Crape Myrtle - Fertilization

Begin after the plants have established…

A combination of fertilizer, water and sunshine will give you outstanding growth and profuse flowering.

Crape Myrtle, like most shrubs and trees growing in your home grounds, will be more successful if fertilized correctly. Generally, you should not apply fertilizer at planting time but wait until the plants are actively growing.

Fertilize in spring

Actively growing new shrubs, or older, established plants should be fertilized in March, May and July. Use an analysis such a 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 or a similar ratio at the rate of one tablespoon per foot of height or per foot of spread of the plants. Distribute the fertilizer uniformly over the ground surface underneath the plant. It is not necessary to remove the mulch before fertilizing.

Watering thoroughly…

More important, is a thorough watering to uniformly and slowly distribute the fertilizer throughout the root zone of the plant. Laying the hose with a very slow stream of water will give you better results. If using a specialty fertilizer of a non-burning or slow release material, read and follow every direction as recommended by the manufacturer.

After your plants have been growing for several years the need for fertilization will be decreased. One fertilization per year in late March or early April will be adequate.

Fertilization during this stage of a plant's life is made mainly to help the plant develop a healthy, attractive appearance and produce bountiful flowers. A combination of fertilizer, water and sunshine will give you outstanding growth and profuse flowering.

For more information on fertilizing crape myrtles; contact your local County Extension Office.