Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?

Southern Living points out that you will not want crepe myrtles near a pool. They will not damage anything, but some varieties produce abundant flowers that then drop off after they wither. These can fall into the water constantly, meaning that you will end up skimming them out every time you turn around.

Do crepe myrtles have invasive root systems?

Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. But are crepe myrtle roots invasive enough to cause problems? You don't have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.

Can crepe myrtle roots damage Foundation?

Crepe myrtle roots are shallow and active, but they are not invasive. The roots are unlikely to cause problems for concrete or bother sidewalks or driveways.

Can crape myrtles be planted near house?

Tip. You can plant crape myrtle near the foundation as they have non-invasive roots, according to Dayton Nursery. However, be sure to plant them far enough away from the foundation and the building so the shrub can grow to its full size without being blocked by the building.

How far should a crepe myrtle be planted from a house?

Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.

All About Crape Myrtles (Growing and Maintaining Crape Myrtles)

Can crape myrtle grow in shade?

An especially showy bloomer, the crape myrtle needs a location in full sun to put on its best display. This plant is a poor choice for a fully shaded spot, but in regions with strong, hot summer sun, it does well where it receives sun in the morning and light, filtered shade in the afternoon.

What should I plant between crepe myrtles?

How far from a fence should you plant a crepe myrtle?

If you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.

How far do crepe myrtle roots spread?

Crepe Myrtle Tree Roots

Crepe myrtle roots are fibrous and shallow. Unlike other plants that have deep taproot systems, crepe myrtles have roots that grow near the surface. They are weak and dense but can extend out as much as two to three times the distance of the area that is covered by the top.

Are crepe myrtles messy?

Crape myrtles also require pruning to promote the new growth needed for blooming, to reveal the bark, and to keep the shrub or tree tidy. Moreover, with its flowers, leaves and peeling bark, crape myrtles can be messy to care for. Be prepared for plenty of raking and clean-up.

Do crepe myrtles stain concrete?

In my area it is Crepe Myrtle seeds that have fallen and stained the pavers. I have also seen pecans fall and stain a concrete surface. Any tree or shrub that drops either flowers or seeds will 'stain' concrete; ie pavers.

Can you keep a crepe myrtle small?

The methods of pruning dwarf crape myrtle range from easy to not at all. For starters, the plants really don't require pruning - they have a slower growth rate than their larger growing cousins and usually have a good natural form all on their own. That said, I usually do at least a light annual pruning on mine.

How quickly do crepe myrtles grow?

Growth Rate

This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?

Many beautiful plants contain toxins that present a danger to puppies and other animals. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.

How long do crape myrtles live?

Lifespan of Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtles live quite a few years if you take care of them. A crepe myrtle lifespan can exceed 50 years. So that's the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.

Can you relocate a crepe myrtle?

The best possible time to start moving crepe myrtle is when the tree is dormant. That period runs from the time the tree loses its leaves to spring leaf break. Late winter is usually cited as the best time for crepe myrtle transplanting.

Do you prune crape myrtle trees?

Growing Conditions

Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching.

How tall do crepe myrtles get?

Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.

Does crepe myrtle make a good hedge?

Crepe myrtles have many landscape uses. Planted together, they make a large deciduous hedge or screen. A single tree can create a distinctive focal point, while a pair framing a front door greets visitors with a warm Southern welcome. Be sure to choose the right size for your needs.

When should crape myrtles be planted?

Balled and burlapped plants have stricter requirements when it comes to planting times, as do bare-root crape myrtles. Plant these during the dormant season, sometime between late fall and early spring.

How can I make my crepe myrtle grow faster?

To help your crape myrtle grow taller (and produce more flowers), use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Do not use this too often or you will get more leaves than flowers. Water the tree once a week, soaking the entire root system thoroughly. They require at least 1 inch of water per week.

Should you put mulch around crepe myrtles?

When planting crape myrtles, gardeners should install a layer of mulch about 3 to 5 inches deep in an area twice as large as the planting hole. Insect damage is a frequent problem on crape myrtles and aphids cause much of that damage.

How do I make my crepe myrtle landscape?

Is Rose of Sharon a crepe myrtle?

Like crape myrtles, rose of Sharon shrubs live a long, long time with proper care and maintenance. These shrubs produce hibiscus-looking blooms in pink, purple, red or white. Once it starts blooming, it will continue to produce its abundant and showy blooms until cool weather hits again.

Do crepe myrtles tolerate full sun?

To help your crape myrtle look its very best… Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive. With less sunlight, blooms will not be as prolific and their colors may be diminished. These plants are not demanding about the pH of their soil, though neutral or slightly acidic soils are best.