning: 1. They grow best.