![]() ![]() Some of the selections resistant to powdery mildew include: (Disease resistance means that infections are few, do not progress very far or do not occur). These were bred for disease resistance, good flowering and attractive bark. Branches and trunks can become covered in the white scale infestation.įor more information on crape myrtle problems, refer to HGIC 2002, Crape Myrtle Diseases & Insect Pests and HGIC 2015, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale. ![]() These bark scales may not kill the plants, but there may likely be a reduction in plant vigor, number of flowers, and flower cluster size. The scale infestations appear as white or gray, waxy crustations on stems, large twigs, and trunks, but rarely on foliage. Use sturdy ground covers or shrubs to underplant.Ĭrapemyrtle bark scale ( Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) is a recently introduced pest from Asia, and this insect pest was discovered in South Carolina in 2019. Vigorous, shallow roots may create problems for healthy growth of underlying plants. Mulch around plants to prevent this problem. The bark is thin and can be easily damaged by mechanical injury. Plant vigor may be decreased because of the reduction of photosynthesis in the leaves due to shading. Sooty mold is a black coating on leaves that results from a fungus growing on honeydew excretions made primarily by aphids. This disease can result in almost complete defoliation of susceptible crape myrtle cultivars during late summer. Locating the plant in full sun and providing good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew, but the best approach is to choose resistant varieties.įungal leaf spots caused by Cercospora lythracearum may appear on crape myrtle foliage during periods of warm, moist weather. Leaves and young shoots are heavily coated with a powdery, white mold, and may become distorted. It is most common during spring and fall. Powdery mildew is a common problem with crape myrtle. For more information on the pruning of crape myrtle, refer to HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning. Many dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars are now available, making it possible for the homeowner to have the desired plant size while maintaining the natural branching effect. This ruins the natural, graceful effect of the plant. Severe pruning of crape myrtles has become a common practice to maintain shrub size. Light applications of a complete fertilizer in spring and summer are adequate. Heavy nitrogen applications cause the plants to flower less and produce shoot and leaf growth that may be subject to winter injury. This is especially true when it is planted in confined areas. Although it tolerates drought, it requires irrigation until it is well-established (approximately two years). The plant will tolerate slightly alkaline to acidic (5.0 to 6.5 pH) clay and other soil textures. Crape myrtles planted in partial or full shade will have reduced flowering and increased disease susceptibility. The ideal planting site is in well-prepared, well-drained soil, with full sun exposure and good air circulation. These multi-trunk crape myrtles are more desirable than single stem plants in landscape plantings. ![]() The plant typically develops several main stems. As cultivars are now available in a wide range of growth heights, certain selections can be used under utility lines without fear of interfering with these lines. The flowers of some selections, however, may stain car paint, and the honeydew drops from aphids on the plant may stick on cars or patio furniture. It adapts well to confined spaces, and is, therefore, well-suited for small areas close to sidewalks or parking lots, and can provide shade in deck and patio areas. It can be planted as a specimen or in groups, and looks attractive when underplanted with a ground cover the dark green of the groundcover contrasts well with the handsome bark. Landscape UseĬrape myrtle is ideally suited for formal or informal design in the home landscape, street plantings and community plantings. Although the same plant may display leaves of several colors, the white-flowered types often have yellow fall color, and the pink and red flowered types show yellow, orange and red leaf color in the fall. When leaves are present, lower branches can be removed to show off the handsome bark.įall leaf color ranges from yellow to orange and red. This bark is especially noticeable in the winter months when the tree is leafless. The attractive, exfoliating bark peels away to expose a trunk which ranges in color from many handsome shades of brown to gray. These fruit remain throughout the winter. After flowers fade and fall from the tree, fruit remains in the form of small brown capsules. Large clusters appear on the tips of new branches beginning in early summer and continue into fall. Bloom time varies, depending on the cultivar. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. ![]()
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