Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are a popular ornamental tree for their showy summer blooms. While these trees are generally low-maintenance, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting them. One question that often comes up is what to plant under crepe myrtles.
Crepe myrtles are native to Asia and grow in USDA zones 7 through 10. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Crepe myrtles can be planted as a tree or a shrub, and they can be pruned to a desired shape.
When choosing plants to plant under crepe myrtles, it is important to consider the size of the plants when they reach maturity. Some plants that work well under crepe myrtles are small shrubs, such as azaleas, camellias, and hollies. These plants will not overshadow the crepe myrtles and will provide color and interest year-round.
For taller plants, such as perennials and shrubs, it is important to choose ones that will not grow too tall. Some good choices are perennial salvias, coral bells, and dwarf hollies. These plants will not overshadow the crepe myrtles, but will still provide color and interest.
It is also important to consider the bloom time of the plants. Plants that bloom in late spring or early summer will blooms at the same time as the crepe myrtles and will be complementary. Plants that bloom in the fall will not be as complementary, but will still add color to the landscape.
When planting under crepe myrtles, it is important to keep in mind the size and shape of the tree. Choose plants that will not overshadow the tree and that have a similar growth habit. Choose plants that will bloom at the same time as the crepe myrtles for the best complementary effect.
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How do I make my crepe myrtle landscape?
Crepe myrtles are a popular landscape choice in the south, and for good reason. They are drought tolerant, easy to care for, and have beautiful flowers. If you are looking to add a crepe myrtle to your landscape, there are a few things you need to know.
The first thing you need to do is choose the right spot for your crepe myrtle. Crepe myrtles need full sun to bloom well, so make sure you place them in a spot where they will get at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Crepe myrtles also need well-drained soil. If your soil is wet or clay-based, you will need to amend it with some organic matter to help improve drainage.
Once you have chosen a spot for your crepe myrtle, it is time to plant it. Crepe myrtles can be planted in either spring or fall, but fall is the best time to plant them. When planting, make sure to dig a hole twice as wide as the pot the crepe myrtle is in and just as deep. Carefully remove the crepe myrtle from the pot and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, making sure to pack it down well. Water the crepe myrtle well.
Crepe myrtles need to be watered regularly, especially during the first year after planting. A good rule of thumb is to water them once a week, but make sure to check the soil moisture before watering to make sure the soil is actually dry.
Crepe myrtles also need to be fertilized once a year. A good time to fertilize them is in the spring, before they start blooming. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and phosphorous.
Crepe myrtles can be pruned to shape them the way you want them. Prune them in the springtime, after they have finished blooming.
By following these tips, you can make sure your crepe myrtle landscape looks beautiful and healthy.
Will grass grow under a crepe myrtle?
Crepe myrtles are a popular ornamental tree, but many people wonder if the grass will grow under them. The answer is yes, grass will grow under a crepe myrtle. Crepe myrtles do not have a deep root system, so the grass will eventually take over the area under the tree. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the grass can help keep the area under the tree cooler in the summer.
Do crepe myrtles need to be pruned every year?
Crepe myrtles are a popular southern flowering shrub. They are known for their showy flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Crepe myrtles are also known for their height; they can grow up to 25 feet tall.
Crepe myrtles need to be pruned every year in order to maintain their shape and size. Pruning also helps to keep the flowers coming back year after year. If crepe myrtles are not pruned, they can become leggy and lose their flowers.
Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the branches to about a third of their length. Be sure to cut back the branches evenly, so the plant looks balanced.
If you are not comfortable pruning your own crepe myrtles, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Should you put mulch around crepe myrtles?
Crepe myrtles are a popular ornamental tree in the southern United States. They are drought tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types. Crepe myrtles can be susceptible to fungal diseases, especially in wet weather, so it is important to provide them with proper care. One way to provide care for crepe myrtles is to mulch around them.
Mulching is the process of adding organic or inorganic material to the soil to improve its appearance, fertility, and water retention. Organic mulches, such as compost, bark, and wood chips, are made from natural materials and can improve the soil’s structure, water retention, and fertility. Inorganic mulches, such as stones and gravel, do not improve the soil, but they can help to reduce water evaporation and erosion.
Mulching around crepe myrtles is beneficial because it can help to protect the tree’s roots from extreme temperatures and moisture fluctuations. It can also help to suppress weed growth and keep the soil cool in the summer. Mulch can also be a source of nutrients for the tree, as it will slowly decompose and release its nutrients into the soil.
There are a few things to keep in mind when mulching around crepe myrtles. First, make sure to leave a few inches of space around the trunk of the tree to avoid contact with the mulch. Second, do not apply too much mulch, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Finally, be sure to replace the mulch every few years, as it will eventually decompose.
What happens if you don’t prune crepe myrtles?
Crepe myrtles are a popular garden plant, but many people don’t realize that they need to be pruned regularly in order to maintain their shape and keep them looking attractive. If you don’t prune crepe myrtles, they can become leggy and gangly, with long, spindly branches that don’t look very appealing.
If you neglect to prune your crepe myrtles, they may also start to produce too many flowers. This can lead to a lot of messy flowers dropping to the ground, and it can also make the plant less stable and more prone to toppling in high winds.
Ultimately, if you don’t prune crepe myrtles, they will become an unattractive mess. Pruning is essential for keeping these plants looking their best.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
Crepe myrtles are a beautiful flowering tree that can provide color to a yard for many months out of the year. But how long do crepe myrtles live?
Crepe myrtles can live for many years, with some specimens reaching over 100 years old. They are a hardy tree and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Crepe myrtles are a great choice for a yard because they provide beautiful blooms for many months out of the year. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. They also produce a sweet fragrance.
Crepe myrtles grow best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. They prefer a moist, well-drained soil, but can also adapt to a wide range of soils.
Crepe myrtles are a versatile tree and can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used as a standalone tree or as part of a larger landscape planting. They are also popular for use in urban areas because they can tolerate pollution and other harsh conditions.
Crepe myrtles are a beautiful addition to any yard, and with proper care, they can live for many years.
What grows well with crepe myrtle trees?
Crepe myrtles are a popular ornamental tree because of their attractive flowers. They are also fairly drought tolerant and can grow in a wide range of climates. However, there are some plants that grow well with crepe myrtle trees and can make a great addition to the landscape.
One plant that grows well with crepe myrtles is lantana. Lantana is a flowering shrub that grows in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and white. Lantana attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and it does well in both full sun and partial shade.
Another plant that grows well with crepe myrtles is pentas. Pentas is a flowering annual that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. Pentas does well in full sun and is drought tolerant.
Finally, hibiscus is a flowering shrub that grows in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and white. Hibiscus does well in full sun and is drought tolerant.