Crepe Myrtle Tree - out of stock

Description:

• Size: Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically reaching 15-30 feet tall with a spread of 10-20 feet. 
• Leaves: Alternate, simple, oval-shaped with a pointed tip. They are green in summer and turn shades of red, orange, and purple in fall.  
• Flowers: Showy, clustered flowers in various colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and lavender. They bloom profusely in late summer and early fall.  
• Bark: Smooth and gray when young, becoming exfoliating with age, revealing a mottled pattern of brown, gray, and tan.

Planting:

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for abundant flowering.  
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. 
• Spacing: Plant shrubs 6-10 feet apart and trees 15-20 feet apart.

Growing:

• Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate, adding 1-2 feet per year.
• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, they are drought-tolerant.  
• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.  
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth.  

Uses:

• Ornamental Shrub/Tree: Highly valued for their showy flowers, attractive bark, and vibrant fall color. They are popular in landscapes as specimen plants, hedges, or in mass plantings.  
• Low-maintenance: Relatively easy to care for and adaptable to various growing conditions.  

Cautions:

• Cold Hardiness: Some varieties are less cold-hardy than others, so choose varieties suitable for your climate.
• Pests and Diseases: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids.  
• "Topping": Avoid "topping" (cutting back all branches to the same height), as it can reduce flowering and weaken the plant.  

By carefully considering these factors, you can successfully plant and care for a Crepe Myrtle and enjoy its beauty and long-lasting blooms.