Wait a growing season or two before grooming and shaping tree forms to allow them to get established and build reserves.įor more information on the pruning of crape myrtle, refer to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning When possible, pull these sprouts out while still succulent. Basal sprouting may occur whether the tree has been pruned or not. Remove any future growth from the ground to retain the desired tree shape. As the tree grows taller, remove lower branches as needed. Make cuts to a side branch or close to the trunk. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other as well as shoots growing into the center of the canopy. As these trunks mature, remove lower, lateral branches (aka ‘limbing-up’) to one-third or halfway up the height of the plant.
To develop a tree shape, remove all but three to five of the strongest trunks at ground level.
Otherwise, prune while the plant is dormant (winter or early spring) to remove lateral branches, small twigs, or branches in the center of the plant to open more space for sun and air movement. The best way to maintain a crape myrtle is to plant an appropriate cultivar that will grow to the height and spread desired at maturity.Ĭorrective pruning should be done to remove damaged or dead branches when a problem is detected. Many dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars are now available, making it possible for the homeowner to have the desired plant size while maintaining the natural branching effect. Chopping off the tops of crape myrtles, known as “topping” or “Crape Murder” ruins the natural, graceful effect of the plant. Severe pruning of crape myrtles has become a common practice to maintain shrub size. On smaller plants, a second bloom can be encouraged by pruning flowers immediately after they fade. It is not necessary to remove mulch when fertilizing.įlowers are produced on new growth. Otherwise, water in the fertilizer after application. The best time to fertilize is just before a rain. Larger, established plants will benefit from one broadcast application of fertilizer in spring after the leaves have appeared. For newly –planted small plants (1-gallon size), apply 1 teaspoon of fertilizer along the perimeter of the planting hole monthlyfrom March to August. A complete general-purpose garden fertilizer - such as 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 - is ideal. Light applications of a complete fertilizer in spring after leaves have appeared and in summer are adequate. Light fertilization is best heavy fertilization can increase foliage production at the expense of flowering. Although drought-tolerant, it requires irrigation until it becomes well-established (approximately two years). The plant will tolerate slightly alkaline to acidic (5.0 to 6.5 pH) clay and other soil textures.
#PURPLE COW CRAPE MYRTLE FULL#
Crape myrtles planted in partial or full shade will have reduced flowering and increased disease susceptibility. The ideal planting site is in well-prepared, well-drained soil, with full sun exposure and good air circulation. Hybrids of the two species generally produce excellent selections. fauriei, native to Japan, is another species found in the United States. It was introduced into South Carolina in the late 1700s. When Europeans first encountered crape myrtle in India, they assumed it was native to that location. Although native to China and Korea, the species name ( indica) indicates that the plant originated on the Indian subcontinent. The most common species in the United States is Lagerstroemia indica. The genus name honors Magnus von Lagerstroem (1691-1759), Swedish botanist, Director of the Swedish East Indies Company, and friend of Linnaeus. Lagerstroemia is a genus of about 40 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees from warm-temperate to tropical areas of Asia to Australia. This bark is especially noticeable in the winter months when the tree is leafless, giving crape myrtle its prized four-season interest. The exfoliating bark peels away to expose a trunk which ranges in color from many handsome shades of brown to gray to pink. Cultivar heights range from dwarf to semi-dwarf, medium to tall. In fact, this multi-stemmed deciduous plant is considered either a tree or a shrub depending on size. But despite the difference in spelling, this selection consistently offers clouds of blooms, attractive exfoliating bark, colorful leaf color in fall, and a variety of sizes ranging from 20” shrubs to 30’ trees.
Crepe myrtle is the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling north of some unspecified crepe-myrtle line, it becomes crape myrtle. Commonly called the “lilac of the South,” the spelling of this tree is a litmus test of geographic origins. One of the most beloved, iconic trees of the south, crape myrtle is prized for its long, vibrant bloom period in the height of summer heat.
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