What can I plant under crepe myrtles?

The 6 Best Plants to Plant under Crepe Myrtle Trees

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) The Rose of Sharon bush perfectly compliments a crepe myrtle tree.
Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) The roots of your crepe myrtle tree are very shallow.
Lantana.
Hibiscus.
Rain Lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora)
Coreopsis.

What is the best fertilizer for crape myrtles?

Use 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8, or 16-4-8 fertilizer. A granular product works well for crape myrtle. Take care not to overfertilize. Too much food for crape myrtles makes them grow more foliage and less flowers.

Should you put mulch around crepe myrtles?

During spring and summer, 4-6 inches of mulch should be placed a few inches away from the trunk to provide good air circulation. The best type of mulch for your crape myrtle is acid mulch, pine bark or oak leaves. Do not mulch with mushroom compost.

When can you fertilize crape myrtles?

Spring
Begin fertilizing in Spring with the fertilizer of your choice (liquid, slow release or granules), when the first leaves start to appear. Established, well rooted, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize every two weeks throughout the spring and summer months. This will promote optimal new growth.

Can you plant under crepe myrtle?

Tough, low-maintenance species such as creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) make a suitable understory plant for shallow-rooted trees, such as crape myrtle trees.

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.

Is Osmocote good for crepe myrtles?

Best Fertilizer for Crepe Myrtle 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8, and 16-4-8 – all these different types of fertilizers can work well for crape myrtle plants as long as they are used in the right quantity. Opt for a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, or any 10-10-10 all-purpose fertilizer containing trace minerals.

What happens if you dont mulch?

Organic mulches provide nutrients to your soil, while retaining moisture and protecting the soil. As your mulch decomposes or is reduced in depth, you become more likely to see more problems with soil erosion and weeds.

Is Epsom salt good for crape myrtles?

Crape Myrtles bloom with a dose of Epsom Salts. Crape myrtles require large amounts of nitrogen to foster growth and produce the greatest number of flowers. Choose a high-nitrogen, all-purpose lawn and garden fertilizer such as an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 solution.

Does crepe myrtle have invasive roots?

Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. You don’t have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.

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

Plant spacing. How far from the house to plant depends on the variety of crape myrtle tree you choose. Small ones can go as close as 3 to 4 feet. Larger crape myrtles need to be placed 10 feet or more away.

How and when to prune a crape myrtle tree?

For best results, prune your crepe myrtle in early spring. You may do minor trimming throughout the year, but prune for shape and size just before the tree would begin it’s spring bloom. Watch the branches for signs of new growth, and prune as soon as you see the first evidence of the tree coming out of dormancy.

How do you prune a crape myrtle?

Pruning the Crepe Myrtle Stand back and observe how the crepe myrtle is growing. Prune small sprouts at bottom of tree first. Cut side branches. Prune out dead and crossing branches. Cut long or arching branches back to where they are no more than 1/2-inch in diameter.

How long does it take for a crape myrtle to grow?

Growth Rate. Crape myrtles typically grow at a moderately fast growth rate –12 to 18 inches per year. The shrub may take a year or two to become established but grows quickly once it has developed a strong root system.