Often asked: When Should A Crepe Myrtle Be Repotted?
The best possible time to start moving crepe myrtle is when the tree is dormant. That period runs from the time the tree loses its leaves to spring leaf break. Late winter is usually cited as the best time for crepe myrtle transplanting.
How do you repot a crepe myrtle?
Potted indica crepe myrtle
- Choose a good-sized pot to avoid having to repot too soon.
- Verify that the bottom of the pot has a hole in it.
- Along the bottom of the pot, spread a drainage layer of clay pebbles or gravel about an inch (a couple centimeters) thick.
- Use flower shrub or rose tree soil mix.
Do crape myrtles do well in pots?
Crape Myrtle trees grow well in pots or planter boxes and they will live for many years in a large pot. Make sure the container you choose has drainage holes, this is vital. Make sure your container is large enough for there to be soil beneath and around the root-ball.
What month should crepe myrtles be cut back?
Crape myrtles should be pruned during the winter. Many people prune in late winter, from late February into early March. The important thing to remember is to prune crape myrtles right before new growth begins in the spring. A crape myrtle’s flower buds are produced on new growth.
What happens if you don’t trim crepe myrtles?
Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it’s done, it ruins the tree’s graceful natural shape for the rest of its life.
How do you transplant a potted crepe myrtle to the ground?
Fill the hole one-half full with displaced soil, breaking up any large clumps before they enter the hole. Tamp the loose soil down firmly around the root ball. Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain away, allowing the soil to further settle. Fill the remainder of the hole with displaced soil.
Can crepe myrtle grow indoors?
Crape myrtles aren’t suited for growing as houseplants, because they need a period of winter dormancy as part of their growth and blooming cycle. Bringing them indoors to a year-round warm environment won’t change that cycle, it’ll just make them suffer.
How do you overwinter a crepe myrtle?
It is advisable to wrap young (1 year or less) and small Crepe Myrtle trees. Wrap burlap around the branches and then add an insulating filler such as leaves or straw to provide additional protection. Use bush jackets for dwarf plants. Bush jackets are reusable insulating covers that cover the plant.
Can crepe myrtles be kept small?
Gardeners and growers both saw the need for smaller, more compact crepe myrtles that didn’t need annual pruning. Growers created new selections of semi-dwarf ( 12 feet tall or less at maturity ) and dwarf (less than 4 feet tall at maturity) types that bloomed well, resisted disease, and were hardy.
What kind of soil do crepe myrtles like?
Crape myrtle tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay. They prefer a well- drained but moist soil. Crape Myrtle grow best in an acid to slightly acid soil ranging from 5.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Should you trim crepe myrtles every year?
Growing Conditions Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching. In the winter, you can remove old seedpods by clipping the tips of branches.
Can I transplant crepe myrtle in summer?
Transplant in Spring or Fall Because it’s a deciduous plant, the crepe myrtle becomes dormant each fall when it drops it leaves in preparation for cold weather. It’s best to avoid transplanting in summer, because warm weather puts extra stress on the plant while it’s trying to recover from transplanting.
Why are my crepe myrtles not blooming?
Crepe myrtle not blooming due to lack of sun The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. If you have a crepe myrtle not blooming, it may be planted in a bad place that lacks sunshine. Take a look around and see if something is blocking the sun from the tree.
What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtles?
Crape myrtles require large amounts of nitrogen to foster growth and produce the greatest number of flowers. The University of Georgia Extension suggests choosing an all-purpose garden fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 formulation. A 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 formulation is also acceptable if applied at a lesser rate.
How do you care for a crape myrtle?
How to Care for Crape Myrtle
- Find Full Sunlight. Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive.
- Use Suitable Soil.
- Fertilize Lightly.
- Treat Fungus Before It Starts.
- Prune Sparingly in Winter or Early Spring.
- Expose the Trunk for More Beauty.
- Deadhead for Even More Flowers.
How do you keep crepe myrtles blooming?
Crape myrtles require eight hours of direct sun daily to bloom well. Crape myrtles planted in areas that receive less than six hours of direct sun do not get enough sunlight for adequate bloom development. – Variety. Some varieties don’t flower as vigorously as others.