If you wait until fall or winter to plant your crepe myrtles, they won’t begin sprouting leaves until the weather warms up. [2] X Research source Avoid planting crepe myrtles at the tail end of summer. Without the necessary warmth, the tree won’t be able to survive.
Plant your crepe myrtle a sufficient distance away from your home, tall fence lines, and other objects that might cast too much shade. A crepe myrtle can be perfect for filling in sections of landscaping that are too hot or bright for more temperate plants. [4] X Research source
Take the time to turn the soil down to its lower layers, rather than just loosening the topsoil.
Crepe myrtle has no problem getting by on basic nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, which are found in most commercial fertilizer mixes. Inconsistent pockets of poorly-mixed fertilizer in the soil can stall the development of healthy roots.
Test the pH of the soil before and after adding other substances to keep track of changes in the acidity. You can purchase a soil testing kit at your local gardening supply store or plant nursery.
If necessary, measure the height of the nursery pot before digging the hole. The top of the root ball should be just about level with the uppermost layer of soil. Because of their intensive germination requirements, crepe myrtles headed for home gardens are almost always grown from saplings.
Always handle saplings by their root balls, not by their trunks. Laying the nursery pot on its side may make it easier to remove the crepe myrtle without disturbing the delicate trunk or root system.
Be sure to research the average size of the species you’re planting so you’ll know how much space you can expect it to take up. [10] X Research source If you’re planting your crepe myrtles near a fenceline or retaining wall, make sure you leave at least 3 feet (0. 91 m) of intervening space. This will prevent the growing trees from overtaking their surroundings. You can also plant double rows to create a privacy screen or wind cover. In this case, you’ll want to stagger the rows so that they’re offset and leave 3 feet (0. 91 m) of space between each. [11] X Research source
Leave about half a foot (0. 15 m) of space between the mulch layer and the trunk. Piling on mulch too closely or too heavily can smother the roots and endanger the life of the tree. Apply 2-3 inches of new mulch each spring when the tree begins flowering. [12] X Research source
Water occasionally during periods of drought to keep your crepe myrtle thriving.
Lightly fertilizing established older trees every 2-3 weeks can help them produce healthy new growth. Crepe myrtles are well-suited for a variety of soil types, and don’t need to be fed as much as other trees of similar size. [15] X Research source
Promote airflow around the trunk by trimming basal shoots, thick clusters of twigs, and intertwining branches. Avoid over-pruning (also commonly referred to as “crepe murder. ”) Trimming too much growth at once can weaken the tree and leave it susceptible to damage and disease. [16] X Research source
Another option is to remove and relocate larger pests by hand whenever you come across them. If you’re battling a full-fledged infestation, it may be necessary to have your crepe myrtles sprayed with an organic insecticide.
Prune back trees afflicted by mold and mildew to increase the airflow around the trunk. Throw away any cut branches and disinfect your pruning tools before you use them again so the disease doesn’t spread. Diseases that don’t clear up on their own after a few weeks can often be knocked out with a commercial chemical fungicide like Daconil or Immunox. Be sure to follow the directions provided on the label of the product you’re using to avoid harming the tree. [19] X Research source
