Crape Myrtle - Planting

Plant in the winter and follow these steps…

Crape Myrtles need a planting site that receives full sun and has good air movement in order to help reduce disease problems

Crape Myrtle plants have very few requirements to grow satisfactorily. Mainly, they need a planting site that receives full sun and has good air movement in order to help reduce disease problems. As with most plants, Crape Myrtle will grow better if planted during the winter in an improved soil.

When planting…

Dig large holes at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. Remember, however, that you shouldn't plant your Crape Myrtle any deeper than it grew in the nursery. Construct a 3- inch high rim or ring of soil around the plant beginning 12 inches away from the trunk. This will help achieve better use of water, as well as, prevent run-off.

Prune away any damaged or broken branches. If planting shrubs without soil on the roots, (called bare root plants) prune one-third to one-half of the top branches and stems and any broken or damaged roots. Even though this may seem drastic, your plant will respond much better. Use a 3-inch layer of leaves, pine straw, pine bark or rotted sawdust as a mulch on the surface of the soil underneath the plant. This will help provide a more uniform soil temperature and moisture and help prevent weed problems.

Keep a close check on soil moisture throughout the first growing season. During periods without rainfall or rainfall less than one-inch, use your garden hose to slowly water the plants until you have soaked the entire root zone.

For more information on planting Crape Myrtles, contact your local County Extension Office.