Crepe Myrtle - Tips from TN Nursery

Beginner's Guide to Growing Crepe Myrtle: Tips from TN Nursery

Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a versatile and beautiful flowering tree that adds charm and color to gardens, landscapes, and urban spaces. Known for its vibrant blooms, smooth bark, and easy maintenance, Crepe Myrtle is a favorite among gardeners of all levels. In this beginner's guide, brought to you by T.N. Nursery, we will explore the essential steps and tips for successfully growing and caring for Crepe Myrtle trees.

Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the right location for your Crepe Myrtle is crucial for its growth and overall health. These trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the chosen spot has well-draining soil, as Crepe Myrtles do not tolerate standing water. They can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.

Planting Crepe Myrtle
Planting Crepe Myrtle involves a few straightforward steps to ensure its successful establishment:

Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. This will provide ample space for the roots to spread out.
Positioning the Tree: Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the center of the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.

Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.

Watering

Proper watering is essential during the establishment phase and beyond. For the first few months after planting, water the Crepe Myrtle profoundly and consistently to encourage root growth. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will still benefit from regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. A layer of mulch around the tree's base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning season
Pruning Crepe Myrtle is controversial, as improper pruning can lead to unsightly growth habits known as "Crepe Murder." To avoid this, follow these guidelines:
Selective Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or diseased branches and any suckers that emerge from the tree's base.

Crown Thinning: If necessary, thin out the branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. This should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring.

Avoid Drastic Cuts: Avoid harshly cutting back the main branches, as this can lead to the regrowth of weak and unsightly shoots.

Fertilizing

Crepe Myrtles generally do not require excessive fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pest and Disease Management

Crepe Myrtles are relatively resilient and less susceptible to pests and diseases. However, they can still be affected by issues such as aphids, powdery mildew, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your trees for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. A strong blast of water or horticultural oils can help control minor infestations.

Winter Care

In colder climates, Crepe Myrtles may require some winter protection. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree's base to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. Wrapping the tree in burlap or using protective covers can shield the branches from harsh winter winds.

Conclusion

Growing Crepe Myrtle can be rewarding, especially with the proper knowledge and guidance. This beginner's guide from T.N. Nursery has covered the essential steps to help you successfully cultivate these beautiful flowering trees. Remember to choose a suitable location, provide proper care through watering, pruning, and fertilizing, and be vigilant against potential pests and diseases. With attention and care, your Crepe Myrtle can thrive and bring beauty to your outdoor space for years.

 

Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle - TN Nursery

Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle

Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle has clusters of rose flowers that provide a burst of shade to the landscape and draw pollinators such as butterflies and bees, promoting a healthy ecosystem. As the seasons change, the plant's foliage transitions from green to shades of orange and rose, adding further visual interest. This Crepe Myrtle is a distinctive, deciduous tree that is often easy to identify thanks to its individualized and captivating aesthetics. While they are available in a variety of flower colors, the crimson blooms stand apart with stunning flair. The tree thrives in areas ranging from the Arizona desert to the coastal Atlantic states from Florida to Massachusetts. Why should you consider planting this tree in your yard? Bring Pollinators In With The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle It emits fragrant tree sap. This sap, as well as the blooms, draws bees and roughly 30 other insect species to your yard. These beneficial insects act as pollinators for the other plants in your garden. In addition, beautiful birds are drawn to both the tree and the insects that are attracted to it, making the tree a vital part of a healthy ecosystem on your property. While they attract insects, these are generally beneficial insects that feed on other pests. By drawing these useful insects to your yard, you can dramatically and naturally reduce the number of unwanted and harmful bugs that otherwise may thrive in the space.  the High Of The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle They are trees that generally have multiple trunks that fan outward. While there are different varieties of these trees that grow to different heights, they generally reach 10 to 20 feet tall with wide branch coverage that spans 15 feet. The trees grow up to three feet each year, making them well-suited for bolstering privacy. While the trees look lovely standing in the middle of a yard, many people choose to grow them along a fence line to take advantage of their foliage. The Unique Bark of The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle Red Crepe Myrtle has smooth bark that is usually pinkish-gray. The green leaves are typically small and oval-shaped, and they turn gorgeous shades of orange and yellow in the fall before falling off for the winter. The petals have a crimped look that makes the flowers look full. The yellow centers stand beautifully apart from the crimson petals.

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Muskogee Crepe Myrtle - TN Nursery

Muskogee Crepe Myrtle

Muskogee Crepe Myrtle is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree with vibrant lavender-pink flowers and smooth, cinnamon-colored bark. It adds a burst of color and elegance to gardens and landscapes. This famous ornamental tree offers many benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. With its stunning visual appeal, adaptability, and ease of maintenance, it has become a favored choice for many landscapers and homeowners alike.  Muskogee Crepe Myrtle Is A Great Choice For Homeowners  The Muskogee Crepe Myrtle is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add interest, texture, and color to their landscape. Each tree has smooth, brown stems that fan out into a vase shape. The branches contain even rows of oval leaves in a beautiful deep green shade. These attractive colors and textures become even more exciting when this tree blooms with lavender flowers. Its vibrant look will surely draw the eye wherever you plant this beautiful tree. Starting in spring, these trees begin to produce cone-shaped bunches of flowers. Each flower cluster consists of several small, individual, pinkish-purple petals with a crinkled appearance similar to tissue paper. After going through their flowering season, these trees produce clumps of berries that add even more visual interest to the tree. Clumps of small, round berries on the end of each branch gradually transform from shiny, green berries to brown, serrated seed pods. This tree's flowering and berry-producing seasons can last several months because it produces new flowers regularly. Explore the Many Ways to Garden With Muskogee Crepe Myrtle These trees have endless purposes throughout the landscape. A tidy row of them can be a lovely way to border a walkway or fill in narrow strips of land. Standalone versions can be a focal point on a lawn and look great, bordered with other flowers or decorative grasses. You can even use clusters of these trees to create a hedge that provides privacy and shade. The Versatile and Appealing Shape of Muskogee Crepe Myrtle Muskogee Crepe Myrtle comes in many shapes and sizes. Some landscapers keep it as a compact bush, while others let it soar to 30 feet or more. Those who prefer a classic tree shape can choose a single-trunk variant, while people who like a denser look can select a multi-stem style. Whatever its height and branch arrangement, this tree's crown tends to spread out into a horizontal, oval shape with densely packed leaves and branches.

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Natchez Crepe Myrtle - TN Nursery

Natchez Crepe Myrtle

Natchez Crepe Myrtle is a tall, deciduous shrub or small tree with pristine white flowers, smooth, exfoliating bark, and attractive foliage. It is a popular choice for ornamental landscaping and offers many benefits when integrated into landscaping designs, making it a highly sought-after choice for enhancing outdoor spaces. It has everything from stunning flower clusters to a beautiful curb appeal. Once it blooms, you can enjoy having elegant flowers for the entire summer. The flowers are so dense that it looks like the tree is covered in snow. You don't have to search any further for a garden favorite that you are sure to please. Natchez Crepe Myrtle Is a Lovely Focal Point Some plants were made to blend into the background, but not this tree. You can't go wrong with this option if you want a focal point for your yard. The lush green leaves look beautiful for most of the year. When autumn hits, this tree turns fiery red and orange. The leaves and flowers aren’t the only thing that stands out. You'll notice a lovely cinnamon color if you look at the smooth bark. This outer bark peels in the summertime to reveal a beige bark underneath. Natchez Crepe Myrtle Is A Perfect Tree Height While some trees can extend 50 to 80 feet into the sky, this tree is known for attaining a reasonable height. Once it reaches full maturity, it will stand just 20 feet high. This makes it an ideal tree for your garden or backyard. Plus, it is known for proliferating, which means you can plant it and enjoy its height in just a few years. Use Natchez Crepe Myrtle for Long-Lasting Blooms Natchez Crepe Myrtle stands out with its flower blooms. Many perennial plants only bloom for a couple of months or less, but this tiny tree blooms for up to five months a year. The tree produces white flowers that grow in lovely clusters in spring and summer. When the blooms stop, it is time for autumn and stunning red-orange leaves. When you start working on your landscaping, you want it to look fabulous immediately. Natchez Crepe Myrtle can help because of its speedy growth. Gardeners can expect this plant to grow 3 to 5 feet a year until it reaches maturity. This means it only takes a year or two for the plant to start looking like a tree after you purchase it from a plant nursery. Before long, you can relax under the shade of the green foliage and enjoy its white flowers.

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