Dwarf Crape Myrtle

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Dwarf crape myrtle

Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.

How much sun does a dwarf crape myrtle need?

Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. With less sunlight, blooms will not be as prolific and their colors may be diminished. These plants are not demanding about the pH of their soil, though neutral or slightly acidic soils are best.

Can you keep crepe myrtle small?

If you need to prune your crapemyrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crapemyrtle is the correct method. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter. While the plant is young, it is acceptable to prune the top of the branches. When it gets older, this is unacceptable.

Do dwarf crepe myrtles have invasive roots?

Do Crepe Myrtles Have Invasive Roots? Crepe myrtle roots are shallow and active, but they are not invasive. The roots are unlikely to cause problems for concrete or bother sidewalks or driveways.

Where should you not plant a crape myrtle?

Don't plant Crape Myrtles in shade. Crape Myrtles perform their best in 6+ hours of blistering full sun per day. Even light shade at various times during the day will greatly reduce flowering, cause the tree to appear thin, and force it to reach for the sun, creating a leggy look.

How close to the house can you plant a dwarf crepe myrtle?

Plant Dwarf crape myrtles a minimum of 3ft from a structure (house, etc).

What is the best time of year to plant crape myrtle?

Although you can plant them at almost any time, the ideal time to plant a new crape myrtle is in early spring. You should ensure the last freeze has passed before planting and provide ample time for your new tree to mature before winter.

What is the best month to plant crepe myrtles?

Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. But a lot of folks buy and plant their crepe myrtle in summer because they select it while it is blooming. That works too, but watering well during the summer months is crucial to transitioning it into your garden.

How far from fence should I plant crepe myrtle?

Setting Out Your Planting If you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.

Can a crepe myrtle be planted next to a house?

Crape myrtle and yaupon roots probably would never get large enough to lift a foundation. They could, however, possibly damage a thinner layer of concrete such as a sidewalk, were they planted only a couple of feet away.

Should I prune dwarf crepe myrtle?

If your dwarf crepe myrtle tree has become dense, we recommend pruning it during late winter or early spring. This allows the new leaves to emerge seamlessly. Alternatively, you can conduct deadheading – the process of removing faded flowers.

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?

You can grow a crepe myrtle in two ways: bush and tree. The primary difference lies in their dimension. The bush remains below 11 feet in height, whereas the tree can reach 20 to 30 feet at maturity. Another important aspect is the number of stems or trunks.

Are crape myrtles poisonous to dogs?

Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.

What happens if you dont prune crepe myrtles?

It should also be noted that some types of crape myrtles, if left unpruned, can be expected to produce the most flowers. As the degree of pruning increases, the number of flowers tends to decrease. However, the flower clusters in pruned crape myrtles tend to be larger than those from unpruned plants.

Should you cut back crepe myrtles every year?

Pruning to Maintain Size If you have a large crepe myrtle tree growing in a position that doesn't accommodate its size, then you'll need to undertake annual pruning to keep it at a manageable size. The best practice to ensure good shape and health is to remove all of the tips of the tree.

What is the lifespan of a crape myrtle?

Lifespan – When planted in full sun and fertile soil, Crepe Myrtles can live well beyond 50 years. In fact, dotted along the southeastern landscape, it is common to come across specimens over 100 years old.

What pairs well with crepe myrtle trees?

Compliment Your Crepe Myrtles

OUR FAVORITE SUMMER PERENNIALS.
Perennial Hibiscus. Perennial Hibiscus plants provide dramatic, tropical blooms all summer long.
Gallardia. Gaillardia Moxie. ...
Agastache. ...
Lantana. ...
Coreopsis. ...
Coneflowers. ...
Daylilies.

Are crepe myrtles messy trees?

But crepe myrtles are messy trees. What is up must come down, and those blooms will end up all over your driveway and whatever is parked on it for many weeks. Forget keeping it clean.

Should you cover a crepe myrtle in winter?

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.

How long does it take dwarf crepe myrtle to bloom?

Your crepe myrtle may not be blooming if it is only a young tree – it can take 3-5 years for a tree to become established enough to flower. This may sound like a long time, but bear in mind that the trees take 5-10 years to mature, and 20-50 years to reach their ultimate size.