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Some crape myrtles come into bloom with large clusters of flowers appearing on the tips of new branches in May, while other varieties wait until July or later. Blooms continue into fall. After flowers fade and fall from the tree, the fruit can be cut from the plant to stimulate more blooms in 30 to 45 days.
What time of year 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.
Why is my crape myrtle not flowering?
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.
Do crepe myrtles bloom twice a year?
Many varieties of crape myrtles can be encouraged to bloom a second time, but timing is important. Deadheading crape myrtles (removing dead or dying flowers) encourages new sprouts and blooms, but if you deadhead too late in the season, the tender new growth that is produced can be damaged by cold weather.
How many times do crepe myrtles bloom?
You Really Can Have Two Bloom Cycles on Crepe Myrtles. Some years, the first bloom cycle of crepe myrtles lasts a month or more. Other years, it seems to go away far too soon.
Do crepe myrtles bloom all summer?
Crape myrtle is usually a tree, though it can also be grown as a smaller shrub. Crape myrtle buds form in spring along with the current year’s growth, as opposed to forming during the previous growing season. These plants bloom in summer, and blooms usually last for a while.
Will crepe myrtle bloom if not pruned?
It is important not to prune the tops of crepe myrtle trees to make them bloom. Topping may yield larger flowers but does not increase the overall volume of blooms. Extreme topping often results in weak growth that tends to bend of break in summer rains.
What is wrong with my crepe myrtle tree?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially trouble-free small trees. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold.
Why is my dogwood tree not blooming?
A dogwood tree not blooming can be caused by improper pruning. Dogwood trees do not need to be pruned to keep them healthy, but if you are pruning them for shape, be sure that you only prune them after they have finished blooming.
How do you care for a crape myrtle?
How to Care for Crape Myrtle Find Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. Use Suitable Soil. Fertilize Lightly. Treat Fungus Before It Starts. Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring. Expose the Trunk for More Beauty. Deadhead for Even More Flowers.
How do I make my crepe myrtle bloom?
If you have an older crepe myrtle that doesn’t bloom the way you think it should, wait until after crepe myrtle bloom time and encourage the crepe myrtle bloom by pruning it carefully. If you trim away any of the dead branches that are inside the tree, this allows more sunshine and air to reach the tree.
Do you deadhead crape myrtle?
Q: Do you have to deadhead crape myrtle trees to get more flowers? A: No, you do not have to deadhead the Southern lilac (crepe or crape myrtle, depending on what source you consult), but it does help to stimulate more flowers when you do — if you can reach them.
Do crepe myrtles need lots of water?
Crepe myrtle likes a medium amount of water and prefers consistently moist soils where it can get it. However, once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and will subsist on a deep watering – to a depth of 6 inches or so – once or twice per month, reports Wilson Brothers Gardens.
How long do crape myrtles live?
Crepe myrtles live quite a few years if you take care of them. A crepe myrtle lifespan can exceed 50 years. So that’s the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.
Why does my crepe myrtle bloom late?
Here are some of the most common reasons why crape myrtles don’t bloom: Late Pruning: This is by far the most common reason for crape myrtle blooming problems. Crape myrtles should be pruned either after they finish blooming, or in very early spring before they sprout. Too Cool: Crape myrtles are heat loving plants.
Can I prune my crepe myrtle in July?
Summer Pruning Crepe Myrtle Trees The only pruning you should do at this time is to remove branches for the health of the shrub. If you are pruning your crape myrtle to a tree shape, remove any suckers or lateral branches, as well. As the summer passes through July and August, you may want to trim off dead flowers.
What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes.
What do you feed crepe myrtle?
How to Fertilize Crape Myrtle. You’ll want to start feeding with a general-purpose, well-balanced garden fertilizer. Use 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8, or 16-4-8 fertilizer. A granular product works well for crape myrtle.
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.
How far do you cut back crepe myrtles?
As your Crape myrtle grows, it will be necessary to remove low branches to raise the canopy. Do this by pruning out the side branches on the main trunks – do this up to a height of about four to six feet, but not up to a height of more than half of the total tree height.
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtle?
The answer is yes! Coffee grounds make an excellent ground mulch, especially for acid-loving plants.
