Crape Myrtle. The attractive colorful blooming Tree

November 3, 2020
| 12 Comments
  Crape Myrtle, Trees
 
GTF Nursery Pensacola, Florida

Now that we have our February Crape Myrtle offer rolling out nicely with a few sales in tow during the weekend, we thought we would put together a quick knowledge guide.

15g WAS $89 NOW $59

The Crape Myrtle has to be one of the most attractive blooming trees you could purchase for your property. With summer blooms, an attractive bark and fall foliage this tree provides all year round interest.

TYPES OF CRAPE MYRTLE – Grown as multi or single trunk. Shrubs miniatures and bonsais.

COLOUR – Purple, Pink, Multiple shades of Red and White

BLOSSOM TIME – July to September – some until first frost

EXPOSURE – 6 hrs per day full sun

HEIGHT & SPREAD – Standard 20-30ft / 10-15ft wide – 3 feet per year

WHEN TO PLANT – Fall & early spring. Allow them time to establish root system before dormant in winter or before main heat of summer hits.

HOW TO PLANT – Dig a whole twice as wide and same deep as the container. Centre the tree and fill in stages watering as you go. Root ball should be slightly above ground

WHERE TO PLANT – Crapes are heat tolerant and love the sun. Plant preferably in an area with at least 6hrs of sun per day. Partial shade is ok but could result in fewer blooms. Remember more sun, more bloom!.

SOIL – Make sure you have good drainage. Crape Myrtle can grow in any soil, however foliage may turn yellow if soil has too much alkaline.

WATERING – First few growing seasons they should be watered regularly and deep once a week. If extremely hot water twice a week. Following season, Crape Myrtles are drought tolerant.

PRUNING – BEWARE over pruning is known as crape murder. If you over prune the tree will put all it’s energy into trying to produce new branches and leaves which leaves little energy for the left blooms. Some believe this pruning can create larger blooms the following season, however this can also cause droop and breakage. If done year after year this can cause a knobble growth at the cut point creating a risk for disease which in turn takes away the beauty of the tree.

FERTILIZING – Fertilize one a month during the first season. Established use a slow releasing fertilizer and at the first signs of new growth. After this, twice a month spring and summer apply a light feeding. Water well after every application of fertilizer. Add a layer of mulch to protect roots in winter time and colder climates.

PESTS AND DISEASE – Fungal, leaf spot and powdery mildew are the main issues with Crape Myrtles.

As of 02/01/2021 GTF are selling 15g Crape Myrtles at $59 – was $89