Organic Fertilizer The Save the Crape Myrtles organization recommends applying fish emulsion or a blend of kelp and molasses two to three times each growing season instead of a chemical fertilizer Apply these as drenches or sprays according to the manufacturer’s directions
What kind of fertilizer is best for crape myrtles?
Then, to maximize spring growth and summer bloom, fertilize crape myrtles in early spring just prior to new growth Fertilizers including 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 will work fine and are ideal for crape myrtles, but don’t go overboard
What do you treat crepe myrtles with?
Spray your crepe myrtle according to label directions with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil, or Natria Multi-Insect Control All of these are safe, natural products available at home and garden centers Without the insects and their honeydew, sooty mold will gradually wash away
How do I bring my crepe myrtle back to life?
Cut off the dead top and let the shoots grow They’ll grow faster than a congressman’s nose Select 4-5 well-spaced ones to become the new main trunks and cut off the rest Your crepe myrtle will grow back free-of-charge and may even bloom this summer
When should I fertilize crape myrtle?
Begin fertilizing in Spring with the fertilizer of your choice (liquid, slow release or granules), when the first leaves start to appear Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months This will promote optimal new growth
What causes a crepe myrtle not to bloom?
If no flowers appear, it can be because the tree was pruned late in the season, mistakenly removing the new wood which causes the buds for the flowers to never really develop Never prune a crape myrtle BEFORE it blooms
What can I spray on my crepe myrtle for bugs?
If it is determined to be absolutely necessary, various insecticides are labeled for use by homeowners against aphids on crape myrtles These include insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, pyrethrins, neem oil, permethrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, acephate, or malathion
What are the tiny white bugs on my crepe myrtle?
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (let’s call it CMBS) is a small insect that appears as a white or gray felt-like encrustation CMBS might be found anywhere on crapemyrtles, and often appears near pruning sites and branch crotches of more mature wood
What causes black bark on crepe myrtles?
Crapemyrtle bark scale often starts up higher on limbs, and sooty mold grows on the honeydew The black is caused by a saprophytic fungus called black sooty mold that grows on the sugary exudate that is excreted from the scale insects While the black mold is not harmful to the tree, it sure makes it look unsightly
What causes fungus on crepe myrtles?
Powdery mildew spores can germinate and infect crape myrtle in the absence of free water on the plant tissue, as long as there is adequate humidity in the air Warm days and cool nights (60° to 80°F) favor development and spread of powdery mildew Disease development slows when leaf temperatures exceed 90°F
Why are my crepe myrtle leaves turning yellow?
Assuming good drainage, watering it well will often help move the toxins out of the area Other cultural problems that cause yellow leaves on a crepe myrtle include inadequate sunshine and too little water If the soil doesn’t drain well, it can also result in crepe myrtle with yellow leaves
How do you get rid of scales on crepe myrtles?
Using a hose, spray your crape myrtle plant down with water really heavily and let it dry to try to clean off the sooty mold created by the bark scale
Can you overwater a crape myrtle?
Watering Issues Crape myrtle trees need the most moisture in the soil profile when they are actively growing — when the plant displays leaves Overwatering crape myrtles in spring and summer can diminish flowering, since overly moist soil promotes leafy growth, not flower production
What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?
Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended Once it’s done, it ruins the tree’s graceful natural shape for the rest of its life
How often should I water my crepe myrtle?
Water newly planted crape myrtles at least once a week if dormant and in cool weather, and up to five times a week if planted during hot weather or in very sandy soil Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtles?
Are Coffee Grounds Good for Crepe Myrtles Coffee grounds are good for Crepe Myrtles if you need to acidify your soil They also will break down and release key nutrients like nitrogen, which is essential for a plant’s growth and development
How do you mulch crepe myrtles?
Spread mulch out under the branches and use pine straw, pine bark or wood chips to a depth of 2-3 inches and refresh the layer as needed Keep mulch off the trunk One problem that is frequent on crape myrtles is insect damage
What grows well with crepe myrtle?
The 6 Best Plants to Plant under Crepe Myrtle Trees Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) The Rose of Sharon bush perfectly compliments a crepe myrtle tree Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) The roots of your crepe myrtle tree are very shallow Lantana Hibiscus Rain Lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora) Coreopsis
Do crepe myrtles need fertilizer?
Crape myrtles require large amounts of nitrogen to foster growth and produce the greatest number of flowers The University of Georgia Extension suggests choosing an all-purpose garden fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formulation A 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 formulation is also acceptable if applied at a lesser rate
What month do crepe myrtles bloom?
Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well