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When should crepe myrtles be planted?
Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. But a lot of folks buy and plant their crepe myrtle in summer because they select it while it is blooming. That works too, but watering well during the summer months is crucial to transitioning it into your garden.
How do you transplant a crepe myrtle sapling?
Dig and Move the Plant When you’re ready to transplant the crepe myrtle, tie up the branches with twine to protect them from damage, then water the plant well and dig just outside the root-pruning trench, cutting any roots you encounter with a sharp spade.
What kind of soil do crepe myrtles like?
Crape myrtle tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay. They prefer a well- drained but moist soil. Crape Myrtle grow best in an acid to slightly acid soil ranging from 5.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
How do you plant crepe myrtles?
Find a Sunny Location. Decide where in your garden the crape myrtle should go. Choose a Variety. Choose a variety that won’t outgrow its space or need to be constantly pruned. Dig a Hole. Dig a hole three to four times as wide as the container. Plant the Tree. Water Gently. Mulch with Pine Straw.
Does crepe myrtle grow fast?
This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24″ per year.
Can you grow crepe myrtle from a cutting?
Crape myrtle is easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season. June, July and August are excellent times to root cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth of the season, leaving three to four nodes per cutting and several leaves.
How do you care for newly planted crepe myrtles?
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.
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.
What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won’t grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you’ll encourage way more blooms to appear.
When should a crepe myrtle be repotted?
Repotting: Crepe myrtles should be repotted every 1-3 years in the early spring before blooming in a light, well drained soil with minimal root cutting.
Can you root crepe myrtles in water?
Crape myrtle shoots root well under a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions, although it’s not possible to root crape myrtle cuttings in water. Insert the cutting into the planting hole until the entire bottom half is below the surface. Press the soil firmly against the stem, and water well to settle the soil.
How often should you water a newly planted crepe myrtle?
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. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants.
Are coffee grounds good for crepe myrtle?
The answer is yes! Coffee grounds make an excellent ground mulch, especially for acid-loving plants.
Do crepe myrtles need a lot 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 much space do you need between crepe myrtles?
Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6′-10′ apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8′-12′ apart.
Can crepe myrtle be planted near house?
You can plant crape myrtle near the foundation as they have non-invasive roots, according to Dayton Nursery. However, be sure to plant them far enough away from the foundation and the building so the shrub can grow to its full size without being blocked by the building.
How much room do crape myrtles need?
General Recommendations. Crape myrtles are fast-growing trees — often growing 24 inches or more in one season. Most varieties grow between 10 and 30 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide. They should be planted to accommodate their mature width with at least 15 feet between each shrub.
