Shopping Cart

0 items in cart

Crape Myrtles

Seen mostly in southern gardens, the fast-growing, sun-loving crape myrtle offers year-round interest in the landscape. When blooming, its large, colorful flowers put on quite a display. Many crape myrtle have colorful foliage; and the crape myrtle's textured bark provides winter interest.

How to Plant Crape Myrtle Trees?

Specific planting instructions tend to vary depending on which type of crape myrtle you choose, however, most varieties need well-drained soil and partial to full sun, between 4 to 8 hours of sun exposure per day.

Making sure you have the correct growing zone is crucial for successful crape myrtle tree planting. To plant your crape myrtle bushes, choose an area where there's plenty of sunshine during the day.

Once you have your planting site chosen, dig a hole that is large enough for the plant's root ball, while making sure you leave some room for growth. Carefully place the crape myrtle's roots in the hole and cover with soil. Water the soil to allow the newly planted roots to settle, focusing on the surrounding area, mulching would be helpful in this step to preserve the soil's moisture.

How to Care for Crape Myrtles?

Crape Myrtle trees thrive on a consistent watering schedule, it is generally recommended to water your crape myrtles once or twice per week. A good rule of thumb to follow when watering these trees is to check if the soil is dry about 2 inches down. Fertilizing crape myrtle plants is best when done in early spring, just before blooming, using a general-purpose fertilizer.

How to Prune a Crape Myrtle tree?

Pruning crape myrtle trees is a simple process. Any part of the plant that seems dead, damaged, or diseased should be removed. Pruning is also a good idea to give your crape myrtle plant a good shape. The best times to prune are late winter or right before spring.

Crape Myrtle: Frequently Asked Questions

Does crape myrtle grow fast?

Crape myrtles are generally considered fast-growing shrubs, their growth rate can average between 12 to 24 inches per year.

What is the best month to plant crape myrtles?

Crape myrtles thrive anywhere with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The best time to plant your myrtle crapes is between June to September, when the soil is warm.

Where is the best place to plant crape myrtles?

The optimal place to plant a crape myrtle is a place that is exposed daily to the sun, between 4 to 8 hours daily, bright, full sun is beneficial for this plant.

What is crape myrtle good for?

Crape myrtles are great trees to use for landscaping purposes. They can also be used as borders or screens in yards and gardens for privacy. Crape myrtles have beautiful summer flowers that produce pollen attractive to bees and other pollinators.