Everything You Need to Know About Growing Crepe Myrtle Trees
The crepe myrtle tree (or crape myrtle) is one of the most popular decorative trees found in gardens in the southern United States, and for good reason. Its ornamental, vibrant, and showy flowers in shades from white to pink to deep red make this tree a spectacular showpiece in any garden.
Crepe myrtle trees are also quite hardy, simple to grow, and affected by only a few insect pests. Overall, they are a great choice for an easy but showstopping piece in your garden. If you are thinking of adding a crepe myrtle tree to your landscape, here are some things you should know about growing this ornamental tree.
What Does Your Crepe Myrtle Tree Need?
Crepe myrtle trees are a staple in southern gardens, due to their beautiful, showy blossoms and relatively easy care. They thrive in zones six through 10, though some varieties may only be root hardy in the cooler zone six.
This means that while the roots may survive a cold winter, the above ground branches could potentially die back all the way to the ground. If that’s the case, then new spring growth should emerge from the ground once it begins to grow warmer.
There are several different sizes of crepe myrtle trees available, from much larger varieties that can grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet at maturity with a 10 to 15 foot spread to smaller varieties, including shrub and miniature types. You will still be able to enjoy the signature blossoms at any size, so be sure to choose a variety that will suit your garden or landscaping when it reaches maturity.
In some areas, the crepe myrtle will seed quite aggressively, and it can be considered invasive. Be sure to check with local experts on whether planting one is appropriate for your area first.
They also have roots that can grow out quite far. Crepe myrtle roots can sometimes reach as much as three times wider than its canopy. That means you’ll need to be especially mindful of where you place your crepe myrtle tree, so its roots do not become an issue, such as interfering with sidewalks, septic systems, and foundations.
The good news is that though they are wide, the roots are also rather shallow and weak. They won’t be strong enough to strangle other plants or cause any significant damage to areas around the tree. However, you should be mindful to leave the area underneath your crepe myrtle free of other flower or grass, since the tree’s roots can struggle to compete for nutrients.
Sunlight and Water
Crepe myrtle trees are generally quite tolerant of heat and drought, which makes them an easy plant to grow. They love full sun, so be sure to plant your tree in a sunny spot that will receive a minimum of six hours of sun each day. Crepe myrtle trees like well-drained soil and won’t thrive in extremely soggy soil.
Once they are fully established, crepe myrtles can tolerate some drought. Be sure to water your tree deeply around once or twice per week during extremely hot weather during the first growing season. This will help keep the soil moist, allowing the roots a better environment for quick expansion after you initially plant your tree.
Winter Pruning
Crepe myrtle trees will bloom on new growth, which means they should only be pruned in the winter or the early spring. Do not prune too late or you will prune off the buds. Take the time to prune back crossing branches, thin and twiggy branches, or branches that are growing towards the center of your tree. Crowded branches in your crepe myrtle can keep light and air from reaching the center of your tree, which could also result in fewer flowers.
Though pruning will help you achieve the desired shape and keep new flowers blooming, there is no need to prune your crepe myrtle all the way to the ground. Doing so will cause your tree to put all its energy into growing new branches and leaves, and it can limit the production of the distinctive blossoms. Prune only where you need and don’t get too carried away.
Year-Round Beauty
Though known for their gorgeous blooms in various shades of pink, red, and purple, crepe myrtle trees also offer interest in the other seasons. Mature crepe myrtles will develop an interesting peeling bark that shows off the color, adding interest to your landscaping in the winter season. They are also often beautiful in the fall season, changing from green to various shades of vibrant yellow, orange, and red as the weather cools.
A crepe myrtle tree can be a lovely addition to your garden and landscaping in every season, not just the spring and summer. They are also ideal for the novice grower, since they require very little care and are fairly resistant to pests and other diseases. Consider adding a crepe myrtle to your landscape!
