Crepe-myrtle, planting guide and care work

crepe-myrtle-information-advice-care

Crepe-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a tree or shrub which is ornamental thanks to its flowers, leaves and overall appearance, originating in Asia. It can reach a height of 6 meters and is often used in landscaping, gardens, parks, being resistant to pollution.

The leaves are caducous, oppositely-arranged, elliptical, with an entire edge, of a dark green color that turns to red-orange with the arrival of autumn. The underside is smooth, gray in color, which exfoliates in time. The flowers are clustered in terminal panicles, creped, pink, red, purple, white or bicoloured. The tree blooms between July and September.

Crepe-myrtle – varieties and cultivars
  • L. indica ‘ Enduring Summer White’: it is a small tree, which can reach a height of 1.5 meters. The flowers are white;
  • L. indica ”Tuskarora’: with intense pink flowers. The leaves are dark green in summer, and in autumn they turn yellow-orange;
  • L. indica ‘Catawba’: with purple flowers, which appear at the end of summer. In autumn, the leaves become bronze-coloured;
  • L. indica Muskogee’: it can reach a height of about 7 meters. The flowers are lavender in color and the bark is light gray.

Environmental conditions

Light. This factor directly influences the flowering capacity. The Crepe-myrtle prefers bright places, where it can benefit from sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Temperature. It prefers temperatures between 5 and 28 ℃. During the cold season, it does not tolerate temperatures lower than -10 ℃. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in areas with milder winters. To protect the tree from low temperatures, the ground can be covered with mulch, and the aerial part can be protected with special materials.

Soil. It grows and develops optimally on soils with a neutral pH, slightly acidic, which can ensure a good water drainage. It also prefers soils rich in organic matter.

Crepe-myrtle – care

Watering. It needs regular watering, especially in dry periods. However, it is not recommended to maintain a high, persistent humidity at the soil level, as it is prone to root rot. It is recommended that the watering be carried out at the base of the trunk, so that the leaves remain dry. Wetting the leaves during watering can lead to leaf diseases.

Fertilizing. It reacts favorably to the application of fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers, specially formulated for ornamental trees and shrubs, can be used.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Pruning. It is optional, but it can be carried out to correct the shape and to stimulate an abundant blooming. Pruning can be carried out at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring. 

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Planting. It can be planted from autumn to early spring, if the temperatures are positive during the day and the soil is not frozen.

After planting, in order to help the plant to adapt to the new environmental conditions and to support the development of the root, it is recommended to administer a fertilizer specially formulated for this purpose.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Diseases and pests

The Crepe-myrtle is rarely attacked by pests. Among the diseases, it can be affected by powdery mildew, sooty mold and various foliar diseases.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Additionally:
  • The Crepe-myrtle can also be cultivated as a hedge, but regular pruning is necessary;
  • It has a relatively slow growth;
  • It can also be grown in flowerpots or containers, especially in areas with harsh winters. The pots can be brought inside for winter protection.
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