This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

How fast do crepe myrtles grow in a year?

The common crape myrtle can reach a height of 15–25' and a spread of 6–15' at maturity. With ideal planting conditions this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

What is so bad about crepe myrtles?

Crepe myrtle has proved especially susceptible to a disease called powdery mildew. This fungus often attacks crepe myrtle in dry, hot summers. High humidity, low rainfall and poor air circulation increase a tree's vulnerability to this disease, according to the U.S. National Arboretum.

How can I make my crepe myrtle grow faster?

Fast-Growing Crape Myrtles

Crape myrtles like hot, sunny climates, have vaselike shapes and dark green foliage that changes color in the fall. You do not need a lot of space to grow them, but if you are choosing a fast-growing or tall variety, make sure you have an appropriate amount of room.

Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?

Crape Myrtle Trees need plenty of sun, so choose a bright sunny spot for your planting. They are idea for those hot, dry places where other plants do not thrive, so take advantage of that and use them in places that can be hard to fill.

All About Crape Myrtles (Growing and Maintaining Crape Myrtles)

35 related questions found

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.

Are crepe myrtles messy?

Crape myrtles also require pruning to promote the new growth needed for blooming, to reveal the bark, and to keep the shrub or tree tidy. Moreover, with its flowers, leaves and peeling bark, crape myrtles can be messy to care for. Be prepared for plenty of raking and clean-up.

Do deer eat crepe myrtles?

From the article at the link - Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) come in a variety of different hybrids with bright, lacy flower clusters in the summer. ... Though the hungriest deer will eat plants not characteristic of its regular diet, deer will seldom eat any variety of crape myrtle.

Do crepe myrtles bloom first year?

Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June. ... Crape myrtles need to have new growth each spring in order to produce summer flowers. These flowers come on current-season growth, so late winter/early spring fertilization can aid crape myrtle flowering in the summer.

How many trunks should a crape myrtle have?

For most crape myrtles, choose three, five, or—at most—seven main trunks. An odd number of trunks is more pleasing to the eye than an even number, which often looks like soldiers in formation. Keep trunks that have ample space to grow and are growing straight and strong.

How long does it take a crape myrtle to establish?

This myrtle, like all myrtles, thrives in full sunlight and moist but well-draining soils. It has a maximum height of between 15 to 30 feet, which means it will take between about five to 10 years to reach maturity.

What is the best time to plant crepe myrtles?

Crape myrtles will survive in almost any soil and sunny location. However, because they flower on new growth, the better the soil, the more they grow and flower. The best time to plant crape myrtle is June to late September while soils are warm.

Which crape myrtle is the best?

Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.

How close can I plant a crape myrtle to my house?

As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall, and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size. It will naturally tend to grow away from the wall and toward the light.

Do rabbits eat crepe myrtles?

The good news is that both the azaleas and crape myrtles should do well. Rabbits are cute, but they are a challenge for some gardeners, especially when food is scarce. ...

What animal eats crepe myrtles?

Goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches, cardinals, and house and white-throated sparrows visit the trees continually from early December through late February to devour the abundant seed crop that crape myrtles provide.

Do crape myrtle trees have invasive roots?

Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. ... You don't have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.

Do hummingbirds like crepe myrtles?

Hummingbirds like to feed from flowering shrubs that include azaleas, rhododendron, crape myrtle, weigela, rose of Sharon and butterfly bush. Coral bells, garden phlox, delphinium, hollyhocks, columbine, dianthus, hostas, perennial hibiscus and day lilies are also tasty treats.

What plants go well with crepe myrtles?

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) What is this? ...
• Lantana. ...
• Hibiscus. ...
• Rain Lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora) ...
• Coreopsis.

Are crape myrtles good trees?

The taller varieties of Crape Myrtle make excellent deciduous screening plants. Not only are they rapid-growing, deer-resistant, drought-resistant and adaptable to most soils, they will be covered all summer long in glorious blooms. Instead of an ugly view you will have beautiful flowers.

Are coffee grounds good for crape myrtle?

Nitrogen Content of Coffee Grounds

Because nitrogen supports green growth, using coffee grounds as compost around trees and shrubs encourages them to grow lush and leggy.

Do you prune crape myrtle trees?

Once established, crepe myrtles are remarkably drought-tolerant. And pruning a crepe myrtle is really simple. Wait until the flowers have finished and then cut it back at least 30 centimetres. ... But if you don't want to prune, then just let the plant grow to its natural shape.

How often should you water a newly planted crape myrtle?

Watering: Water your newly planted crape myrtle thoroughly after planting. 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.