Lexi Webster
Crepe myrtles are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden, with their ruffled, crepe-like petals and smooth, mottled trunks. They are native to eastern Asia but grow well in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. With a wide range of colours and sizes available, crepe myrtles can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or even a large tree. They are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for Australian gardeners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-8m tall |
| Sunlight | Require full sun position |
| Soil | Require free-draining soil |
| Watering | Require regular watering, especially in summer |
| Pruning | Respond well to pruning, which is best done in winter |
| Varieties | Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia archeriana, Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei, Magic Series® Lagerstroemia |
| Foliage | Dark green, mid to light green, bronze green, purple, green |
| Flowers | White, red, pink, purple, mauve, hot pink |
| Growth | Deciduous, vase-shaped, upright trees |
| Bark | Attractive, smooth, mottled, patterned |
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What You'll Learn
Crepe myrtles grow well in most parts of Australia
Crepe myrtles are native to southern and eastern Asia but grow well in most parts of Australia. They are hardy and versatile, and their ability to withstand hot and dry climates makes them particularly well-suited to the Australian climate. They are available in a wide range of colours and sizes, making them a popular choice for Australian gardeners.
Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to grow and care for. They require a sunny spot in the garden with well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during the summer months. They are drought-tolerant, but young trees should be watered generously to ensure the root system develops well. Crepe myrtles can be grown from pots or bought as bare-rooted plants in winter, and they respond well to pruning. They can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree.
Crepe myrtles are deciduous, vase-shaped trees that usually have dark green foliage. The foliage changes colour in autumn, with the leaves turning yellow, orange, or red before falling. Clusters of flowers appear in late summer in a range of colours, including white, pink, red, mauve, and purple. The petals are ruffled, with a crepe or paper-like texture, and the trees have smooth, mottled trunks.
There are many different types of crepe myrtle hybrids, which range in height and spread, reducing the need for pruning. Some varieties are also resistant to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that is difficult to control with fungicides. Crepe myrtles can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers. However, this can create an ugly, butchered-looking plant. Left unpruned, crepe myrtles will develop a naturally appealing shape and will flower well regardless.
Overall, crepe myrtles are a versatile and hardy plant that grows well in most parts of Australia. They are a popular choice for gardeners due to their striking summer flowers, ability to withstand hot and dry climates, and adaptability to many garden sizes and styles.
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They require full sun, well-drained soil and regular watering
Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are native to southern and eastern Asia but have become a favourite of Australian gardeners.
To ensure the healthy growth of crepe myrtles, they require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Here are some detailed instructions for each requirement:
Full Sun: Crepe myrtles need to be planted in an open, sunny garden position. They require full sun to grow and thrive, so make sure they receive an ample amount of sunlight daily. This also helps to reduce the risk of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects these plants.
Well-Drained Soil: Crepe myrtles prefer free-draining soil. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root-ball and the same depth. Place the plant crown at soil level and water it well. Ensure that the soil remains moist until the tree is established.
Regular Watering: Young crepe myrtle trees need generous watering, especially during the summer months. Keep the soil moist and do not let it dry out completely between waterings. Regular watering is essential for the tree's growth and the development of a strong root system. Once established, crepe myrtles become remarkably drought-tolerant.
In addition to these requirements, mulching is recommended to prevent weeds and grass from growing under the tree and to retain moisture in the soil. Fertilising with a slow-release fertiliser in spring will also promote healthy growth. Pruning is optional but can be done in winter to encourage the growth of long, arching branches of flowers.
By providing crepe myrtles with full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering, you can ensure their healthy growth and development, making them a beautiful addition to your garden.
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They can be grown in a pot, as a shrub or small tree
Crepe myrtles can be grown in pots, as shrubs, or as small trees. They are native to eastern Asia and are hardy in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are available in a range of colours and sizes, making them suitable for smaller gardens.
When growing crepe myrtles in pots, it is important to choose a planter with drainage holes and ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the full-grown tree. A general rule of thumb is to select a planter that is one-third the size of the fully grown tree. Self-watering planters or lightweight, double-walled planters are also good options for growing crepe myrtles. It is important to use a good quality potting soil made for outdoor planters and to ensure that the planter is placed in an area that receives direct sunlight.
Crepe myrtles grown in pots require more frequent watering, as the soil dries out more quickly. It is important to water potted crepe myrtles once or twice a week and to fertilize them every other week with a balanced fertilizer.
When growing crepe myrtles as shrubs, it is recommended to plant one of the new, smaller varieties rather than pruning a larger tree down to shrub size. The Diamonds in the Dark series is a more compact variety that is well-suited for growing as a shrub.
Crepe myrtles can also be grown as small trees. The Lagerstroemia indica species, also known as the New Orleans variety, is a widely available small tree in Australia. It flowers from early January to the end of March and has beautiful spring growth, autumn foliage, and a spectacular trunk with patterned bark.
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Crepe myrtles are susceptible to powdery mildew
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia and are hardy in most parts of Australia. They grow well in hot and dry climates and are remarkably drought-tolerant once established. They can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree.
Powdery mildew can cause noticeable damage to crepe myrtles if left untreated. Infected parts of the plant become distorted and stunted, and leaves may yellow and drop prematurely. Severely infected buds will abort and fall off, and badly infected leaves may grow abnormally, curling and twisting. In very severe cases, powdery mildew can kill branches and cause major stress to the plant.
To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to take proactive measures to keep your crepe myrtle healthy. This includes watering your plants regularly, avoiding overcrowding, and providing adequate ventilation. Planting in full sun and selective pruning can also help reduce the chances of spore settling and improve air circulation. There are also resistant varieties of crepe myrtle available, such as 'Tonto', 'Muskogee', 'Acoma', 'Souix', and 'Tuskegee', which exhibit resistance to powdery mildew.
If your crepe myrtle is already infected, there are treatment options available. Fungicides, both natural and synthetic, can be used to control powdery mildew. Natural fungicides such as neem oil extract and potassium bicarbonate have been shown to be effective when used correctly. A homemade treatment can also be made using baking soda and water. It is important to be consistent with your applications, applying the treatment every seven to ten days until the powdery mildew is gone.
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They can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage flowering
Crepe myrtles are native to eastern Asia but grow well in most parts of Australia, especially in hot and dry climates. They are available in a range of colours and sizes and can be grown as a standard, miniature, low-growing spreading plant, small shrub, small tree, or large tree. They are relatively easy to grow and are drought-hardy. They require a sunny patch to grow in, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Crepe myrtles can be heavily pruned in winter to encourage flowering. Pruning should be done in mid-February or mid-winter when the trees are bare of leaves. It is recommended to trim back branches by about 30 cm all over, but they can be cut back harder to encourage the development of long, arching branches of flowers in the spring. However, this heavy annual pruning may result in an ugly, butchered-looking plant. Therefore, if you have enough space, you can simply let the crepe myrtle grow to its naturally appealing shape, and it will still flower well.
If you choose to prune your crepe myrtle, it is important to do so correctly. Pruning is typically done to shape the tree and should not be used to severely control plant height. It is also not necessary for blooming, as crepe myrtles will flower well regardless. When the plant is young, it is acceptable to prune the top of the branches, but this becomes unacceptable as the plant gets older and can even be dangerous. Instead, focus on thinning the branches by removing lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil's diameter.
In addition to winter pruning, there are other ways to encourage flowering in crepe myrtles. They include planting in full sun with well-drained soil, keeping the soil moist until the tree is established, and keeping it well-watered through summer. Mulching can also help prevent weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Fertilising with a slow-release fertiliser in spring will also promote new growth and flowering.
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Frequently asked questions
Crepe Myrtles can grow quite large, reaching heights of 6-8m. They are available in a variety of sizes, including dwarf forms that are more shrub-like and can be grown in large tubs or pots.
Crepe Myrtles require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. They should be pruned in winter to encourage new growth and can be heavily pruned to promote the growth of long, arching branches of flowers.
Crepe Myrtles are susceptible to leaf diseases like powdery mildew, mark scale, and beetles. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew, plant in an open, sunny area with good air circulation and select a mildew-resistant variety.
Crepe Myrtles typically bloom in late summer to mid-autumn, with some varieties flowering from early January through to the end of March.
Crepe Myrtles have dark green foliage that changes colour in autumn, with leaves turning yellow, orange, or red before falling. The flowers come in a range of colours, including white, pink, red, mauve, purple, and lavender.
