Dwarf Crepe Myrtle

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Dwarf crepe 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.

Is there such a thing as a dwarf crepe myrtle?

We have over 55 varieties available of miniature, dwarf, medium and standard (tree) crape myrtles. Crape Myrtles are great for landscaping, ground cover, hanging baskets, bonsai, shrubs, privacy hedges and beautiful specimen trees.

How fast do dwarf crape myrtles grow?

Take note that the black diamond crape myrtle growth rate is about the same even though these dwarf varieties are mostly bush-like shrubs and trees. In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year.

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.

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).

Can I keep my crepe myrtle small?

The best way to keep a crepe myrtle small is to prune the plant regularly. Pruning can be carried out during any time of year, but it is best to prune in the spring if you don't want to delay flowering. Be sure to cut off any branches that are growing diagonally or toward the ground.

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.

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.

How do you take care of a dwarf crepe myrtle?

Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and never water if the soil is still moist. Crape myrtle is prone to a number of diseases related to high humidity, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and sooty mold. During most of the year, dwarf crape myrtle is drought-resistant and requires no supplemental irrigation.

Where should you not 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 time of year do you plant crepe myrtles?

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 a crape myrtle?

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.

What are the cons of crepe myrtles?

Top Disadvantage of Crape Myrtles: Bark Scale As they feed on crape myrtles, they secrete a sugary, sticky substance called honeydew that turns is the perfect environment for black sooty mold along the branches and tree trunk. If that sounds gross, you're right. It can ruin the look of your once-beautiful crape myrtle.

What happens if you don't trim crepe myrtles?

The flower clusters may be larger on lopped trees, but the added weight on the ends of long branches causes them to bend over awkwardly, especially after it rains. And since the tree is smaller, it actually produces fewer flower clusters. Many people say they need to cut a crape myrtle back because of its size.

Is a crepe myrtle a messy tree?

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.

Can you plant a crepe myrtle next to a fence?

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.

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.

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 do you reduce the height of a crepe myrtle?

If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual, transplant it, if possible, and replace it with a shorter variety. If it's only a bit too tall, prune the top branches back 2 feet to a side branch. But don't leave stubs.

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.