There is a plant in the edge of my woods that I'm sure no one planted there. It must be some wild shrub but I'm not sure what it is. I live in the NE corner of Mississippi. The size and leaves look very similar to a crape myrtle but today I noticed it has several clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from it. Anybody have an idea of what this might be? Thanks!
What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
The plant is "lilly of the valley" and its smell so nice.
Amelia Petre/nannapetre
Reply:Lily of the Valley, my grandmother had a huge bed of them.
Reply:Could it be American snowbell (Styrax americanus)?
http://www.virtualplanttags.com/img/.jpg...
It is native to Mississippi, and looks like little bells.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symb...
Monday, November 16, 2009
I need help w/ a tree that was proclaimed dead, but now has life?
I have a crape myrtle in my front yard that was proclaimed dead by our urban forestry departement. I was told it would never grow green. Well, I took it upon myself to drench it with miracle grow and plenty of water, it now has leaves and stems, but they are all around the bottom of the trunk. What should I do? Should I cut off the top of the tree to promote it to grow up, should I just leave it alone and let it do its thing...I am stuck. My hubby and I joke that it is now a bush and not a tree.
I need help w/ a tree that was proclaimed dead, but now has life?
That's weird that they proclaimed it dead because, in my experience, crepe myrtles are as bad as a weed when it comes to getting rid of it. I have 5 crepe myrtles and there is one that I have tried to get rid of for the past 3 years. I can't kill it. I've tried everything. I've dug so deep, taken a chainsaw to it, and even used stump killer, and it won't go away. It's in a really bad place. Anyhow I've decided to just live with it and keep it trimmed to a manageable size. Your crepe myrtle is making a come back and will in no time at all become a beautiful plant so just let it go. The new stems are coming from the roots and are probably entirely new plant. The tree will look strange for a while, but in time you will have an ordinary crepe myrtle. Don't forget to remove all the dead parts because they tend to suck energy from the living parts.
Reply:Yes, cut the top of it off, because the "growth" is at the bottom and "there" is where your growth is happening. The top is dead!
Cut the tree within a foot of the bottom, and let the "green" start up and take over.
I wish you well...
Jesse
Reply:Cut the dead wood from it and continue to water and feed. It has died back to the roots but you have regenerated it with food and water. It may grow at an extremely fast rate because the roots are used to supplying a much larger plant.
Reply:This is how with the plants. As long as the roots are intack underground, even though the leaves and branches are brown and dried dead, they get water all the time, one of the roots will seek sunlight and of course water, it will start to become another plant because every seconds, they grow like human being. And if you will give it a plant food, growing will be much quicker and the plant will be healthier. Don't forget to remove weeds around it but very carefully pulling the weeds because you don't want to disturb the baby plant.
If the city or who ever cover the jurisdiction where you live and said you cannot have a tree at that certain spot,, then you have to remove the tree - for the purpose of safety among the people who live in the neighborhood including you of course.
I need help w/ a tree that was proclaimed dead, but now has life?
That's weird that they proclaimed it dead because, in my experience, crepe myrtles are as bad as a weed when it comes to getting rid of it. I have 5 crepe myrtles and there is one that I have tried to get rid of for the past 3 years. I can't kill it. I've tried everything. I've dug so deep, taken a chainsaw to it, and even used stump killer, and it won't go away. It's in a really bad place. Anyhow I've decided to just live with it and keep it trimmed to a manageable size. Your crepe myrtle is making a come back and will in no time at all become a beautiful plant so just let it go. The new stems are coming from the roots and are probably entirely new plant. The tree will look strange for a while, but in time you will have an ordinary crepe myrtle. Don't forget to remove all the dead parts because they tend to suck energy from the living parts.
Reply:Yes, cut the top of it off, because the "growth" is at the bottom and "there" is where your growth is happening. The top is dead!
Cut the tree within a foot of the bottom, and let the "green" start up and take over.
I wish you well...
Jesse
Reply:Cut the dead wood from it and continue to water and feed. It has died back to the roots but you have regenerated it with food and water. It may grow at an extremely fast rate because the roots are used to supplying a much larger plant.
Reply:This is how with the plants. As long as the roots are intack underground, even though the leaves and branches are brown and dried dead, they get water all the time, one of the roots will seek sunlight and of course water, it will start to become another plant because every seconds, they grow like human being. And if you will give it a plant food, growing will be much quicker and the plant will be healthier. Don't forget to remove weeds around it but very carefully pulling the weeds because you don't want to disturb the baby plant.
If the city or who ever cover the jurisdiction where you live and said you cannot have a tree at that certain spot,, then you have to remove the tree - for the purpose of safety among the people who live in the neighborhood including you of course.
Which trees are easiest to grow in Illinois?
Weeping Cherry
Siren Red crepe
Pink Flowering Dogwood
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Yoshino Cherry
I would love to grow from seed but never grew anything in my life! I would like to start a new hobby with my kids and we are looking to grow a tree. Any advice?
Which trees are easiest to grow in Illinois?
The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree is easily the most showy of all Cherry Trees. Its flowers aren’t just pink… but “Double Pink,” meaning you get twice as many blooms as you would on other trees.
Your new Kwanzan Cherry Tree blooms in clusters of 3-5 flowers! These clusters are the thickest of all pink flowering trees and look similar to carnations.
These double pink blossoms last longer than other cherry flowers.
Your Kwanzans will begin to bloom in April. Also a great tree in fall, where it will give you golden autumn leaves that will grab everyone's attention.
The hardiest of all Cherry Trees… rapidly grows to a mature height of 20-30 ft. spreading into a unique vase shape.
One of the easiest flowering trees to grow! Thrives in almost any soil and climate.
A tree for many seasons!!
Reply:You should determine which zone you are in before you purchase anything. I don't think the Crepes do well in the cold in IL. It also depends on how large you want it to get. I would not tell you to start a tree from a seed. It will take FOREVER to grow.
If you want to start something with the kids do tomato or other vegetable seeds. When they are large enough they can plant them outside and then eat them. That would be more fun for kids than a tree.
If you want to do a tree get one in a 5 gallon container and plant that.
Reply:You can't grow wrong with a Red Oak. Find some acorns.
Reply:sometimes the department of natural resources will give out seedlings of native trees. check them out. arbor day earth day etc
Reply:Money Trees
get well flowers
Siren Red crepe
Pink Flowering Dogwood
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Yoshino Cherry
I would love to grow from seed but never grew anything in my life! I would like to start a new hobby with my kids and we are looking to grow a tree. Any advice?
Which trees are easiest to grow in Illinois?
The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree is easily the most showy of all Cherry Trees. Its flowers aren’t just pink… but “Double Pink,” meaning you get twice as many blooms as you would on other trees.
Your new Kwanzan Cherry Tree blooms in clusters of 3-5 flowers! These clusters are the thickest of all pink flowering trees and look similar to carnations.
These double pink blossoms last longer than other cherry flowers.
Your Kwanzans will begin to bloom in April. Also a great tree in fall, where it will give you golden autumn leaves that will grab everyone's attention.
The hardiest of all Cherry Trees… rapidly grows to a mature height of 20-30 ft. spreading into a unique vase shape.
One of the easiest flowering trees to grow! Thrives in almost any soil and climate.
A tree for many seasons!!
Reply:You should determine which zone you are in before you purchase anything. I don't think the Crepes do well in the cold in IL. It also depends on how large you want it to get. I would not tell you to start a tree from a seed. It will take FOREVER to grow.
If you want to start something with the kids do tomato or other vegetable seeds. When they are large enough they can plant them outside and then eat them. That would be more fun for kids than a tree.
If you want to do a tree get one in a 5 gallon container and plant that.
Reply:You can't grow wrong with a Red Oak. Find some acorns.
Reply:sometimes the department of natural resources will give out seedlings of native trees. check them out. arbor day earth day etc
Reply:Money Trees
get well flowers
What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
There is a plant in the edge of my woods that I'm sure no one planted there. It must be some wild shrub but I'm not sure what it is. I live in the NE corner of Mississippi. The size and leaves look very similar to a crape myrtle but today I noticed it has several clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging from it. Anybody have an idea of what this might be? Thanks!
What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
Did a little searching. I think it might be a maleberry, Lyonia ligustrina.
http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/lyli.h...
What is this plant with bells hanging from it?
Did a little searching. I think it might be a maleberry, Lyonia ligustrina.
http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/lyli.h...
What is the name of the small green leafed plant at the **bottom** of this photo?
It's not the pink tinted cladiums at the top... I'm looking for the name of the small leafed bushy plant at the bottom of the photo.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
They are often planted around crape myrtles in the South as a low lying bush. Here's another photo from further away (again, I'm talking about the green bush in the lower right corner, not the pink-colored cladiums):
http://www.clemson.edu/scbg/images/plant...
What is the name of the small green leafed plant at the **bottom** of this photo?
Looks like Vinca
http://images.google.com/images?q=vinca+...
Reply:First is definitely vinca vine....great and hardy groundcover....but in the second photo it looks like vinca vine planted on small hills to give it the illusion of heighth...
Reply:It looks to be variegated Hosta
Reply:Undoubtedly, in the first photo that is a Periwinkle vine.
The second photo appears to have a low growing shrub. Periwinkle grows as a groundcover. Of course, it might have grown up and covered a shrub in the second photo. I've not seen Periwinkle do this, but I suppose it's possible.
Periwinkle has a root sysrem like cast iron so wherever you plant it, expect to pretty much leave it there. If the vine starts expanding beyond where you want it, simply pull those wandering bits of vine and set them in the ground elsewhere. It roots easily and grows readily. I love it, can ya' tell?? :)
Reply:Carolina jasmine.
Reply:Go with the vinca minor answer. That one is correct. Other nicknames are periwinkle vine and jasmine, but not Carolina Jessamine (not Jasmine).
Reply:Number 1 and number 5 are both right. It's Vinca Minor in the periwinkle family!!
Reply:It looks like the ground cover Wintercreeper. I live in the south and have used it for erosion control. The second image looks more like a bush. Wintercreeper is more of a vine and is green all year.
Reply:Sure looks like the periwinkle I have in my garden. Gets litlle purple 5 petal flowers and loves shade and good soil. Won't grow and flower unless I fertilize early in spring-then the shoots start going crazy! (We are in zone 7 with poor soil)
Hope it helps-check the garden seller papers like Direct Gardening-they have a web site too and more pictures.
Reply:Coleus
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
They are often planted around crape myrtles in the South as a low lying bush. Here's another photo from further away (again, I'm talking about the green bush in the lower right corner, not the pink-colored cladiums):
http://www.clemson.edu/scbg/images/plant...
What is the name of the small green leafed plant at the **bottom** of this photo?
Looks like Vinca
http://images.google.com/images?q=vinca+...
Reply:First is definitely vinca vine....great and hardy groundcover....but in the second photo it looks like vinca vine planted on small hills to give it the illusion of heighth...
Reply:It looks to be variegated Hosta
Reply:Undoubtedly, in the first photo that is a Periwinkle vine.
The second photo appears to have a low growing shrub. Periwinkle grows as a groundcover. Of course, it might have grown up and covered a shrub in the second photo. I've not seen Periwinkle do this, but I suppose it's possible.
Periwinkle has a root sysrem like cast iron so wherever you plant it, expect to pretty much leave it there. If the vine starts expanding beyond where you want it, simply pull those wandering bits of vine and set them in the ground elsewhere. It roots easily and grows readily. I love it, can ya' tell?? :)
Reply:Carolina jasmine.
Reply:Go with the vinca minor answer. That one is correct. Other nicknames are periwinkle vine and jasmine, but not Carolina Jessamine (not Jasmine).
Reply:Number 1 and number 5 are both right. It's Vinca Minor in the periwinkle family!!
Reply:It looks like the ground cover Wintercreeper. I live in the south and have used it for erosion control. The second image looks more like a bush. Wintercreeper is more of a vine and is green all year.
Reply:Sure looks like the periwinkle I have in my garden. Gets litlle purple 5 petal flowers and loves shade and good soil. Won't grow and flower unless I fertilize early in spring-then the shoots start going crazy! (We are in zone 7 with poor soil)
Hope it helps-check the garden seller papers like Direct Gardening-they have a web site too and more pictures.
Reply:Coleus
Is it OK to continue to use Miracle Grow fertilizer....?
...on trees (crape myrtle) and bushes that are currently blooming? The crape myrtle didn't bloom too well last year and is getting a late/slow start this year.
Is it OK to continue to use Miracle Grow fertilizer....?
Flowering trees and shrubs seldom need fertilizer once established. If you provide them with too much nitrogen in fertilizer, the plants will mainly grow leaves and not flowers.
Generally, one should not fertilize trees and shrubs in summer. The fertilizer will stimulate new shoot growth which may not have a chance to harden off before winter, leading to branch dieback.
So, if you are going to fertilize a flowering shrub, choose one with a low first number and higher second and third number and use it in the early fall when the plant is dormant, not in summer.
Reply:Sure, every 2 weeks with the full strength solution, every watering with a weak solution (1/4 tsp per gal of water.)
Reply:It is ok to use it on anything. I use it on roses.
Is it OK to continue to use Miracle Grow fertilizer....?
Flowering trees and shrubs seldom need fertilizer once established. If you provide them with too much nitrogen in fertilizer, the plants will mainly grow leaves and not flowers.
Generally, one should not fertilize trees and shrubs in summer. The fertilizer will stimulate new shoot growth which may not have a chance to harden off before winter, leading to branch dieback.
So, if you are going to fertilize a flowering shrub, choose one with a low first number and higher second and third number and use it in the early fall when the plant is dormant, not in summer.
Reply:Sure, every 2 weeks with the full strength solution, every watering with a weak solution (1/4 tsp per gal of water.)
Reply:It is ok to use it on anything. I use it on roses.
I need ideas for winterizing my southern plants and enjoying them yearround in upstate NY.?
i have tropical braided hibiscus trees, crape myrtle trees, and a few others. I prefer doing things in pots cause the soil is lousy here. I have limited indoor space and alot of shady areas outdoors. most of my hibiscus trees are only about 3ft high and the crape myrtles are about the same. I brought them all in this winter, but the hibiscus isn't blooming like it should. I'm new to NY and just looking for advice on enjoying my trees yearround. I thought about a portable greenhouse, but i think height would be an issue, and again theres lots of shade around here.
I need ideas for winterizing my southern plants and enjoying them yearround in upstate NY.?
You can create small protected enclosures for them, using some wooden frames, potentially with some plastic stapled onto them - ensure there are some holes to allow air to enter and leave.
You can then fill the area inside with straw, dried leaves etc, that will keep the inner temperature several degrees higher than in the garden outside. You can also surround plant stems and trunks with pipe insultator too, within this structure. Garden fleece is good for a few degrees of extra protection, and this can be wrapped around some plants, which will help.
Overall, as with humans in the cold, layers adds warmth, or prevents loss of heat.
There's a link here to someone who uses their own protective enclosures:http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/... as well as pictures of their garden in summer.
Otherwise, it's possible to use something like christmas lights, that will increase temperatures during the night time.
Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:No way to winterize and keep outside all year. The NY winters will kill them. Also, these will grow fairly large, so potting and bringing in each winter will become problematic. The only way to go would be a fairly tall, heated greenhouse.
Reply:Yikes, you don't want much %26lt;G%26gt;. I think a heated greenhouse may be the only way to go.
Is there a public botanic garden around? If they have a house for tropical plants? They may, but it probably is glass and in the sun. Yup, heated greenhouse for you.
Reply:maybe you can extend your house with a green house. you can make it large so you can fit all your plants. maybe you can also dedicate a room in your house to your plants
Reply:A greenhouse is what you need. Remember that they need to be heated. Learn all about greenhouses here:
http://www.greenhouses.com/
Happy gardening to you.
I need ideas for winterizing my southern plants and enjoying them yearround in upstate NY.?
You can create small protected enclosures for them, using some wooden frames, potentially with some plastic stapled onto them - ensure there are some holes to allow air to enter and leave.
You can then fill the area inside with straw, dried leaves etc, that will keep the inner temperature several degrees higher than in the garden outside. You can also surround plant stems and trunks with pipe insultator too, within this structure. Garden fleece is good for a few degrees of extra protection, and this can be wrapped around some plants, which will help.
Overall, as with humans in the cold, layers adds warmth, or prevents loss of heat.
There's a link here to someone who uses their own protective enclosures:http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/... as well as pictures of their garden in summer.
Otherwise, it's possible to use something like christmas lights, that will increase temperatures during the night time.
Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:No way to winterize and keep outside all year. The NY winters will kill them. Also, these will grow fairly large, so potting and bringing in each winter will become problematic. The only way to go would be a fairly tall, heated greenhouse.
Reply:Yikes, you don't want much %26lt;G%26gt;. I think a heated greenhouse may be the only way to go.
Is there a public botanic garden around? If they have a house for tropical plants? They may, but it probably is glass and in the sun. Yup, heated greenhouse for you.
Reply:maybe you can extend your house with a green house. you can make it large so you can fit all your plants. maybe you can also dedicate a room in your house to your plants
Reply:A greenhouse is what you need. Remember that they need to be heated. Learn all about greenhouses here:
http://www.greenhouses.com/
Happy gardening to you.
Where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free?
I want to beautify my yard for my grandma as a surprise...
where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free [preferably free]
Empress Tree
Cleveland Pear
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Pink Dogwood
Tulip Poplar
Pink Velour Crape Myrtle
Siren Red Crape Myrtle
Okame Cherry Tree
White Dogwood Tree
Autumn Purple Ash Tree
Burning Bush
Forsythia
Butterfly Bush 'Lochinch'
Red Twig Dogwood
Viburnum 'Roseum'
John Cabot Rose Bush
Camellia 'Shi Shi Gashira'
Spirea 'Vanhouttei'
Camellia 'Mine No Yuki'
William Baffin Rose Bush
Dwarf Bing Cherry Tree
Gala Apple Tree
Yellow Delicious Apples
‘Bartlett’ Pear Tree
Burbank Plum Tree
Red Raspberry Bush
Strawberries
Thornless Blackberry Bushes
Pussy Willow Tree
Where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free?
Sometimes on Craigslist people post that a house is being demolished or something and you can go dig up their plants.
Reply:I have no idea of where you live but I will bet that you have a local group of greenies... contact one of the them and ask where you may be able to get supplies to help you out. They love to see people add to the vegetation in my area... we have planting weekends where volunteers get together to plant out native plants in our area to counter what has been removed or ruined over time.
Best wishes and I hope you achieve it for your Gran.
Cheers
Lisa
Reply:arbor day foundation gives out free trees
Reply:Purchase the seeds online. and plant them out in newspaper pots http://www.nuganics.com.au/2008/01/18/ho...
Cheers
tim
Reply:this my fav place i am a very happy customer the stuff comes in great condition too .http://www.directgardening.com/ check out 1 cent sale too.
where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free [preferably free]
Empress Tree
Cleveland Pear
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle
Pink Dogwood
Tulip Poplar
Pink Velour Crape Myrtle
Siren Red Crape Myrtle
Okame Cherry Tree
White Dogwood Tree
Autumn Purple Ash Tree
Burning Bush
Forsythia
Butterfly Bush 'Lochinch'
Red Twig Dogwood
Viburnum 'Roseum'
John Cabot Rose Bush
Camellia 'Shi Shi Gashira'
Spirea 'Vanhouttei'
Camellia 'Mine No Yuki'
William Baffin Rose Bush
Dwarf Bing Cherry Tree
Gala Apple Tree
Yellow Delicious Apples
‘Bartlett’ Pear Tree
Burbank Plum Tree
Red Raspberry Bush
Strawberries
Thornless Blackberry Bushes
Pussy Willow Tree
Where can I find these trees/shrubs cheap or free?
Sometimes on Craigslist people post that a house is being demolished or something and you can go dig up their plants.
Reply:I have no idea of where you live but I will bet that you have a local group of greenies... contact one of the them and ask where you may be able to get supplies to help you out. They love to see people add to the vegetation in my area... we have planting weekends where volunteers get together to plant out native plants in our area to counter what has been removed or ruined over time.
Best wishes and I hope you achieve it for your Gran.
Cheers
Lisa
Reply:arbor day foundation gives out free trees
Reply:Purchase the seeds online. and plant them out in newspaper pots http://www.nuganics.com.au/2008/01/18/ho...
Cheers
tim
Reply:this my fav place i am a very happy customer the stuff comes in great condition too .http://www.directgardening.com/ check out 1 cent sale too.
When is the best time of the year to plant crape myrtles. I live in west texas.?
I've heard early spring, I've heard early fall. Any suggestions?
When is the best time of the year to plant crape myrtles. I live in west texas.?
***Hello, I'm a Certified Master Gardener***
You can plant crepe myrtles now.
Plant in early morning or evening (when it's cool.)
Green thumbs up to you.
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
beaded necklace
When is the best time of the year to plant crape myrtles. I live in west texas.?
***Hello, I'm a Certified Master Gardener***
You can plant crepe myrtles now.
Plant in early morning or evening (when it's cool.)
Green thumbs up to you.
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
beaded necklace
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in GA?
No, right now is the best time. Dont prune them during witer, because they bloom off of the old wood. Wait till they have leaves then trim them. Then by June-ish they will start to bloom. I have 2 6 year old trees and they are at the height of 7 ft now and bloom great, and now have 5 baby trees.
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in GA?
Yes; it's better to wait until they have bloomed for the summer. If you prune them now, you'll be pruning off the parts that are about to bloom this summer. It won't hurt them, but they won't have any blooms. If you wait until after the first freeze in the fall, you will effectively be pruning them when they're dormant; then, next spring, they will have plenty of time to make new growth and produce flowers.
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in GA?
Yes; it's better to wait until they have bloomed for the summer. If you prune them now, you'll be pruning off the parts that are about to bloom this summer. It won't hurt them, but they won't have any blooms. If you wait until after the first freeze in the fall, you will effectively be pruning them when they're dormant; then, next spring, they will have plenty of time to make new growth and produce flowers.
What fertilizer do you use on crape myrtles?
location is in College Station, Texas
What fertilizer do you use on crape myrtles?
miracle grow for acid plants is the best for crape myrtles and foolow the label directions
Reply:Miracle Gro works great. I just planted 4 crape myrtles in my new yard in North Texas and as you may know we are having the worst drought. I didn't know how much to water them so I asked people here and the consensus seemed to be to water them daily and give them a lot of water. They were looking droopy and losing their leaves before I started watering them more regularly. I also put feeding tubes down under them when I planted them to get the water down to the roots. We have such yukky clay soil here. They are looking much better now with the good deep watering. They are such a beautiful tree. I planted some magnolias too because they don't lose their leaves in the winter and I don't want the entire yard to look like a bunch of dead twigs come winter.
Reply:They are not picky. They grown in terrible sandy soil here in Florida. The city has started using them for Lanscaping Projects because they are so easy to grow.
Most any plantfood will do. Spring and Early Summer are the best times to apply it....I stir up a 2 gallon bucket and soak the entire root area out to the point where the farthest braches grow....
Reply:ESPOMA PRODUCTS WORK WONDERS...GET THEM AT A GARDEN CENTER....TWO I USED ARE ESPOMA SUPER PHOSPHATE AND GARDEN SULFUR......SUPER PHOS. BRINGS GREAT BLOOMS AND GARDEN SULFUR DEVELOPS STRONG ROOTING....NEVER HAD A BETTER PRODUCT...IT EVEN DOES BETTER AND MUCH LONGER THAN MIRACLE GRO....COST IS 5.99 EACH FOR A 5 LB BAG ..YOU MIX ACCORD. TO PKG. DIREC. WITH WATER GOT IT AT A SMALL GARDEN CENTER NOT BIG STORE
Reply:Any complete fertilizer would be fine, especially if it is on sale! Miracle-Gro or any 16-16-16(triple 16 or 13) would work. Even rose food would be fine. Don't feed it after Oct because it will be about to go dormant.
Good luck :-)
Reply:miracle grow works very will. just follow the labled directions
What fertilizer do you use on crape myrtles?
miracle grow for acid plants is the best for crape myrtles and foolow the label directions
Reply:Miracle Gro works great. I just planted 4 crape myrtles in my new yard in North Texas and as you may know we are having the worst drought. I didn't know how much to water them so I asked people here and the consensus seemed to be to water them daily and give them a lot of water. They were looking droopy and losing their leaves before I started watering them more regularly. I also put feeding tubes down under them when I planted them to get the water down to the roots. We have such yukky clay soil here. They are looking much better now with the good deep watering. They are such a beautiful tree. I planted some magnolias too because they don't lose their leaves in the winter and I don't want the entire yard to look like a bunch of dead twigs come winter.
Reply:They are not picky. They grown in terrible sandy soil here in Florida. The city has started using them for Lanscaping Projects because they are so easy to grow.
Most any plantfood will do. Spring and Early Summer are the best times to apply it....I stir up a 2 gallon bucket and soak the entire root area out to the point where the farthest braches grow....
Reply:ESPOMA PRODUCTS WORK WONDERS...GET THEM AT A GARDEN CENTER....TWO I USED ARE ESPOMA SUPER PHOSPHATE AND GARDEN SULFUR......SUPER PHOS. BRINGS GREAT BLOOMS AND GARDEN SULFUR DEVELOPS STRONG ROOTING....NEVER HAD A BETTER PRODUCT...IT EVEN DOES BETTER AND MUCH LONGER THAN MIRACLE GRO....COST IS 5.99 EACH FOR A 5 LB BAG ..YOU MIX ACCORD. TO PKG. DIREC. WITH WATER GOT IT AT A SMALL GARDEN CENTER NOT BIG STORE
Reply:Any complete fertilizer would be fine, especially if it is on sale! Miracle-Gro or any 16-16-16(triple 16 or 13) would work. Even rose food would be fine. Don't feed it after Oct because it will be about to go dormant.
Good luck :-)
Reply:miracle grow works very will. just follow the labled directions
The bark is peeling off my crape myrtles. One tree is only putting out a few green stems, mostly at the base.
I don't know what type of Crepe Myrtle you have, but here are a couple of quotes and links that may help you out:
(exfoliating bark is actually a normal condition of crepe)
from: http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily...
""Natchez" is by far the most common and popular crepe myrtle. It has white flowers and beautiful exfoliating bark. This one does get big, so give it plenty of room.
"So you see, there is a crepe myrtle for just about any sunny spot you may have. There is really no reason to drastically whack your crepe myrtle just to make it fit in a particular place. This is not to say you should never prune crepe myrtles. You can, but only selectively. You may remove any bottom branches that are too low to the ground, in an effort to make it more treelike. The lower branches are removed at the trunk. This practice is known as "limbing up." You also may selectively thin, not cut back the tops. To do this, you would simply remove a few of the branches in the canopy to allow for better light and air penetration. Cutting them back severely as many people do in the winter is totally unnecessary. It not only makes for one disgusting eyesore; it also makes the resulting growth in the spring weak and unable to support the blooms. "
You may want to trim the lower branches that are sprouting at the base in order to give the rest of the tree more energy to branch and leaf out. It may also need to be fertilized.
Happy Gardening!
The bark is peeling off my crape myrtles. One tree is only putting out a few green stems, mostly at the base.
well you could look up your cooperative extension office online and contact them to see what they say about it. extension is based on land grant universities so even if they person you talk to doesnt know they have a university to ask about it.
Reply:The bark tends to peel as a crape myrtles grows. As long as there is new bark underneath don't worry.
The growth as the bottom can be cut back or left to grow. I tend to keep it cut back on my trees as a way to limit its size.
Reply:make sure to fertilize it to keep it healthy
Reply:focus 10 blow dryers on the base of the tree and keep them going day and night for 11 days. After that pray real hard cause the tree will need it
(exfoliating bark is actually a normal condition of crepe)
from: http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily...
""Natchez" is by far the most common and popular crepe myrtle. It has white flowers and beautiful exfoliating bark. This one does get big, so give it plenty of room.
"So you see, there is a crepe myrtle for just about any sunny spot you may have. There is really no reason to drastically whack your crepe myrtle just to make it fit in a particular place. This is not to say you should never prune crepe myrtles. You can, but only selectively. You may remove any bottom branches that are too low to the ground, in an effort to make it more treelike. The lower branches are removed at the trunk. This practice is known as "limbing up." You also may selectively thin, not cut back the tops. To do this, you would simply remove a few of the branches in the canopy to allow for better light and air penetration. Cutting them back severely as many people do in the winter is totally unnecessary. It not only makes for one disgusting eyesore; it also makes the resulting growth in the spring weak and unable to support the blooms. "
You may want to trim the lower branches that are sprouting at the base in order to give the rest of the tree more energy to branch and leaf out. It may also need to be fertilized.
Happy Gardening!
The bark is peeling off my crape myrtles. One tree is only putting out a few green stems, mostly at the base.
well you could look up your cooperative extension office online and contact them to see what they say about it. extension is based on land grant universities so even if they person you talk to doesnt know they have a university to ask about it.
Reply:The bark tends to peel as a crape myrtles grows. As long as there is new bark underneath don't worry.
The growth as the bottom can be cut back or left to grow. I tend to keep it cut back on my trees as a way to limit its size.
Reply:make sure to fertilize it to keep it healthy
Reply:focus 10 blow dryers on the base of the tree and keep them going day and night for 11 days. After that pray real hard cause the tree will need it
When should I trim my crape myrtles?
They are very overgrown and too close to the house, I want to make them taller and thinner. Now or spring?
When should I trim my crape myrtles?
Anytime after all the leaves have fallen off. I usually wait till a warm spring day and then trim them back. I have one by the pool that gets cut back drastically every year. That keeps the flowers from blowing in the pool.
Reply:If you are going to trim them which I do not recommend. Remember Roses and crape myrtles need to be trimmed by Valentines Day. When you trim them do not cut them all the way back to the nodes where the branches split. Do that only in the areas next to the house, to make the tree taller leave the limbs and only take off the last 3 to 4 inches to encourage taller growth.
Reply:Cut them in the Spring. By cutting them now in the Fall you would encourage new growth which might be damaged by frost or freeze. If you wait till Spring you can trim and shape them taking any Winter damage off with the trimming.
Reply:We always did it in February while they are dormant. You may even want to trim them to 1 or 2 trunks coming up and make them fuller at the top./
Reply:The winter when it is dormant.
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When should I trim my crape myrtles?
Anytime after all the leaves have fallen off. I usually wait till a warm spring day and then trim them back. I have one by the pool that gets cut back drastically every year. That keeps the flowers from blowing in the pool.
Reply:If you are going to trim them which I do not recommend. Remember Roses and crape myrtles need to be trimmed by Valentines Day. When you trim them do not cut them all the way back to the nodes where the branches split. Do that only in the areas next to the house, to make the tree taller leave the limbs and only take off the last 3 to 4 inches to encourage taller growth.
Reply:Cut them in the Spring. By cutting them now in the Fall you would encourage new growth which might be damaged by frost or freeze. If you wait till Spring you can trim and shape them taking any Winter damage off with the trimming.
Reply:We always did it in February while they are dormant. You may even want to trim them to 1 or 2 trunks coming up and make them fuller at the top./
Reply:The winter when it is dormant.
domain name registration
Would it hurt the tree if I planted crape myrtles now (April) in Austin?
No, this is a great time to plant Crepe Myrtles. You should be past danger of frost, and it's not too hot yet. Be sure to mulch well around the tree once it's in the ground. And fertilize it before you mulch. Then keep it watered well, but not wet all the time. Let it dry out a little in between waterings. Don't let the leaves get droopy, though. By winter, the roots will be well established and safe from frost.
Would it hurt the tree if I planted crape myrtles now (April) in Austin?
While fall might have been the best time to plant a shrub, you can plant now. Just be sure to keep it watered while the roots are taking hold and during any summer dry periods.
Would it hurt the tree if I planted crape myrtles now (April) in Austin?
While fall might have been the best time to plant a shrub, you can plant now. Just be sure to keep it watered while the roots are taking hold and during any summer dry periods.
I planted several dynamite crape myrtles last year, what can i do to make them grow faster?
I planted a Dynomite crape myrtle about three years ago. First, this variety naturally grows slower than other types of crape myrtles. What I do is fertilize with "colorburst" fertilizer about three times a year and I always make sure that it has LOTS of water (but never soggy of course). Also, I spray it with a mixture of "Malathion" and "volch oil" (one tablespoon of each per gallon) about once a month. This ensures that you dont get any sooty mold or aphids which will definately stunt the growth. Make sure you spray the malathion/volch oil spray in the morning though when it's not hot. Another thing to look out for is powdery mildew which looks like white powder on the leaves. That makes the plant lose it's leaves prematurely and look really bad.
I planted several dynamite crape myrtles last year, what can i do to make them grow faster?
use miracle grow as directed on box and water
I planted several dynamite crape myrtles last year, what can i do to make them grow faster?
use miracle grow as directed on box and water
How can I kill crape myrtles?
I have at least 4 of these crowding the yard of the house i just moved in to. I want to get rid of them. They have been chopped down but how do i make them not grow back?
How can I kill crape myrtles?
Have you tried digging them out, or are they too big?
If digging doesn't work, try Brush-B-Gone. It is much more heavy duty than the weed killers.
Good luck!
(maybe you could leave one of the plants, and get rid of the others, because they are absolutely beautiful when flowering)
Reply:Crepe myrtles are so beautiful!
Dig them up, put in five-gallon pots, and donate them to your local University Botanic Garden or Arboretum.
Or sell to a plant nursery.
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:try straight vinegar, just make sure there isn't anything else around them that you don't want to kill.
Reply:round-up should do the trick
Reply:Drill a hole in the tree, then fill hole full of table salt. Wet and wait. Do Not wet enough to wash it out of the hole. WILL kill it. If it is a large tree may have to drill several holes.
Presto, no poison or harmful chemicals and a dead tree stump.
Reply:Poison is the only way. I hate it, but it's true.
I have one that I've been trying to get rid of for the past 7 years because it is growing right in front of my back door porch and when at full height, it makes it impossible to get in and out. I have dug and dug with absolutely no luck so after I harvest all the seeds and cuttings I can handle, I am going to poison it with tree stump killer this Fall. I think that is the only way to kill a healthy mature crepe myrtle.
Good Luck
How can I kill crape myrtles?
Have you tried digging them out, or are they too big?
If digging doesn't work, try Brush-B-Gone. It is much more heavy duty than the weed killers.
Good luck!
(maybe you could leave one of the plants, and get rid of the others, because they are absolutely beautiful when flowering)
Reply:Crepe myrtles are so beautiful!
Dig them up, put in five-gallon pots, and donate them to your local University Botanic Garden or Arboretum.
Or sell to a plant nursery.
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:try straight vinegar, just make sure there isn't anything else around them that you don't want to kill.
Reply:round-up should do the trick
Reply:Drill a hole in the tree, then fill hole full of table salt. Wet and wait. Do Not wet enough to wash it out of the hole. WILL kill it. If it is a large tree may have to drill several holes.
Presto, no poison or harmful chemicals and a dead tree stump.
Reply:Poison is the only way. I hate it, but it's true.
I have one that I've been trying to get rid of for the past 7 years because it is growing right in front of my back door porch and when at full height, it makes it impossible to get in and out. I have dug and dug with absolutely no luck so after I harvest all the seeds and cuttings I can handle, I am going to poison it with tree stump killer this Fall. I think that is the only way to kill a healthy mature crepe myrtle.
Good Luck
When should you trim crape myrtles/wisteria vines?
Hi there
Crape Myrtles need to be pruned in late fall/early winter. Once they have defoliated, if it is a tree form type, remove all lower branches/stems up to the desired height. Then, shape the tree into the shape of an ice cream cone. Start at the sides, making them an even height, then let your eye finish the job.
The idea is to trim off the old blooms/seed pods.
Wisteria, to keep it under control, needs to be pruned down to a height of three feet in late winter, before it begins growing again. If you have it planted in an area where it has no boundaries, just a light cut back is all it needs.
flowers anniversary
Crape Myrtles need to be pruned in late fall/early winter. Once they have defoliated, if it is a tree form type, remove all lower branches/stems up to the desired height. Then, shape the tree into the shape of an ice cream cone. Start at the sides, making them an even height, then let your eye finish the job.
The idea is to trim off the old blooms/seed pods.
Wisteria, to keep it under control, needs to be pruned down to a height of three feet in late winter, before it begins growing again. If you have it planted in an area where it has no boundaries, just a light cut back is all it needs.
flowers anniversary
Why have my crape myrtles not bloomed for the last two summers?
Try this site:
http://www.crapemyrtlefarms.com/crape_my...
Why have my crape myrtles not bloomed for the last two summers?
They seem to be a little moody. Mine is doing great in my back yard, but my friend who lives about half an hour from my house can't get hers to bloom at all. My back yard in half sun and half shade.
http://www.crapemyrtlefarms.com/crape_my...
Why have my crape myrtles not bloomed for the last two summers?
They seem to be a little moody. Mine is doing great in my back yard, but my friend who lives about half an hour from my house can't get hers to bloom at all. My back yard in half sun and half shade.
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in TX?
not if you're pruning just the old blooms off and a little bit more...nothing bigger than a pencil..... if it's in leaf already, your bloom may be delayed.....
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in TX?
Go ahead and cut any suckers off you don't want at the base..Crapes are very hardy..you should be good to go as far as pruning the rest of it too. I am in Southern US and I usually prune them before April 15 and mine are great...
Reply:No i think itd be ok just do it asap
Is it too late to prune crape myrtles in TX?
Go ahead and cut any suckers off you don't want at the base..Crapes are very hardy..you should be good to go as far as pruning the rest of it too. I am in Southern US and I usually prune them before April 15 and mine are great...
Reply:No i think itd be ok just do it asap
Live in northern arkansas, when should crape myrtles be pruned and how much?
The practice of chopping off the tops of crape myrtle has become very commonplace. Many people believe that it is required to promote flowering; some prune because the plant is too large for the space provided; others see their neighbors doing it and feel the need to follow suit. There are some instances in which heavy pruning is necessary, but light pruning is usually all that is needed. The type and amount of pruning depends on the desired shape and size of the plant.
Crape myrtle can be a low-maintenance plant, and the best way to ensure this is to choose the cultivar that best suits your landscape needs before planting. There are many new cultivars in different sizes and colors. The dwarf (3 to 6 feet) and semi-dwarf (7 to 15 feet) selections now available make it easy to choose the right size plant for a certain space.
Results of “topping” a crape myrtle
Karen Russ, ©HGIC, Clemson Extension
Larger image (116 kb)
Crape myrtles that mature between 5 and 15 feet include ‘Acoma’ (white flowers), ‘Hopi’ (light pink), ‘Comanchee’ (dark pink), ‘Zuni’ (lavender) and ‘Tonto’ (red). These are also resistant to powdery mildew, a fungus that attacks and distorts the leaves. Compact crape myrtles between 3 and 6 feet include ‘Hope’ (white), ‘Ozark Spring’ (lavender) and ‘Victor’ (red). Unfortunately, the compact crape myrtles are not resistant to powdery mildew.
If careful consideration is given to the projected size of the mature plant, a selection can be found that will not outgrow its boundaries and can be allowed to display its graceful beauty with minimal pruning. Crape myrtle does not require heavy pruning to promote bloom. Flowers are produced on new growth. It will produce flowers without any pruning, although it will produce larger flowers and bloom more profusely if at least lightly pruned. Pruning in late winter or early spring will stimulate vigorous new growth in the spring. Encourage a second bloom in summer by pruning flowers immediately after they fade.
This plant prefers hot, sunny climates and in South Carolina will grow to tree-size proportions. It is important that tree types are sited where they have a large area to spread. When given an ideal location, these tree types should be allowed to develop their natural style without whacking off their tops.
To develop a tree shape, remove all limbs growing from ground level except the three to five strongest limbs. As the tree matures, remove lower, lateral branches (“limbing up”) one-third to halfway up the height of the plant. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other and shoots growing into the center of the canopy. Make your cuts to a side branch or close to the trunk. Head back wayward and unbranched limbs. As it grows taller, remove lower branches as needed. Remove any future growth from the ground to retain the desired tree shape. This basal sprouting may occur whether the tree is being pruned or not. Pull these out when succulent instead of pruning them.
You may feel the need to improve the appearance by removing the seed heads in late winter or early spring before growth begins. This is recommended only if they are within reach. Once this becomes a tall, mature plant, allow nature to take its course – the seeds will drop, the plant will bloom, and the natural grace of the plant has been retained.
Consider all your options when confronted with a large, old crape myrtle in a space meant for a different shaped tree or shrub. To create clearance under the canopy, limb up old trees that have spread their lower limbs where they interfere with people or cars. Limb up above the roofline of a single story home to clear obstruction of a window or door. Eliminate one of the major trunks if it is leaning too close to a building. Only as a last result should you top a beautiful, old specimen to squeeze it into a confined space.
To keep a crape myrtle at a manageable height, prune moderately by removing all twiggy growth back to lower growing side branches. This will give the plant a more uniform appearance. As men-tioned earlier, the best way to maintain a crape myrtle at a particular size is to plant a known cultivar that will mature at the desired height and spread.
If you have a crape myrtle in a spot where you want a low, compact plant, you have two options: (1)Dig it up and plant a new dwarf cultivar that will require little or no maintenance; (2)Prune the stems back to about six inches above the ground each year. Severe pruning will not kill or injure a healthy crape myrtle.
Practice corrective pruning to remove defective or dead branches. This should be done at the time the problem is detected. Otherwise, prune to remove lateral branches, small twigs or branches in the center to create more open space for sun and air movement while the plant is dormant (winter or early spring).
Live in northern arkansas, when should crape myrtles be pruned and how much?
Hi:
Traditionally, Crepe Myrtles are pruned in the month of February. The answer above is an excellent answer to your question.
People opt two different ways to prune their Crepe Myrtles. Some will trim across the Crepe Myrtle and some will let the Crepe Myrtle stay in its natural form. I recommend to my clients to keep it in its natural form and prune off the dead flower heads as well as leggy branches. The main goal is properly pruning the tree. Always cut at an angle and never cut straight across. This could harm the tree.
I will link you to the proper pruning page of my website. There are some tips for you on properly pruning trees. I will also link you to the site map as this has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if there are other tips or techniques that may help you. Good luck in pruning your Crepe Myrtles and have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:If they're crap then why prune them????
just get rid of them!
Crape myrtle can be a low-maintenance plant, and the best way to ensure this is to choose the cultivar that best suits your landscape needs before planting. There are many new cultivars in different sizes and colors. The dwarf (3 to 6 feet) and semi-dwarf (7 to 15 feet) selections now available make it easy to choose the right size plant for a certain space.
Results of “topping” a crape myrtle
Karen Russ, ©HGIC, Clemson Extension
Larger image (116 kb)
Crape myrtles that mature between 5 and 15 feet include ‘Acoma’ (white flowers), ‘Hopi’ (light pink), ‘Comanchee’ (dark pink), ‘Zuni’ (lavender) and ‘Tonto’ (red). These are also resistant to powdery mildew, a fungus that attacks and distorts the leaves. Compact crape myrtles between 3 and 6 feet include ‘Hope’ (white), ‘Ozark Spring’ (lavender) and ‘Victor’ (red). Unfortunately, the compact crape myrtles are not resistant to powdery mildew.
If careful consideration is given to the projected size of the mature plant, a selection can be found that will not outgrow its boundaries and can be allowed to display its graceful beauty with minimal pruning. Crape myrtle does not require heavy pruning to promote bloom. Flowers are produced on new growth. It will produce flowers without any pruning, although it will produce larger flowers and bloom more profusely if at least lightly pruned. Pruning in late winter or early spring will stimulate vigorous new growth in the spring. Encourage a second bloom in summer by pruning flowers immediately after they fade.
This plant prefers hot, sunny climates and in South Carolina will grow to tree-size proportions. It is important that tree types are sited where they have a large area to spread. When given an ideal location, these tree types should be allowed to develop their natural style without whacking off their tops.
To develop a tree shape, remove all limbs growing from ground level except the three to five strongest limbs. As the tree matures, remove lower, lateral branches (“limbing up”) one-third to halfway up the height of the plant. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other and shoots growing into the center of the canopy. Make your cuts to a side branch or close to the trunk. Head back wayward and unbranched limbs. As it grows taller, remove lower branches as needed. Remove any future growth from the ground to retain the desired tree shape. This basal sprouting may occur whether the tree is being pruned or not. Pull these out when succulent instead of pruning them.
You may feel the need to improve the appearance by removing the seed heads in late winter or early spring before growth begins. This is recommended only if they are within reach. Once this becomes a tall, mature plant, allow nature to take its course – the seeds will drop, the plant will bloom, and the natural grace of the plant has been retained.
Consider all your options when confronted with a large, old crape myrtle in a space meant for a different shaped tree or shrub. To create clearance under the canopy, limb up old trees that have spread their lower limbs where they interfere with people or cars. Limb up above the roofline of a single story home to clear obstruction of a window or door. Eliminate one of the major trunks if it is leaning too close to a building. Only as a last result should you top a beautiful, old specimen to squeeze it into a confined space.
To keep a crape myrtle at a manageable height, prune moderately by removing all twiggy growth back to lower growing side branches. This will give the plant a more uniform appearance. As men-tioned earlier, the best way to maintain a crape myrtle at a particular size is to plant a known cultivar that will mature at the desired height and spread.
If you have a crape myrtle in a spot where you want a low, compact plant, you have two options: (1)Dig it up and plant a new dwarf cultivar that will require little or no maintenance; (2)Prune the stems back to about six inches above the ground each year. Severe pruning will not kill or injure a healthy crape myrtle.
Practice corrective pruning to remove defective or dead branches. This should be done at the time the problem is detected. Otherwise, prune to remove lateral branches, small twigs or branches in the center to create more open space for sun and air movement while the plant is dormant (winter or early spring).
Live in northern arkansas, when should crape myrtles be pruned and how much?
Hi:
Traditionally, Crepe Myrtles are pruned in the month of February. The answer above is an excellent answer to your question.
People opt two different ways to prune their Crepe Myrtles. Some will trim across the Crepe Myrtle and some will let the Crepe Myrtle stay in its natural form. I recommend to my clients to keep it in its natural form and prune off the dead flower heads as well as leggy branches. The main goal is properly pruning the tree. Always cut at an angle and never cut straight across. This could harm the tree.
I will link you to the proper pruning page of my website. There are some tips for you on properly pruning trees. I will also link you to the site map as this has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if there are other tips or techniques that may help you. Good luck in pruning your Crepe Myrtles and have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:If they're crap then why prune them????
just get rid of them!
How big are roots for crape myrtles?
They are fairly easy to transplant depending on the size, if that's what you want to do. But not at this time of the year.
How big are roots for crape myrtles?
as a rule the roots of most trees are equal to the spread of thier branchs
art
How big are roots for crape myrtles?
as a rule the roots of most trees are equal to the spread of thier branchs
art
When are Crape Myrtles supposed to get their leaves and flowers?
They're the latest thing I have to come out in the spring. The first year I had one, I thought it died over the winter. Then, just as I was about to trash it, it budded up and sprouted leaves. It's still early for them so be patient.
When are Crape Myrtles supposed to get their leaves and flowers?
They normally start blooming really well in Late May and early June. We have had such Lovely weather this year so far in North Carolina, so it will not be much Longer. I Do Love Crepe Myrtles, they are so Lovely.
Reply:Depending on your location. I live in zone 7 and my trees are beginning to get there leaves and I am seeing a few buds. Be patient they'll come.
Reply:Here in Houston it is in March and April to start the year.
Reply:They are supposed to flower in august
When are Crape Myrtles supposed to get their leaves and flowers?
They normally start blooming really well in Late May and early June. We have had such Lovely weather this year so far in North Carolina, so it will not be much Longer. I Do Love Crepe Myrtles, they are so Lovely.
Reply:Depending on your location. I live in zone 7 and my trees are beginning to get there leaves and I am seeing a few buds. Be patient they'll come.
Reply:Here in Houston it is in March and April to start the year.
Reply:They are supposed to flower in august
When do Crape Myrtles bloom in San Antonio, TX or zone 8?
Crepe Myrtles normally bloom in Late May.... They will bloom all summer long as long you remove the dead blooms from the plant.. in other words.. continue to remove the Seed Pods during the summer... and they will continue to bloom on the New wood that is formed....
I'm located in your Zone... trust me... May through September...
When do Crape Myrtles bloom in San Antonio, TX or zone 8?
Sounds like you are getting conflicting answers. I can tell you this: I am looking out my window and the crepe myrtles are blooming furiously right now and have been blooming for several weeks. Usually they fade a little and then bloom again before the summer is over or in early fall. It is a very good landscape plant for summer color and they do well in the heat once established.
Reply:Crepe myrtles bloom late summer thru to early spring so different time of the year depending on your hemisphere
I'm located in your Zone... trust me... May through September...
When do Crape Myrtles bloom in San Antonio, TX or zone 8?
Sounds like you are getting conflicting answers. I can tell you this: I am looking out my window and the crepe myrtles are blooming furiously right now and have been blooming for several weeks. Usually they fade a little and then bloom again before the summer is over or in early fall. It is a very good landscape plant for summer color and they do well in the heat once established.
Reply:Crepe myrtles bloom late summer thru to early spring so different time of the year depending on your hemisphere
What keeps Crape Myrtles from blooming?
I have three that didn't bloom this year nor did they bloom last year.
What keeps Crape Myrtles from blooming?
If they have ever bloomed and just didn't this year and last, they may have something stunting their growth. Crape Myrtles are usually such prolific bloomers! Take a limb to the local nursery or extension office to be sure. If it's healthy and should be blooming, try pruning them. They only bloom on new growth, and that should spur them to grow.
Hope it helps!
Reply:Try this helpful website:
http://www.crapemyrtles.com/crape_myrtle...
Just scroll down for info
Good Luck
Reply:boys haha
Reply:Would that be Plumbago?
It loves the air by the sea, and days full of sunshine. Also, it flowers only on the new growth - if your plant is full of old wood, it should be pruned.
What keeps Crape Myrtles from blooming?
If they have ever bloomed and just didn't this year and last, they may have something stunting their growth. Crape Myrtles are usually such prolific bloomers! Take a limb to the local nursery or extension office to be sure. If it's healthy and should be blooming, try pruning them. They only bloom on new growth, and that should spur them to grow.
Hope it helps!
Reply:Try this helpful website:
http://www.crapemyrtles.com/crape_myrtle...
Just scroll down for info
Good Luck
Reply:boys haha
Reply:Would that be Plumbago?
It loves the air by the sea, and days full of sunshine. Also, it flowers only on the new growth - if your plant is full of old wood, it should be pruned.
Why do crape myrtles drip water?
Plants, and flowers commonly do this it is part of the plant's breathing, or eliminating of carbon dioxide.As the oxygen is brought into the plant, it eliminates carbon dioxide, and moisture through it's leaves. You usually can see the moisture dripping off from the tips of the leaves.
Why do crape myrtles drip water?
It's small insects feeding on the plant, the "water" is actually the waste product of the bugs.
myspace layouts
Why do crape myrtles drip water?
It's small insects feeding on the plant, the "water" is actually the waste product of the bugs.
myspace layouts
Do Crape Myrtles have deep roots?
Yes.
Crepe Myrtles have a moderate to deep root system that tends to be more spread out than other flowering bushes (or trees depending on how you grow yours).
Also, even though Crepe Myrtles seem to be dormant during the winter, their root system, is not. Their roots continue to grow during the winter and specificaly grow in outward directions during this time.
So, water the Crepe Myrtle weekly and deeply to help the roots grow deeper rather than wider during the winter time. Spread out root growth is naturally encouraged by winter surface water from snow, rain and drizzles. This is why it is most important to water them weekly and deeply to force those roots to want to go down and thereby strengthening the root system.
Do Crape Myrtles have deep roots?
Some families have deep traditions of making crepes. Myrtilles are blueberries and families that have for eaten Crepes Myrtilles for generations in France have deep roots.
thanks JQR
Reply:Yes, they do have deep roots.
check out this link............................
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa...
Reply:Yes, they have incredibly deep roots. I know because I've been trying to dig a Crepe Myrtle out from in front of my back door for years without success. The roots are so deep that it's pretty much impossible to remove an already healthy and well established plant. If any root is left in the ground it will produce a new plant. They also spread out very wide.
Crepe Myrtles have a moderate to deep root system that tends to be more spread out than other flowering bushes (or trees depending on how you grow yours).
Also, even though Crepe Myrtles seem to be dormant during the winter, their root system, is not. Their roots continue to grow during the winter and specificaly grow in outward directions during this time.
So, water the Crepe Myrtle weekly and deeply to help the roots grow deeper rather than wider during the winter time. Spread out root growth is naturally encouraged by winter surface water from snow, rain and drizzles. This is why it is most important to water them weekly and deeply to force those roots to want to go down and thereby strengthening the root system.
Do Crape Myrtles have deep roots?
Some families have deep traditions of making crepes. Myrtilles are blueberries and families that have for eaten Crepes Myrtilles for generations in France have deep roots.
thanks JQR
Reply:Yes, they do have deep roots.
check out this link............................
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa...
Reply:Yes, they have incredibly deep roots. I know because I've been trying to dig a Crepe Myrtle out from in front of my back door for years without success. The roots are so deep that it's pretty much impossible to remove an already healthy and well established plant. If any root is left in the ground it will produce a new plant. They also spread out very wide.
Will my crape myrtles survive temps in the low 20's after they have started to leave out?
If survival is possible, what should be done?
Will my crape myrtles survive temps in the low 20's after they have started to leave out?
Don't do anything. New growth will replace what was zapped.In NC ours got the frost but it should not harm future bloomings. FYI-crepe are one of the few trees to bloom beautifully in the heat of summer and usually bloom for 100+ days. I learned alot about the tree from an old Southern lawyer-he increased my appreciation for a tree that is pretty in summer and has a form in winter that is artful with grey bark and sculptured pruning. Please prune carefully, none of that "topping."
Reply:They should be fine, but you can cross your fingers and mutter incantations. Apparently all of us from Florida to Maine will be doing the same thing, while we wait for the plants that now look quite dead and hopeless to rejuvenate in warmer weather.
My poor spice bushes (Lindera benzoin) look pitiful, with all their tiny young leaves curled and black. They're native in my area, and should survive, but I'm still anxious.
Guess we're all about to find out what happens when woody plants, whose sap has risen enough to prompt that first flush of new leaves, are abruptly exposed to more frigid air, without time to cool down and "antifreeze" themselves.
The way the health of the planet is right now, we're going to need evey leaf we can muster to help combat further deterioriation of the quality of our air.
Here's hoping....
Reply:you mayhave some die back,but the crape myrtles are very hardy .they will make it.
Reply:Yes, they are tough as teak.
Will my crape myrtles survive temps in the low 20's after they have started to leave out?
Don't do anything. New growth will replace what was zapped.In NC ours got the frost but it should not harm future bloomings. FYI-crepe are one of the few trees to bloom beautifully in the heat of summer and usually bloom for 100+ days. I learned alot about the tree from an old Southern lawyer-he increased my appreciation for a tree that is pretty in summer and has a form in winter that is artful with grey bark and sculptured pruning. Please prune carefully, none of that "topping."
Reply:They should be fine, but you can cross your fingers and mutter incantations. Apparently all of us from Florida to Maine will be doing the same thing, while we wait for the plants that now look quite dead and hopeless to rejuvenate in warmer weather.
My poor spice bushes (Lindera benzoin) look pitiful, with all their tiny young leaves curled and black. They're native in my area, and should survive, but I'm still anxious.
Guess we're all about to find out what happens when woody plants, whose sap has risen enough to prompt that first flush of new leaves, are abruptly exposed to more frigid air, without time to cool down and "antifreeze" themselves.
The way the health of the planet is right now, we're going to need evey leaf we can muster to help combat further deterioriation of the quality of our air.
Here's hoping....
Reply:you mayhave some die back,but the crape myrtles are very hardy .they will make it.
Reply:Yes, they are tough as teak.
Why do crape myrtles weep?
what?
Why do crape myrtles weep?
for all the lonely nights.
Reply:If you are referring to the branches that "weep" when the flowers are on them it is due to the weight of the inflorescence.
If they are pruned properly, that is greatly reduced and the plants are much healthier.
Why do crape myrtles weep?
for all the lonely nights.
Reply:If you are referring to the branches that "weep" when the flowers are on them it is due to the weight of the inflorescence.
If they are pruned properly, that is greatly reduced and the plants are much healthier.
Pre- Treating Crape Myrtles for Aphids.?
We have 3 in our front yard. After 4 years of beautiful blooms - last year we endured our first exposure to Aphids. I tried a few treatments but none had great sucess. After doing some research - I'm thinking about trying a systemic treatment before our trees bud new growth (just pruned them this weekend). I'm going to try Bayers product - which you mix and pour at the base of the tree.
Anyone have any experience with this kind of treatment on Crapes? And was it successful?
Thx.
Pre- Treating Crape Myrtles for Aphids.?
If the tree is still dormant - try a dormant oil spray - like for fruit trees. It will kil overwintering aphid eggs and prevent fresh spring infestations.
opera music
Anyone have any experience with this kind of treatment on Crapes? And was it successful?
Thx.
Pre- Treating Crape Myrtles for Aphids.?
If the tree is still dormant - try a dormant oil spray - like for fruit trees. It will kil overwintering aphid eggs and prevent fresh spring infestations.
opera music
Crape myrtles and winter survival in zone 5/6?
I have crapes that the roots survived unprotected in the winter, and we had an exceptional colder winter than normal, but the tops died, they are small right now, they are also of the dwarf tree types which only get about 8 feet tall as bushy types and some tree types growth 10 feet. I have two hopis.one zulu (I think that is the name it just says zu One seminole, one ce and one vl.
if I cover the tops with mulch and burlap and secure them will the tops survive? the reason i am even trying is I know of mimosa trees around here, and I know a guy in akron who has a fiddle leaf tree in his backyard that is 20+ feet and he wraps it up tightly ever year and it survives. I already covered the tops
crapes are more winter hardy than figs arent they? what are the chances of a thick blanket of cypress mulch adn several layers of heavy burlap keeping the tops alive?
Thanks I have a microclimate too.
Crape myrtles and winter survival in zone 5/6?
I grow a small crepe myrtle in Michigan zone 5. Mine has never gotten as tall as yours. I cover mine with a Styrofoam rose cone. That limits mine to about 22" for the winter.
Mine does bloom in the fall.
I agree with the others about 'Zumi' as well. Yes, they seem to be hardier than figs. Although you can winter figs indoors.
Try using insulation, the Styrofoam kind. You really need to keep the air temp warm, burlap won't do it. Styrofoam will warm up in the sun shine, and retain it.
I hope that this helps
Good luck-
Reply:The zulu is probably the "ZUNI CRAPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Zuni'" and it will survive in USDA zone 6-9...
The SEMINOLE CRAPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica 'Seminole' will survive zone 7-9...probably border line in your area. I don't know what ce and vl are ?
Covering and mulching the root area is a good idea..but before you do you should trim down about 1/4 of the way down then cover with a good thermal plant blanket. Ask for it as your local nursery.
Reply:Here in Missouri in Zone 6b, crape myrtles survive with no problem at all, no winter cover or anything. Most years they survive just fine, once in a great while they do have some die-back but always regrow to their full height and bloom just fine. Further north, Kansas City, in Zone 5 for example, they are not as hardy and usually die back all the way to the roots, however usually coming back . There is a fine line with hardy and not hardy, but with sufficient winter cover you should be all right. If you are a solid zone 5 you are not going to keep the tops alive but that is not something to worry about as they are pretty much root hardy and regenerate each summer. They do leaf out rather late, usually not until well into May, so don't count it out if you don't immediately see any signs of life.
We have mimosa trees here and they are somewhat hardier than the crape myrtles, as their tops do not die back, tho even here sometimes we have a severe enough winter to hurt them. Remember when the weather starts to get mild, start taking away the cover gradually so that heat doesn't build up under it and start growth to early.
if I cover the tops with mulch and burlap and secure them will the tops survive? the reason i am even trying is I know of mimosa trees around here, and I know a guy in akron who has a fiddle leaf tree in his backyard that is 20+ feet and he wraps it up tightly ever year and it survives. I already covered the tops
crapes are more winter hardy than figs arent they? what are the chances of a thick blanket of cypress mulch adn several layers of heavy burlap keeping the tops alive?
Thanks I have a microclimate too.
Crape myrtles and winter survival in zone 5/6?
I grow a small crepe myrtle in Michigan zone 5. Mine has never gotten as tall as yours. I cover mine with a Styrofoam rose cone. That limits mine to about 22" for the winter.
Mine does bloom in the fall.
I agree with the others about 'Zumi' as well. Yes, they seem to be hardier than figs. Although you can winter figs indoors.
Try using insulation, the Styrofoam kind. You really need to keep the air temp warm, burlap won't do it. Styrofoam will warm up in the sun shine, and retain it.
I hope that this helps
Good luck-
Reply:The zulu is probably the "ZUNI CRAPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Zuni'" and it will survive in USDA zone 6-9...
The SEMINOLE CRAPE MYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica 'Seminole' will survive zone 7-9...probably border line in your area. I don't know what ce and vl are ?
Covering and mulching the root area is a good idea..but before you do you should trim down about 1/4 of the way down then cover with a good thermal plant blanket. Ask for it as your local nursery.
Reply:Here in Missouri in Zone 6b, crape myrtles survive with no problem at all, no winter cover or anything. Most years they survive just fine, once in a great while they do have some die-back but always regrow to their full height and bloom just fine. Further north, Kansas City, in Zone 5 for example, they are not as hardy and usually die back all the way to the roots, however usually coming back . There is a fine line with hardy and not hardy, but with sufficient winter cover you should be all right. If you are a solid zone 5 you are not going to keep the tops alive but that is not something to worry about as they are pretty much root hardy and regenerate each summer. They do leaf out rather late, usually not until well into May, so don't count it out if you don't immediately see any signs of life.
We have mimosa trees here and they are somewhat hardier than the crape myrtles, as their tops do not die back, tho even here sometimes we have a severe enough winter to hurt them. Remember when the weather starts to get mild, start taking away the cover gradually so that heat doesn't build up under it and start growth to early.
Is the root system of a mature crepe myrtle a foundation concern?
We bought a house that has a mature crape myrtle a foot away from the house above where the basement is located. I hate to take the tree down but should I be concerned about damage to our foundation from the roots?
Is the root system of a mature crepe myrtle a foundation concern?
Hi:
A Crepe Myrtle has a root system that basically goes straight down into the ground. There are some runners but not like other trees. I do have a concern about the location of the Crepe Myrtle. It is too close to the house. I have seen this type of tree planted too close to the foundation. The tree does not grow properly and any plant should be at least two to to three feet out from the foundation or your basement. I agree with you about not wanting to cut the tree down. I don't believe the roots will damage your foundation, but depending on the age and size of the tree, will depend on how healthy it is and will be in the future.
I hope this has helped a little and good luck in your decision to keep or take down the tree. If it isn't an old tree, you might be able to transplant it. I will link you to the landscape article section of my website. It has a page on transplanting shrubs which would be the same for trees. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through the sections and see if there is any other information that may be helpful to you. Have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:Hey jjferman,
Mature Crepe Myrtle is an awesome plant. One foot away from the foundation indicates a lack of planning on the part of the person that originally planted that one.
You can drastically prune Crepe Myrtle, which will slow or halt root growth, and lower the plant. Consider cutting it down to 3 or 4 feet tall and let the shoots come from the remaining branches.
Reply:down in texas we plant a lot of crapes, the roots grow down and only a few small feeder roots grow out but they will not harm the concrete, in fact we have planted them that close to houses before and we have planted them in small spaces about 1 foot square, remember if yo remove it, usually another will grow in the same spot because it will grow from a root that will still be in the ground, just keep it properly prunned and you will be fine
Is the root system of a mature crepe myrtle a foundation concern?
Hi:
A Crepe Myrtle has a root system that basically goes straight down into the ground. There are some runners but not like other trees. I do have a concern about the location of the Crepe Myrtle. It is too close to the house. I have seen this type of tree planted too close to the foundation. The tree does not grow properly and any plant should be at least two to to three feet out from the foundation or your basement. I agree with you about not wanting to cut the tree down. I don't believe the roots will damage your foundation, but depending on the age and size of the tree, will depend on how healthy it is and will be in the future.
I hope this has helped a little and good luck in your decision to keep or take down the tree. If it isn't an old tree, you might be able to transplant it. I will link you to the landscape article section of my website. It has a page on transplanting shrubs which would be the same for trees. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through the sections and see if there is any other information that may be helpful to you. Have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:Hey jjferman,
Mature Crepe Myrtle is an awesome plant. One foot away from the foundation indicates a lack of planning on the part of the person that originally planted that one.
You can drastically prune Crepe Myrtle, which will slow or halt root growth, and lower the plant. Consider cutting it down to 3 or 4 feet tall and let the shoots come from the remaining branches.
Reply:down in texas we plant a lot of crapes, the roots grow down and only a few small feeder roots grow out but they will not harm the concrete, in fact we have planted them that close to houses before and we have planted them in small spaces about 1 foot square, remember if yo remove it, usually another will grow in the same spot because it will grow from a root that will still be in the ground, just keep it properly prunned and you will be fine
What is the name of this green shrub that is usually planted around crape myrtles?
It is the low lying green shrub in the lower right hand corner of the image in the link below. Someone told me it is called Confederate Jasmine, but that was incorrect (Confederate Jasmine is a vine).
http://www.clemson.edu/scbg/images/plant...
Thanks for your input!!!
What is the name of this green shrub that is usually planted around crape myrtles?
Looks like junipers to me
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en%26amp;rl...
Reply:its hard to see from what i see it looks like a low cut,or ground growing Gravillea.
Reply:bit difficult to see....Vinca maybe?
Reply:Caladiums? The picture is rather small, but I think it may be this
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
http://www.clemson.edu/scbg/images/plant...
Thanks for your input!!!
What is the name of this green shrub that is usually planted around crape myrtles?
Looks like junipers to me
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en%26amp;rl...
Reply:its hard to see from what i see it looks like a low cut,or ground growing Gravillea.
Reply:bit difficult to see....Vinca maybe?
Reply:Caladiums? The picture is rather small, but I think it may be this
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
Where do i plant crape myrtles?
I just bought 2 crape myrtles and I am not sure where to plant them...thx
Where do i plant crape myrtles?
ANYWHERE!!! They love the sun. My driveway is outlined with them. They grow tall and are full of blooms from summer til frost. Trim the bottom limbs if you want them to look like trees. Or leave them alone , if you want them to look more like a bush. Easy to grow. Water when dry weather, fertilize occasionally but don't over do it.
Reply:full sun ,lotsa water, trim or don't trim ,make them the way you want them
Reply:Full sun, lots of water (even daily) and use a fertilizer made for hibiscus. I have several and love them.
Reply:You plant them where ever you like!! They will grow and grow! They can get tall, so maybe don't plant them under an awning or under utility wires!
Reply:I would plant one about 10 feet southwest of the outer perimeter of the smaller Japanese maple, and the other just beyond the berm in the northernmost corner.
Reply:Full sun. They love it!
flowers birthday
Where do i plant crape myrtles?
ANYWHERE!!! They love the sun. My driveway is outlined with them. They grow tall and are full of blooms from summer til frost. Trim the bottom limbs if you want them to look like trees. Or leave them alone , if you want them to look more like a bush. Easy to grow. Water when dry weather, fertilize occasionally but don't over do it.
Reply:full sun ,lotsa water, trim or don't trim ,make them the way you want them
Reply:Full sun, lots of water (even daily) and use a fertilizer made for hibiscus. I have several and love them.
Reply:You plant them where ever you like!! They will grow and grow! They can get tall, so maybe don't plant them under an awning or under utility wires!
Reply:I would plant one about 10 feet southwest of the outer perimeter of the smaller Japanese maple, and the other just beyond the berm in the northernmost corner.
Reply:Full sun. They love it!
flowers birthday
Why are my red crape myrtles blooming white?
These are "Dynamite" crape myrtles that have bloomed a beautiful red the past 2 years. This year they're blooming white. What nutrient is missing or is it just the heat?
I live in Texas and we've had 5 straight days of 100 degree heat with no end in sight and of course we're in a drought. I've watered them and my roses (instead of the lawn);I don't care about grass but I really don't want to lose my flowers. HELP!
Why are my red crape myrtles blooming white?
Crape myrtles thrive in intense summer sun and are extremely tolerant of very dry conditions, but cannot survive winter temperatures much farther north than Arkansas. Like most summer blooming shrubs, produce their flowers on new growth. So, if pruning is to be done, it should be completed in the early spring before new growth begins.
http://www.cherylsgardenparty.com/2005/B...
Crape myrtles do not require much fertilizer. They are also adaptable to a fairly wide soil pH range, from 5.0 to 6.5. A soil test provides the best standard for determining the amount of fertilizer that is needed and whether the pH is at the appropriate level for your plants. However, one pound of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet of bed area is usually adequate to support new growth in an established tree. Be aware that over fertilization can reduce cold hardiness.
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/...
Remember, Dynamite is a new cultivar that originated as a hybrid from another species.
Sometimes freaky things happen in nature.
http://www.landize.com/articles/Cultivar
You might want to ask a professional nurseryman?
Reply:Weather affects all living things. I also am in TEXAS and am having the same weather issues and drought (DFW area). My Myrtles are not blooming as long this year and I am watering. Check this website and it has some ideas too:
Good luck
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load...
Reply:Your crape myrtle is a tree-form crape that can reach 20'. These commonly try to revert to the original state. Just cut off the branch that's white %26amp; keep pruning to a minimum--any basal shoots can be trimmed while young, and any dead stuff is OK to cut--but other than occasional shaping your trees do not need pruning.
Also, your crape is well-established by now--stop watering it! These are very drought-hardy and need only 2 inches per month in the worst heat.
Reply:Don't have a clue, but something is going on. Saw a crepe myrtle the other day with both colors on it. It is usually red only (have admired it for 10 years). Other people have also written asking the same question about other types of flowers. I also live in Texas. Yes, it's hot. But is always hot here in summer. Sure hope someone has an answer. This is curious.
Reply:Maybe the ph of your soil has changed. We have some flowering shrubs that determine their color on the acidity of the soil. Maybe crepe myrtles do that too.
Reply:maybe the drought?
Reply:it's having an identity crisis. may it thought you needed a change. plants seem to adapt to their enviroment. that's probably what yours is doing. don't worry as long as it looks healthy. i think watering it is a good idea though. don't want to fry it in the heat. good luck with it.
Reply:I Believe it has to do with the acid and alkaline levels Iin the soil. Just like with Hydrangeas. Test your soil to see what levels you have. Your local nursery can help with a solution. In the mean time, enjoy the beatiful white blooms.
Reply:could be they get cross polinated too or nutrients missing give them some mirical grow and some water in the evenings i live in texas too and the heat is wilting everything, so i water my plants in the late evening
Reply:Probably has to do with the alkalinity of your soil.
I live in Texas and we've had 5 straight days of 100 degree heat with no end in sight and of course we're in a drought. I've watered them and my roses (instead of the lawn);I don't care about grass but I really don't want to lose my flowers. HELP!
Why are my red crape myrtles blooming white?
Crape myrtles thrive in intense summer sun and are extremely tolerant of very dry conditions, but cannot survive winter temperatures much farther north than Arkansas. Like most summer blooming shrubs, produce their flowers on new growth. So, if pruning is to be done, it should be completed in the early spring before new growth begins.
http://www.cherylsgardenparty.com/2005/B...
Crape myrtles do not require much fertilizer. They are also adaptable to a fairly wide soil pH range, from 5.0 to 6.5. A soil test provides the best standard for determining the amount of fertilizer that is needed and whether the pH is at the appropriate level for your plants. However, one pound of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet of bed area is usually adequate to support new growth in an established tree. Be aware that over fertilization can reduce cold hardiness.
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/...
Remember, Dynamite is a new cultivar that originated as a hybrid from another species.
Sometimes freaky things happen in nature.
http://www.landize.com/articles/Cultivar
You might want to ask a professional nurseryman?
Reply:Weather affects all living things. I also am in TEXAS and am having the same weather issues and drought (DFW area). My Myrtles are not blooming as long this year and I am watering. Check this website and it has some ideas too:
Good luck
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load...
Reply:Your crape myrtle is a tree-form crape that can reach 20'. These commonly try to revert to the original state. Just cut off the branch that's white %26amp; keep pruning to a minimum--any basal shoots can be trimmed while young, and any dead stuff is OK to cut--but other than occasional shaping your trees do not need pruning.
Also, your crape is well-established by now--stop watering it! These are very drought-hardy and need only 2 inches per month in the worst heat.
Reply:Don't have a clue, but something is going on. Saw a crepe myrtle the other day with both colors on it. It is usually red only (have admired it for 10 years). Other people have also written asking the same question about other types of flowers. I also live in Texas. Yes, it's hot. But is always hot here in summer. Sure hope someone has an answer. This is curious.
Reply:Maybe the ph of your soil has changed. We have some flowering shrubs that determine their color on the acidity of the soil. Maybe crepe myrtles do that too.
Reply:maybe the drought?
Reply:it's having an identity crisis. may it thought you needed a change. plants seem to adapt to their enviroment. that's probably what yours is doing. don't worry as long as it looks healthy. i think watering it is a good idea though. don't want to fry it in the heat. good luck with it.
Reply:I Believe it has to do with the acid and alkaline levels Iin the soil. Just like with Hydrangeas. Test your soil to see what levels you have. Your local nursery can help with a solution. In the mean time, enjoy the beatiful white blooms.
Reply:could be they get cross polinated too or nutrients missing give them some mirical grow and some water in the evenings i live in texas too and the heat is wilting everything, so i water my plants in the late evening
Reply:Probably has to do with the alkalinity of your soil.
Can I plant crape myrtles now?
Is it still okay to plant crape myrtles, I've heard that fall is a good time to plant? I live in Delaware in Zone 5 and want to plant several down my property line.
Can I plant crape myrtles now?
Great answers! Be sure when planting to give them good drinks of root stimulator -- fertilome makes a product I have used with great success. And just to cover your assets, take cuttings to root in water for planting in spring. Yep, they'll root in water. Strip lower leaves so they don't rot in the water, watch for roots and new leaf growth.
Reply:yes its a good time.. just make sure you give it extra water until the rain starts.. i have many and they are thriving..
Reply:Do it now before it gets too cold.
Reply:Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs.
Make sure you do it at least a few weeks before the first frost and water it frequently for the first 2 weeks.
Reply:yes, like some other people said, fall is an excellent time of year to plant shrubs and bushes, the only other advise I would say, is make sure the root ball of the bush is planted deep enough, so created a hole in the ground to allow for six inches around the root ball, add fertilizer into the ground before you put the plant into it, put the shrub in, put all soil back in and then put down some mulch, shredded hard wood best,, about an inch or more thick over the base of the shrub. Definitely, water daily for a week, at night is the best time to water; and after a rain is the best time to plant, be sure of course to check for lighting conditions. Delaware is like Virginia in that area.
Can I plant crape myrtles now?
Great answers! Be sure when planting to give them good drinks of root stimulator -- fertilome makes a product I have used with great success. And just to cover your assets, take cuttings to root in water for planting in spring. Yep, they'll root in water. Strip lower leaves so they don't rot in the water, watch for roots and new leaf growth.
Reply:yes its a good time.. just make sure you give it extra water until the rain starts.. i have many and they are thriving..
Reply:Do it now before it gets too cold.
Reply:Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs.
Make sure you do it at least a few weeks before the first frost and water it frequently for the first 2 weeks.
Reply:yes, like some other people said, fall is an excellent time of year to plant shrubs and bushes, the only other advise I would say, is make sure the root ball of the bush is planted deep enough, so created a hole in the ground to allow for six inches around the root ball, add fertilizer into the ground before you put the plant into it, put the shrub in, put all soil back in and then put down some mulch, shredded hard wood best,, about an inch or more thick over the base of the shrub. Definitely, water daily for a week, at night is the best time to water; and after a rain is the best time to plant, be sure of course to check for lighting conditions. Delaware is like Virginia in that area.
Did I plant my Tuscarora crape myrtles too close to the fence?
I was thinking of keeping them a good distance apart from each other (about 10 feet) , but, I didn't even think about how close I was to the fence.
I have three Tuscarora crape myrtles about 4 feet from my fence. Is that too close? Should I move them farther away?
Did I plant my Tuscarora crape myrtles too close to the fence?
It won't be a problem if you are planning on limbing it up to grow like a tree. You can remove all the branches below the fenceline so that the limbs will be above the top of the fence. If you are going to let it grow like a shrub, then it might be too close.
Reply:naw your alright-crepe myrtles dont grow a large trunk-as long as neighbors dont mind the fall off during winter
I have three Tuscarora crape myrtles about 4 feet from my fence. Is that too close? Should I move them farther away?
Did I plant my Tuscarora crape myrtles too close to the fence?
It won't be a problem if you are planning on limbing it up to grow like a tree. You can remove all the branches below the fenceline so that the limbs will be above the top of the fence. If you are going to let it grow like a shrub, then it might be too close.
Reply:naw your alright-crepe myrtles dont grow a large trunk-as long as neighbors dont mind the fall off during winter
How old do Crape Myrtles hve to be to bloom?
I recently planted 30 crape myrtles around my property line. I bought them from Summerstone nursery online and they are 2-3 limbs each. They came bareroot and practically like a stick. They are about 1-2 feet tall each. They were planted about 4 days ago and 2 actually have a few tiny leaves coming out.
My question is....how long will it take for them to get big enough to bloom. How long does it usually take for them to get tree form of about 6+ feet?
They are assorted so I have no idea what colors they will be!
Thanks in advance! (Any additional info would be appreciated as well!)
How old do Crape Myrtles hve to be to bloom?
They may bloom this year, but next year for sure. They can grow 2-3 feet a year depending on soil, water and light.
Reply:mine took 2 years to flower. will grow 2-3 ft per year.
Dog Teeth
My question is....how long will it take for them to get big enough to bloom. How long does it usually take for them to get tree form of about 6+ feet?
They are assorted so I have no idea what colors they will be!
Thanks in advance! (Any additional info would be appreciated as well!)
How old do Crape Myrtles hve to be to bloom?
They may bloom this year, but next year for sure. They can grow 2-3 feet a year depending on soil, water and light.
Reply:mine took 2 years to flower. will grow 2-3 ft per year.
Dog Teeth
Are tonto crape myrtles toxic to dogs?
I think my dog ate a leaf from a tonto crape myrtle and am worried that it may be poisonous.
Are tonto crape myrtles toxic to dogs?
http://www.uexplore.com/health/poisonpla...
I don't see it listed on this site but you might check with your vet. There is probably a doggie poison control they can call.
Are tonto crape myrtles toxic to dogs?
http://www.uexplore.com/health/poisonpla...
I don't see it listed on this site but you might check with your vet. There is probably a doggie poison control they can call.
Are there any trees that can be confused with crape myrtles?
I believe I have a crape myrtle (Acoma...white flowers) in my front yard, but I'm not positive. I have been looking at pictures of crape myrtles on the internet, but they don't look like my tree. The leaves and flowers seem to be the same, but the tree itself doesn't look like the ones in the pictures. I think that might be because I've never pruned the tree before. It's about 6-7 feet tall, and my leaves and flowers don't grow only at the top (like the pics), they are all over the place.
Anyway, I want to trim some of the lower branches from covering my shrubs. So, before I prune it to look like the pictures (not the whacked off ones), I was just curious as to whether or not there are any trees that could be confused with a crape myrtle. I read on one website where someone confused their dogwood for a crape myrtle, so I looked up dogwood...and it's definitely not a dogwood.
Thanks!
Are there any trees that can be confused with crape myrtles?
There *are* many plants that can be confused with Crepe myrtle, so I can't possibly identify them, but...not as many that can be confused by the flower, if you look closely. Also, crepe myrtles have distinctive bark, which can help to ID them.
Plants and trees are most reliably identified by their flowers (shape, not color), so if the flowers are identical, chances are that it is a crepe myrtle. Botanists used to identify and classify plants solely by flower structure (before genetic testing) because it is such a good indicator of a plant's identity. So--if you want a sure ID, look very closely at the flowers on your plant and compare them to closeup flowers on the net.
There are many horticultural varieties that can alter the shape of a plant. For instance, there are dwarf varieties, compact varieties, etc. Also, crepe myrtle grows very differently in different environments. In Texas, I once saw very narrow, thin ones growing up against the side of a building--almost two stories tall. In southern Maryland, I saw very large, thick, bushy ones. In Pennsylvania where it is cold, they will only grow as small bushes, low to the ground.
Pruning can also affect them. My advice about pruning though is that you should not prune plants unless it's an absolute necessity. But if the plant is crowding out other plants though, you can cut off a few of the lower branches to allow other plants room to grow.
I hope this helps! It's hard to give you an exact answer without seeing your plant!
Reply:msmissy, your comment was helpful as well. They do look similar, (from the pics I looked at), but thanks to the up close pics of the flowers, I was able to determine that it's not a lilac.
Thanks! Report It
Reply:It might be a lilac.
Does it bloom in spring or summer?
Lilacs bloom in spring and Crape myrtles bloom in summer.
The blooms on a lilac look a whole lot like a crape myrtle.
Anyway, I want to trim some of the lower branches from covering my shrubs. So, before I prune it to look like the pictures (not the whacked off ones), I was just curious as to whether or not there are any trees that could be confused with a crape myrtle. I read on one website where someone confused their dogwood for a crape myrtle, so I looked up dogwood...and it's definitely not a dogwood.
Thanks!
Are there any trees that can be confused with crape myrtles?
There *are* many plants that can be confused with Crepe myrtle, so I can't possibly identify them, but...not as many that can be confused by the flower, if you look closely. Also, crepe myrtles have distinctive bark, which can help to ID them.
Plants and trees are most reliably identified by their flowers (shape, not color), so if the flowers are identical, chances are that it is a crepe myrtle. Botanists used to identify and classify plants solely by flower structure (before genetic testing) because it is such a good indicator of a plant's identity. So--if you want a sure ID, look very closely at the flowers on your plant and compare them to closeup flowers on the net.
There are many horticultural varieties that can alter the shape of a plant. For instance, there are dwarf varieties, compact varieties, etc. Also, crepe myrtle grows very differently in different environments. In Texas, I once saw very narrow, thin ones growing up against the side of a building--almost two stories tall. In southern Maryland, I saw very large, thick, bushy ones. In Pennsylvania where it is cold, they will only grow as small bushes, low to the ground.
Pruning can also affect them. My advice about pruning though is that you should not prune plants unless it's an absolute necessity. But if the plant is crowding out other plants though, you can cut off a few of the lower branches to allow other plants room to grow.
I hope this helps! It's hard to give you an exact answer without seeing your plant!
Reply:msmissy, your comment was helpful as well. They do look similar, (from the pics I looked at), but thanks to the up close pics of the flowers, I was able to determine that it's not a lilac.
Thanks! Report It
Reply:It might be a lilac.
Does it bloom in spring or summer?
Lilacs bloom in spring and Crape myrtles bloom in summer.
The blooms on a lilac look a whole lot like a crape myrtle.
Crape myrtles?
I bought a crape myrtle-I want it to be the tree version....not bush.The people at the garden center said to just cut off the new growth at the bottom of it,but is there such thing as an crape myrtle tree??
Crape myrtles?
every year cut off the dead stems near the top and only the top. crepe myrtles love it and it sends actin (the plant growing hormone) coursing through them. this way they will only grow near the top and not the sides. I have had crepe myrtles and this is what we did. it takes forever but they are really beautiful if it is done right.
Reply:Crape Myrtle (Lagerstremia Indica)
Also known as indian lilac and jupiter tree..
Will grow to a small tree if pruned properly. Otherwise it remains a bush.
Needs plenty of sun, flowers in summer..
Reproduces from cuttings
Prune towards the end of winter...
The flower shoots will grow on the current years wood.
Reply:Sure is. They are correct. I have the tree and pruned it wrong. I wanted the bush. Prune in Feb. for best results they bloom on new wood.
Reply:Yes, I have 4 beautiful ones, just let it grow and do as the garden center said, cut off new growth at bottom.
Crape myrtles?
every year cut off the dead stems near the top and only the top. crepe myrtles love it and it sends actin (the plant growing hormone) coursing through them. this way they will only grow near the top and not the sides. I have had crepe myrtles and this is what we did. it takes forever but they are really beautiful if it is done right.
Reply:Crape Myrtle (Lagerstremia Indica)
Also known as indian lilac and jupiter tree..
Will grow to a small tree if pruned properly. Otherwise it remains a bush.
Needs plenty of sun, flowers in summer..
Reproduces from cuttings
Prune towards the end of winter...
The flower shoots will grow on the current years wood.
Reply:Sure is. They are correct. I have the tree and pruned it wrong. I wanted the bush. Prune in Feb. for best results they bloom on new wood.
Reply:Yes, I have 4 beautiful ones, just let it grow and do as the garden center said, cut off new growth at bottom.
What time of year is best to plant a Peppermint Lace Crape Myrtle?
I live in northern California, I already have one in my yard and I want to put in a new one to replace some plants that I want to take out . If possible I would like to do it this summer.
What time of year is best to plant a Peppermint Lace Crape Myrtle?
Spring or fall is the best time to plant perennials, however, you can plant a crepe myrtle now. I just planted two. Anyhow, just make sure the root ball is not root bound and water regularly for the next two weeks then you can cut back to once a week. Peppermint lace sounds pretty. I've never seen that one.
Reply:Here in Florida I usually plant plants in the Spring.
Reply:Fall is the best time to plant shrubs and trees, because it gives time for the root system to grow while the upper portion of the plant is slowing down and going dormant for the winter. I think you could still have success doing it now, as long as you took good care of it by keeping it watered. I had several of these in Texas, and they are pretty tough cookies.
flowers and gifts
What time of year is best to plant a Peppermint Lace Crape Myrtle?
Spring or fall is the best time to plant perennials, however, you can plant a crepe myrtle now. I just planted two. Anyhow, just make sure the root ball is not root bound and water regularly for the next two weeks then you can cut back to once a week. Peppermint lace sounds pretty. I've never seen that one.
Reply:Here in Florida I usually plant plants in the Spring.
Reply:Fall is the best time to plant shrubs and trees, because it gives time for the root system to grow while the upper portion of the plant is slowing down and going dormant for the winter. I think you could still have success doing it now, as long as you took good care of it by keeping it watered. I had several of these in Texas, and they are pretty tough cookies.
flowers and gifts
How to prevent branches from growing at the base of the crape myrtle tree?
I would like to know if there is any way to prevent the branches from growing at the base of the tree. I have to cut them every 2 months. Is there anything I can do or put on the cut branches to prevent them from growing?? Any help will be greatly appreciate.
How to prevent branches from growing at the base of the crape myrtle tree?
Your problem is that you are cutting them. When you cut them the buds around the cut site them sprout. Better to pull them of carefully at the trunk. You may still have to do this for some time but you will eventually beat it.
Be careful when you use 'whipper snipers' and lawnmowers around the base of the tree they may be damaging the bark and encouraging this as well. Also if the tree is not doing so well the under graft may be trying to grow to compensate they are usually tougher than the actual top. If the tree is not doing well fertilize and water well regularly to help correct the problem.
Reply:There's not a lot you can do about them except to cut them. The upside - if you want your trunk thicker on the bottom let them grow every year for a couple of years. It will make the trunk twice as thick.
Reply:You cant prevent it. you just have to snip them off.
Reply:those are growing from the graft,,,,don't put chemical's on them,,you'll kill the tree.
just keep cutting them. eventually they'll stop
How to prevent branches from growing at the base of the crape myrtle tree?
Your problem is that you are cutting them. When you cut them the buds around the cut site them sprout. Better to pull them of carefully at the trunk. You may still have to do this for some time but you will eventually beat it.
Be careful when you use 'whipper snipers' and lawnmowers around the base of the tree they may be damaging the bark and encouraging this as well. Also if the tree is not doing so well the under graft may be trying to grow to compensate they are usually tougher than the actual top. If the tree is not doing well fertilize and water well regularly to help correct the problem.
Reply:There's not a lot you can do about them except to cut them. The upside - if you want your trunk thicker on the bottom let them grow every year for a couple of years. It will make the trunk twice as thick.
Reply:You cant prevent it. you just have to snip them off.
Reply:those are growing from the graft,,,,don't put chemical's on them,,you'll kill the tree.
just keep cutting them. eventually they'll stop
When is the best time to cut back a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?
How much can I cut off?
When is the best time to cut back a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?
As a landscaper, I always cut them back toward the end of December, after all the leaves have shed for the year. I've never had a problem with them, in fact, the ones that I cut back do much better the next year than the ones that I don't cut back.
Aussie has a good point...You don't HAVE to cut them back at all.....do it only if you want to affect their growth pattern or size.
Reply:Crape Myrtles are not suppose to be cut back at all except for the dead wood
When is the best time to cut back a Muskogee Crape Myrtle?
As a landscaper, I always cut them back toward the end of December, after all the leaves have shed for the year. I've never had a problem with them, in fact, the ones that I cut back do much better the next year than the ones that I don't cut back.
Aussie has a good point...You don't HAVE to cut them back at all.....do it only if you want to affect their growth pattern or size.
Reply:Crape Myrtles are not suppose to be cut back at all except for the dead wood
What is the difference in tree roots and crape myrtle roots?
Essentially there is no difference between tree roots and crepe myrtle roots otrher than size. Depending on who you talk to, crepe myrtles are either "small trees" or "large shrubs". The roots are small, in keeping w/ its size. Crepe myrtles are hardy in warmer areas because the roots will travel deep and wide to find water.
What is the difference in tree roots and crape myrtle roots?
Don't know. Maybe you should Google it........lolz
Reply:***Hello. I am a Certified Master Gardener.***
Crepe myrtles are trees which can also be pruned and trained into multi-branched bushes.
Their roots are deep.
Green thumbs up to you.........
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:Crepe Myrtle roots will keep spreading and growing new little trees.
What is the difference in tree roots and crape myrtle roots?
Don't know. Maybe you should Google it........lolz
Reply:***Hello. I am a Certified Master Gardener.***
Crepe myrtles are trees which can also be pruned and trained into multi-branched bushes.
Their roots are deep.
Green thumbs up to you.........
JUDGE'S JUNGLE
Reply:Crepe Myrtle roots will keep spreading and growing new little trees.
How can I eliminate the mildew on my Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) plant and keep it from comming back ?
Ortho Sevin dust 5%
http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pi...
Ortho Sevin dust 10%
http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pi...
................POWDERY MILDEW
......................Symptoms
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheet...
I have lilac bushes and I use the 5% on them
The 5 % can be used on dogs as well for fleas.
With all insecticides, pesticides and fungusides use care and caution.
How can I eliminate the mildew on my Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) plant and keep it from comming back ?
I have that problem too. I use a 3-in-one spray that you use in a pump tank. It's a fungicide/insecticide/miticide. Just make sure you spray according to the directions. I think it's every two weeks.
Reply:try Ortho fungicide products avail. in any home impr. store.Just be sure to follow label instructions.Worked for ours!
Reply:Water only the base of the plant; around the roots.
Water only on warm days, early in the morning (so the moisture will evaporate in the warm air, throughout the day).
...and, maybe, the problem could be that you're "killing it with kindness" (watering too often).
Rubber Slippers
http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pi...
Ortho Sevin dust 10%
http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pi...
................POWDERY MILDEW
......................Symptoms
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheet...
I have lilac bushes and I use the 5% on them
The 5 % can be used on dogs as well for fleas.
With all insecticides, pesticides and fungusides use care and caution.
How can I eliminate the mildew on my Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) plant and keep it from comming back ?
I have that problem too. I use a 3-in-one spray that you use in a pump tank. It's a fungicide/insecticide/miticide. Just make sure you spray according to the directions. I think it's every two weeks.
Reply:try Ortho fungicide products avail. in any home impr. store.Just be sure to follow label instructions.Worked for ours!
Reply:Water only the base of the plant; around the roots.
Water only on warm days, early in the morning (so the moisture will evaporate in the warm air, throughout the day).
...and, maybe, the problem could be that you're "killing it with kindness" (watering too often).
Rubber Slippers
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Does anyone know where I can get crape myrtle dynamite red seed?
i will check mine tomorrow and see if they still have seed pods left from last year..i always leave the stems on the following year until the new growth is 8-12 inches tall so i dont mow them down..here in kentucky they die back to the ground but there were plenty of seed pods on it...email at ananimalloverinkentucky@yahoo.com so i dont forget to check them
if there are none save my email address and email me again in early fall and i will mail you what is on the bush...put in subject line dynamite red crape myrtle seeds then i will remember to get them
if there are none save my email address and email me again in early fall and i will mail you what is on the bush...put in subject line dynamite red crape myrtle seeds then i will remember to get them
Could someone give me advice on when to trim crape myrtle bushes.?
I live in Fremont northcarolina,and need to know when is the best time of the year to trim back crapemyrtle bushes.
Could someone give me advice on when to trim crape myrtle bushes.?
Early Spring. Every Spring, before new leaves set, is when most people top off their crepe myrtle tree to promote a bushier growth.
Good Luck
Reply:Any time before new leaves begin to sprout.
Reply:Early spring to reduce size and promote branching.
Pruning after flowering will increase next season's bloom.
Could someone give me advice on when to trim crape myrtle bushes.?
Early Spring. Every Spring, before new leaves set, is when most people top off their crepe myrtle tree to promote a bushier growth.
Good Luck
Reply:Any time before new leaves begin to sprout.
Reply:Early spring to reduce size and promote branching.
Pruning after flowering will increase next season's bloom.
Is it possible to grow new crape myrtle plants from cuttings? If so, how?
In the late fall, when you prune your crapes, take the stems below the old blooms, and cut them in 6 inch pieces. Score the stem bases, (nodes pionting upward). Take four or five of these and wrap a rubber band around them. Then place them in a sawdust bed. Be sure to keep them moist. By spring, they should begin to sprout leaves. Or, you can take a small branch and put it in soil. They are fairly easy to propagate.
Is it possible to grow new crape myrtle plants from cuttings? If so, how?
I think you root them in sand with root hormones, I cut two down last year and all kinds of little ones came up and I dug them up and transplanted them...Good luck
Is it possible to grow new crape myrtle plants from cuttings? If so, how?
I think you root them in sand with root hormones, I cut two down last year and all kinds of little ones came up and I dug them up and transplanted them...Good luck
How do I keep crape myrtle from wilting?
I asked the same question a few weeks ago and got the answer to water it a lot. Mine were losing their leaves and didn't look too happy. I live in a new subdivision and just planted them in June. I gave them Miracle Gro and started watering them more. We live in North Texas and it has gotten over 100 degrees every day for the last couple of months. I have feeding tubes down to the roots so I run the water into those till they fill up and then run it all around them too. I water them daily or every other day for 20 minutes or so. We are having the worst drought in history here. Crapes like the heat though, they just need lots of water when it is this hot.
How do I keep crape myrtle from wilting?
I found this on the web...
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/...
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t...
get well flowers
How do I keep crape myrtle from wilting?
I found this on the web...
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/...
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t...
get well flowers
How to Propagate crape myrtle?
Cut about 6" off the tip of a branch, dip it in a rooting hormone and either put it in a vase of water until roots appear or stick the stems directly in the ground. If you go with the ground approach, then I suggest planting 6 stems in one spot. Odds are that at least 1/2 of them will take and crape myrtles are prettier with 3 to 4 main trunks. Good Luck!
How to Propagate crape myrtle?
from seed pods that are left on the shrub during the winter time. this will be more effective and probably more productive then the method described above! it's just too time consuming to take that approach! good luck
How to Propagate crape myrtle?
from seed pods that are left on the shrub during the winter time. this will be more effective and probably more productive then the method described above! it's just too time consuming to take that approach! good luck
Question about new crape myrtle trees?
I just planted (2) and want them to grow into privacy trees over a wooden fence in my back yard. They both have two trunks each and I tied the trunks together with string to get them to grow together. Is this a good idea or do I need to remove the strings and let the two trunks grow naturally? I really want them to bush out on the top and fill in some space. Thanks for any information.
Question about new crape myrtle trees?
They should not rub togeterhas this could injure the tree and be an entry way to disease. I would recomend untieing them. This will also alow the trees to grow naturally with there nice spread ing pattern as the trunks get heavy with seed after the blooming period. Two trunks will get fairly large if you prune all ground suckers. These are easy to grow and do well in most warm climates.
What kind of Crepe did you get, Bashams party pink and Natchez grow quickly and fill out nicely. Other varieties would also work well. I like the smaller 10-12' red varieties for my hedges. While I use Pinks and whites as feature/shade trees.
Reply:Untie the trunks. They will not grow "together". Let them go!!!
Fertilize with Miracle Grow and "do not" trim them back in the early spring. I have three that range in size from 20ft to 35 ft high. They are too high to trim back. Great for shading the house.
Question about new crape myrtle trees?
They should not rub togeterhas this could injure the tree and be an entry way to disease. I would recomend untieing them. This will also alow the trees to grow naturally with there nice spread ing pattern as the trunks get heavy with seed after the blooming period. Two trunks will get fairly large if you prune all ground suckers. These are easy to grow and do well in most warm climates.
What kind of Crepe did you get, Bashams party pink and Natchez grow quickly and fill out nicely. Other varieties would also work well. I like the smaller 10-12' red varieties for my hedges. While I use Pinks and whites as feature/shade trees.
Reply:Untie the trunks. They will not grow "together". Let them go!!!
Fertilize with Miracle Grow and "do not" trim them back in the early spring. I have three that range in size from 20ft to 35 ft high. They are too high to trim back. Great for shading the house.
I have a 4 year old crape myrtle that hasn't bloomed since the year i bought it. Anyone able to help?
Are you sure it is in the sun light enough to bloom .Crepe myrtles require lots of sunshine to bloom well. It could need fertilizer or water also. I have three yr old crepe myrtles and they are full of blooms + are 12-15 ft. tall. I use osmocote fertilizer around the base of the trees about once or twice in the spring and they are blooming beautifully. Did you cut them back while they were dormant? Crepe myrtles bloom on new wood so I cut mine back to the ht. I want them to come out from. Many people do not like to cut back crepe myrtles , but I find they will grow so large and the tips that bloom will be up so high that you can't enjoy them --reason for cutting back. They will make an enormous tree if left un -pruned. Try sun shine- fertilizer-- water- and if all this fails-- get a soil sample to see if the nutrients are not well for crepe Myrtles, but most will grow in any kind of soil. They are really hardy trees- If you have a garden that may have been poisoned for insects near by your crepe myrtle--it may be causing it not to bloom--They need to be pollinated by bees and sometimes garden poisons will kill the bees that pollinate the flowers.
I have a 4 year old crape myrtle that hasn't bloomed since the year i bought it. Anyone able to help?
Feed it and use a root stimulator as well.
Miracl Gro makes both. It is about time for them to be blooming so a good boost will help. I have Miracle Gro "Quick Start" and that will work great. dd.
It really does work, honest.
Reply:Definately full sun at least 5 hours in the afternoon..be sure to cut all feeders off of crepe..these little stems at the bottom of the plant..prune the inside and the branches very well..it will promote growth outward to the blooms.
Reply:I am not able to help. We've lived here three summers now. The first year they were beautiful. Then, last year, nothing. Same thing this year. Our's are wild and were here long before the house was. Maybe pruning? See if you can find a site for Neal Sperry. He's a great expert on plants. Good luck.
Reply:is it in shade or partial shade? i had 2 in my front yard by my front door and they didint bloom and also got powdery mildew ... they like full sun... hope this helps
Reply:dude put chickin crap on it and water the hell out of it.
Reply:Well put in the shade more I planted tomatoes in the hottest part of my yard and they never grew so I moved them inside and put them by the window and now they are as big as my arm.You can move oyur to the shady part of you yard.
I have a 4 year old crape myrtle that hasn't bloomed since the year i bought it. Anyone able to help?
Feed it and use a root stimulator as well.
Miracl Gro makes both. It is about time for them to be blooming so a good boost will help. I have Miracle Gro "Quick Start" and that will work great. dd.
It really does work, honest.
Reply:Definately full sun at least 5 hours in the afternoon..be sure to cut all feeders off of crepe..these little stems at the bottom of the plant..prune the inside and the branches very well..it will promote growth outward to the blooms.
Reply:I am not able to help. We've lived here three summers now. The first year they were beautiful. Then, last year, nothing. Same thing this year. Our's are wild and were here long before the house was. Maybe pruning? See if you can find a site for Neal Sperry. He's a great expert on plants. Good luck.
Reply:is it in shade or partial shade? i had 2 in my front yard by my front door and they didint bloom and also got powdery mildew ... they like full sun... hope this helps
Reply:dude put chickin crap on it and water the hell out of it.
Reply:Well put in the shade more I planted tomatoes in the hottest part of my yard and they never grew so I moved them inside and put them by the window and now they are as big as my arm.You can move oyur to the shady part of you yard.
Southern California (zone 8) backyard - crape myrtle or jacaranda?
I want a backyard tree that flowers and can provide shade to small backyard. I do not want to buy a patio cover and block entire sky view.. Prefer white or purple. (Spanish style (red tile roof) home, cobble pavers backyard with grass. needs to handle Santa Ana winds. I was thinking either cm or jac, but my gardening education is limited as I am a new gardner, new mother and new homeowner with no/little research time. Suggestions welcome.
Southern California (zone 8) backyard - crape myrtle or jacaranda?
Go with the crepe myrtle:doesn't grow to the size of a Jacaranda,doesn't make as much mess,and will not disturb any paving.Jacarandas can grow to an enormous size and can take 5-10 years to flower if not grafted species.Both are semi-deciduous with the mottled bark of the crepe myrtle a good sight,can be lightly pruned unlike the Jacaranda which will shoot all over the place,including suckers.For your situation I would strongly recommend the myrtle..check out the varieties eg colours at your local nursery.Good Luck.
Reply:tipu juanna brazilian umbrella tree
Reply:A crape myrtle is definitely better for you. Jacarandas are prettier (I think) but they are a pain in the butt. They are very messy. It's not just the leaves and flowers, they produce this stick sap that mists from the trees when they are in bloom. Eveything nearby will be covered in it. I also think the jacs would not do as well in zone 8 (the do great in LA and it's like zone 12-14 I think). More beautiful than the myrtles are bougainvillea. A classic plant for a spanish style home in CA. It handles drought and dry winds very well. That is the plant you typically see across LA. It comes in many colors: purple, pink, rose, white, and yellow-orange.
Reply:Jacaranda
From:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantnam...
"Open, oval-headed deciduous tree. Airy fern-like foliage usually drops in December. Lavender blue flowers, in 8 to 12 inch long clusters, appearing throughout the summer. Young plants sensitive to temperatures below 25 degrees F. Prefers sandy soils. Ocean winds tend to inhibit flowering."
Plant Care from:
http://www.worldplants.com/plantcare.htm
"Jacaranda Outdoors where hardy, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter."
``````````````````````````````````````...
Crape Myrtle:
http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/azd...
Southern California (zone 8) backyard - crape myrtle or jacaranda?
Go with the crepe myrtle:doesn't grow to the size of a Jacaranda,doesn't make as much mess,and will not disturb any paving.Jacarandas can grow to an enormous size and can take 5-10 years to flower if not grafted species.Both are semi-deciduous with the mottled bark of the crepe myrtle a good sight,can be lightly pruned unlike the Jacaranda which will shoot all over the place,including suckers.For your situation I would strongly recommend the myrtle..check out the varieties eg colours at your local nursery.Good Luck.
Reply:tipu juanna brazilian umbrella tree
Reply:A crape myrtle is definitely better for you. Jacarandas are prettier (I think) but they are a pain in the butt. They are very messy. It's not just the leaves and flowers, they produce this stick sap that mists from the trees when they are in bloom. Eveything nearby will be covered in it. I also think the jacs would not do as well in zone 8 (the do great in LA and it's like zone 12-14 I think). More beautiful than the myrtles are bougainvillea. A classic plant for a spanish style home in CA. It handles drought and dry winds very well. That is the plant you typically see across LA. It comes in many colors: purple, pink, rose, white, and yellow-orange.
Reply:Jacaranda
From:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantnam...
"Open, oval-headed deciduous tree. Airy fern-like foliage usually drops in December. Lavender blue flowers, in 8 to 12 inch long clusters, appearing throughout the summer. Young plants sensitive to temperatures below 25 degrees F. Prefers sandy soils. Ocean winds tend to inhibit flowering."
Plant Care from:
http://www.worldplants.com/plantcare.htm
"Jacaranda Outdoors where hardy, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter."
``````````````````````````````````````...
Crape Myrtle:
http://ag.arizona.edu/gardening/news/azd...
Last summer I planted a crape Myrtle. It has one trunk. I want multiple?
How do I promt multiple trunks? Cara
Last summer I planted a crape Myrtle. It has one trunk. I want multiple?
I would do nothing, short of watering it and providing general care. The crepe myrtle will, over time, generate additional babies with several shoots to them. I have so many now, I give away small plantings every spring.
Reply:Davesgarden.com gives good info.Apparently the crape myrtle does not like to be pruned.
Reply:As it grows it will develop into a beautiful multiple stemmed tree on its own accord. If you cut it, particularly down low you will just end up with a multistemmed shrub. This used to happen in the 1950/60s. We call them granny trees in our family, old people used to cut them down to where they could reach easily from the ground so they were tidy or for more flowers (a fallacy). They just ended up with an ugly gnarled shrub. How sad.
Reply:Cut it off about 12--18 inches high. Thin the sprouts that emerge for the number of trunks you wish to have, choosing a well separated arrangement. You probably will have to manage extra emerging shoots for a year or two.
Last summer I planted a crape Myrtle. It has one trunk. I want multiple?
I would do nothing, short of watering it and providing general care. The crepe myrtle will, over time, generate additional babies with several shoots to them. I have so many now, I give away small plantings every spring.
Reply:Davesgarden.com gives good info.Apparently the crape myrtle does not like to be pruned.
Reply:As it grows it will develop into a beautiful multiple stemmed tree on its own accord. If you cut it, particularly down low you will just end up with a multistemmed shrub. This used to happen in the 1950/60s. We call them granny trees in our family, old people used to cut them down to where they could reach easily from the ground so they were tidy or for more flowers (a fallacy). They just ended up with an ugly gnarled shrub. How sad.
Reply:Cut it off about 12--18 inches high. Thin the sprouts that emerge for the number of trunks you wish to have, choosing a well separated arrangement. You probably will have to manage extra emerging shoots for a year or two.
Are purple crape myrtle white when they are young?
Nope.
Yours probably just got mixed up at the nursery--get a refund. Next time you buy, get one with flowers blooming on it. Now is a good time to buy.
Are purple crape myrtle white when they are young?
No, I don't think so. I've got both purple and white at my house. I think if yours are white now, they'll always be white. Best of luck to you........
Reply:No, sounds like you got one that was labeled wrong.
Reply:No. The purple ones I've had all bloomed in purple.
beaded necklace
Yours probably just got mixed up at the nursery--get a refund. Next time you buy, get one with flowers blooming on it. Now is a good time to buy.
Are purple crape myrtle white when they are young?
No, I don't think so. I've got both purple and white at my house. I think if yours are white now, they'll always be white. Best of luck to you........
Reply:No, sounds like you got one that was labeled wrong.
Reply:No. The purple ones I've had all bloomed in purple.
beaded necklace
The crape myrtle is native to where?
The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.), native to SE Asia, is a widely popular woody ornamental flowering shrub/small tree throughout southeastern US landscapes. The wide assortment of inflorescence colors, forms and sizes, coupled with a rather long flowering period (up to 120 days), plus a commonly found exfoliating bark, have given rise to the popularity of this genus. Breeding programs in USA and Europe have generated, in the last three decades, a wide range of plant sizes (from miniature 30 cm shrubs to +10 m tall trees), growth habits (broad, upright, weeping, etc..), cold hardiness (Zones 6-10), disease resistance (powdery mildew) and a wide range of bark characteristics, flower color and foliage fall colorations. Likely unknown to gardeners and horticulturists are the commercial timber and medicinal uses of some of the approximately eighty (80) species found in the Lagerstroemia genus.
The crape myrtle is native to where?
Its' origin is China
The crape myrtle is native to where?
Its' origin is China
My crape myrtle has aphids. What will get rid of them?
Are insecticides the answer? Which brand/type will work best? How/when do I apply?
My crape myrtle has aphids. What will get rid of them?
All the streams of water ,soapy or not, plus Lady Bugs in the dusky part of the day people are absolutely correct!
I keep 4 retail stores and one commercial growing range clean that way There also beneficial wasps, no bigger than tiny brown ants with wings that lay their eggs in Aphids. One aphid dies, one aphid hunting wasp is born!
Go on line and type in I.P.M. or Beneficial insects and watch all the great sites that pop up! Bugsie
Reply:Try using the water out of your washing machine after you have done a load of washing. Use the water with the washing powder still in it so its soapy water not the rinsing water. This is how I was told to get rid of aphids.
Reply:Lady Bugs eat aphids. Get some lady bugs and put them on the plant.
Reply:sevin dust its in a shaker and at depot also try a spray around the area with malathion or diazanon and run it right up the plant from the edge of the beds and do it again in a week so you kill the next generation and then dust a couple times a month
Reply:"Garden Safe" insecticidal Soap Insect Killer
If you are near Home Depot they carry it.
If it is real bad do this:
order some live ladybugs on line
wait till late evening
water your garden
release the ladybugs
in the morning they will come out hungry, thirsty and ready to devour your aphids.
release only at evening during the day they will just fly away
its extremely effective
Reply:flame thrower
Reply:I would rinse them off with a hard spray of water first, then go for the ladybugs.
Reply:Lady bugs. Go to Home Depot, and get a bag of them, and then release them in your plants. They are all natural, and the aphids will disappear. And they bring good luck. How cool is that,.
Reply:Dont buy anything, mix a little dish washing liquid and add some water to a spray bottle and spray both sides of the leaves. This will kill them over night,and it wont hurt your plant.
My crape myrtle has aphids. What will get rid of them?
All the streams of water ,soapy or not, plus Lady Bugs in the dusky part of the day people are absolutely correct!
I keep 4 retail stores and one commercial growing range clean that way There also beneficial wasps, no bigger than tiny brown ants with wings that lay their eggs in Aphids. One aphid dies, one aphid hunting wasp is born!
Go on line and type in I.P.M. or Beneficial insects and watch all the great sites that pop up! Bugsie
Reply:Try using the water out of your washing machine after you have done a load of washing. Use the water with the washing powder still in it so its soapy water not the rinsing water. This is how I was told to get rid of aphids.
Reply:Lady Bugs eat aphids. Get some lady bugs and put them on the plant.
Reply:sevin dust its in a shaker and at depot also try a spray around the area with malathion or diazanon and run it right up the plant from the edge of the beds and do it again in a week so you kill the next generation and then dust a couple times a month
Reply:"Garden Safe" insecticidal Soap Insect Killer
If you are near Home Depot they carry it.
If it is real bad do this:
order some live ladybugs on line
wait till late evening
water your garden
release the ladybugs
in the morning they will come out hungry, thirsty and ready to devour your aphids.
release only at evening during the day they will just fly away
its extremely effective
Reply:flame thrower
Reply:I would rinse them off with a hard spray of water first, then go for the ladybugs.
Reply:Lady bugs. Go to Home Depot, and get a bag of them, and then release them in your plants. They are all natural, and the aphids will disappear. And they bring good luck. How cool is that,.
Reply:Dont buy anything, mix a little dish washing liquid and add some water to a spray bottle and spray both sides of the leaves. This will kill them over night,and it wont hurt your plant.
I planted 2 crape myrtle last year. this spring I cut them down to promote multi stems?
Today I checked and one looks like a dog has nold on it and it is split in three. My question is will it survive?
I planted 2 crape myrtle last year. this spring I cut them down to promote multi stems?
If you chop down a crepe myrtle tree you end up with a crepe myrtle bush. To get a multi trunked tree you have to prune it into the desired shape, usually with 3 to 4 main trunks.
Do you mean the dog has gnawed on it? (I'm not familiar with the word "nold".) That probably won't kill it but it might leave you with wonky looking branches. You won't have a tree if you chopped it all the way down, but if you just chopped off the branches down low you should have a "tree-ish" sort of structure.
I planted 2 crape myrtle last year. this spring I cut them down to promote multi stems?
If you chop down a crepe myrtle tree you end up with a crepe myrtle bush. To get a multi trunked tree you have to prune it into the desired shape, usually with 3 to 4 main trunks.
Do you mean the dog has gnawed on it? (I'm not familiar with the word "nold".) That probably won't kill it but it might leave you with wonky looking branches. You won't have a tree if you chopped it all the way down, but if you just chopped off the branches down low you should have a "tree-ish" sort of structure.
What is a crape myrtle? Is it a tree or a bush?
We just planted 14 of these in our yard about 1.5 feet apart and I am not sure what the growth rate is or if they canbe used as a hedge which is what I was trying to do? Can someone help me?
What is a crape myrtle? Is it a tree or a bush?
Mine are have grown above my roof line~
Wikipedia says it is a large shrub~Apparently, if you severly prune them (what is known as Crape Murder in the South) they will remain smaller.
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia species) is a handsome, summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub (Clemson University)~
Heights range from dwarf to semi-dwarf, medium and tall, depending on the cultivar. The height range is from 10 to 30 feet, and width range is 15 to 25 feet. Old specimens can reach 40 feet at maturity.
Reply:It depends on how you prune them.
We had some crepe myrtles in front of our house that grew to be about 30 feet tall. They spread their roots and grow multiple trunks so they are more bushlike. They should be pruned every year to promote flowering and you can affect the shape (tall and thin and tree like or shorter and more bush like) by prunning. We pruned our 30 foot tree-like crepe myrtles down to 4 foot tall series of dead-looking trunks that were 1 to 4 inches in diameter.
They spouted leaves and blossomed nicely the next year.
Reply:go ahead and dig em back up... even if they are a dwarf form they need to be at least 3 feet apart... their roots will choke each other out along with visual chaos... you need to find out what type they are (whether they are dwarf or not)... that said ...they are definatly considered a shrub in the horticulture world though they can grow tall like trees and can be grown in tree form... they do not make a good hedge... not many deciduous plants do... they only flower on new wood so every winter you need to prune the old blooms off to have the most possible flowers.... once again...crepe myrtle...not a hedge... go with ligustrums, lorepetalums, boxwoods, hollies, or pyracantha if you want a hedge...
Reply:Crepe myrtle may start as a bush but it will grow to be more like a tree. VERY difficult to get rid of if you change your mind. If you cut them down it makes the ample root system grow faster and further before it grow right back, thus making it even harder to get rid of.
Reply:I have heard a crape myrtle referred to as a tree. I have also seen them pruned to grow like a tree. However, I do not think they are very pretty that way, and they do not bloom very well.
By nature, your crape myrtles will grow like a bush. They will get very tall (9-10 ft.), but it will take quite a few years for them to get that big. If you do not prune them at all, they might be that tall in 5-6 years, as long as you fertilize them. However, if you are planting them for privacy, I think you want to prune them back the first couple of years. This will promote a more dense growth.
Eventually, the crape myrtles will make a beautiful barrier in the summer. They are not evergreen, though, so you will have little privacy in the winter.
Reply:they are a tree....... move them apart
domain name registration
What is a crape myrtle? Is it a tree or a bush?
Mine are have grown above my roof line~
Wikipedia says it is a large shrub~Apparently, if you severly prune them (what is known as Crape Murder in the South) they will remain smaller.
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia species) is a handsome, summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub (Clemson University)~
Heights range from dwarf to semi-dwarf, medium and tall, depending on the cultivar. The height range is from 10 to 30 feet, and width range is 15 to 25 feet. Old specimens can reach 40 feet at maturity.
Reply:It depends on how you prune them.
We had some crepe myrtles in front of our house that grew to be about 30 feet tall. They spread their roots and grow multiple trunks so they are more bushlike. They should be pruned every year to promote flowering and you can affect the shape (tall and thin and tree like or shorter and more bush like) by prunning. We pruned our 30 foot tree-like crepe myrtles down to 4 foot tall series of dead-looking trunks that were 1 to 4 inches in diameter.
They spouted leaves and blossomed nicely the next year.
Reply:go ahead and dig em back up... even if they are a dwarf form they need to be at least 3 feet apart... their roots will choke each other out along with visual chaos... you need to find out what type they are (whether they are dwarf or not)... that said ...they are definatly considered a shrub in the horticulture world though they can grow tall like trees and can be grown in tree form... they do not make a good hedge... not many deciduous plants do... they only flower on new wood so every winter you need to prune the old blooms off to have the most possible flowers.... once again...crepe myrtle...not a hedge... go with ligustrums, lorepetalums, boxwoods, hollies, or pyracantha if you want a hedge...
Reply:Crepe myrtle may start as a bush but it will grow to be more like a tree. VERY difficult to get rid of if you change your mind. If you cut them down it makes the ample root system grow faster and further before it grow right back, thus making it even harder to get rid of.
Reply:I have heard a crape myrtle referred to as a tree. I have also seen them pruned to grow like a tree. However, I do not think they are very pretty that way, and they do not bloom very well.
By nature, your crape myrtles will grow like a bush. They will get very tall (9-10 ft.), but it will take quite a few years for them to get that big. If you do not prune them at all, they might be that tall in 5-6 years, as long as you fertilize them. However, if you are planting them for privacy, I think you want to prune them back the first couple of years. This will promote a more dense growth.
Eventually, the crape myrtles will make a beautiful barrier in the summer. They are not evergreen, though, so you will have little privacy in the winter.
Reply:they are a tree....... move them apart
domain name registration
Will a crape myrtle tree grow very well in northwest west virginia?
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle is a large deciduous shrub or small tree. They range in color from white to red or lavender, depending on the variety. The small crinkled flowers appear in clusters up to 12" long. Crape Myrtles are a fast growing plant which may reach a height of 20' or more. Its trunks and branches are covered with smooth gray brown bark that flakes off to reveal pinkish new bark beneath. The leaves, 1-2 1/2" long are bronze when they unfold, becoming deep green as they mature. They turn yellow orange in autumn before falling. Crape Myrtle is hardy in Zones 7-10. They require full sun and a moist, well drained soil that is supplemented with peat moss or compost.
West Virginia is mostly zone 5-6.
It doesn't mean you can't it just means those are the zones it grows best in.
Will a crape myrtle tree grow very well in northwest west virginia?
Softer soil, softer winds...I'm sure you'll be fine.
But it's not really a native tree. Have you thought about similar looking native trees?
Crape Myrtle is a large deciduous shrub or small tree. They range in color from white to red or lavender, depending on the variety. The small crinkled flowers appear in clusters up to 12" long. Crape Myrtles are a fast growing plant which may reach a height of 20' or more. Its trunks and branches are covered with smooth gray brown bark that flakes off to reveal pinkish new bark beneath. The leaves, 1-2 1/2" long are bronze when they unfold, becoming deep green as they mature. They turn yellow orange in autumn before falling. Crape Myrtle is hardy in Zones 7-10. They require full sun and a moist, well drained soil that is supplemented with peat moss or compost.
West Virginia is mostly zone 5-6.
It doesn't mean you can't it just means those are the zones it grows best in.
Will a crape myrtle tree grow very well in northwest west virginia?
Softer soil, softer winds...I'm sure you'll be fine.
But it's not really a native tree. Have you thought about similar looking native trees?
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