Are there different varieties of crepe myrtle trees?
Crape Myrtle Varieties
The plants come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, from statuesque trees 30 or more feet tall, to low-growing mass-groundcovers that stay under 3 or 4 feet. Different varieties can be naturally rounded or upright and vase-shaped, and are easily pruned to accentuate either.
What is the most popular crepe myrtle tree?
Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.
Are there different colors of crepe myrtle trees?
Crepe myrtle colors range from pink to deep red, to white or light purple.
How do I know what type of crepe myrtle I have?
Leaves: Crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative. They have dark green leaves, with a red fringe upon opening. In the fall the leaves turn red, yellow, or orange. Leaf type is simple, shape is oval and venation is pinnate.
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.
Which crape myrtle has the most blooms?
If you are looking for the longest bloom time look to the lavender purple Muskogee or the white Natchez. You will enjoy flowers for months! The Muskogee is also one the few Crape Myrtles that is recommended into a zone 11. Howdy, hot states, this is the tree for you!
What is the most disease resistant crepe myrtle?
Small Trees
A hardy, disease-resistant small tree variety of crape myrtle is the Commanche, which produces coral pink flowers and has light brown bark.
Which crepe myrtle blooms longest?
lavender purple Muskogee
If you are looking for the longest bloom time look to the lavender purple Muskogee or the white Natchez. You will enjoy flowers for months! The Muskogee is also one the few Crape Myrtles that is recommended into a zone 11. Howdy, hot states, this is the tree for you!
What is the difference between crepe myrtle and crape myrtle?
Facts: Lagerstroemia
Common: Crape Myrtle or Crepe Myrtle. The traditional Southern spelling is “Crepe” Myrtle because the delicate flowers resemble crepe paper. Characteristics: Crape myrtles are small trees or shrubs with multi-season interest.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Unfortunately you must cut the tree completely to the ground, and don’t be surprised when it grows back VERY quickly. The next winter, select three to five well-spaced trunks, and cut off any others at ground level.
Where is the best place to plant crepe myrtles?
Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it’s fine.
What is the longest blooming crape myrtle?
Which crepe myrtle has prettiest bark?
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Natchez Crape Myrtle
This variety is also notable for its spectacular bark color in cinnamon brown, an unusual shade for Crape Myrtles and showy all year round.
Are crepe myrtle roots invasive?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. But are crepe myrtle roots invasive enough to cause problems? You don’t have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
Do you cut back crepe myrtle bushes?
First of all, pruning crapemyrtles is optional; if the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, let it grow! If you need to prune your crapemyrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crapemyrtle is the correct method.
What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won’t grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you’ll encourage way more blooms to appear.
What month should crepe myrtles be cut back?
February
February is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable.
What is the best month to plant crepe myrtles?
spring
Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. First, learn some information about the lifespan and growth of your tree. Crepe myrtles range in size from dwarf selections (less than three feet tall) to some that can reach as tall as 30 feet.
How far from my house should I plant a crepe myrtle?
As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall, and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size. It will naturally tend to grow away from the wall and toward the light.
Are crepe myrtles messy trees?
The Crepe Myrtle is a great addition to any yard. It is easy to care for, drought resistant, cold resistant and deer resistant. It is not a messy tree, provides shade, and is beautiful during all seasons of the year. It is the Summer Flowering Tree of California.
Is there a difference between crepe myrtle trees and bushes?
The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. (0.6 – 4.5 m). Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft.
Can you keep a crepe myrtle tree small?
Can you keep a crepe myrtle small? It is easy to keep a crepe myrtle small. However, it’s also easy to overzealously prune the tree, which can severely damage it. It’s best not to prune the tree too aggressively and to prune no more than a third of it at a time.
What month do you trim crepe myrtles?
February is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant.
Should crepe myrtles be topped?
Topping a crape myrtle destroys the natural balance and beauty of the tree. Improperly trimmed multi-trunk crape myrtles have weakend immune responses and cannot fight off disease and insects as well. As the topping continues, the crape myrtles can respond by growing more trunks, worsening the problem.
What happens if you don’t trim crepe myrtles?