When planting around a crepe myrtle base, small evergreen shrubs are a good option. Evergreen shrubs will stay green all year long providing consistent color, scent, and texture to the garden. Some great shrubs to consider include Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Dwarf Burford Holly, or Nellie Stevens Holly.
These are hardy shrubs and can handle drought conditions and can tolerate full sun. Additionally, evergreen shrubs also have a dense foliage that will help with privacy and make them an excellent choice for a low maintenance landscaping.
If you’re looking for flowers, a crepe myrtle makes a great backdrop for brightly colored annuals, perennials and bulbs. Add splashes of color with plant varieties such as Bearded Iris, Coreopsis, Day Lily, Pansies, and Petunias.
These flowers will bloom throughout the summer and can be planted around the base of the crepe myrtle. In addition, this type of planting design is also quite versatile, so you can easily switch out the varieties each season or year.
Finally, herbs and small evergreen trees, such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce, are great options as well, adding year-round interest in the landscape.
Where is the place to plant a crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles do best when planted in an area with full sun and well-draining soil. Planting them in a full-sun area will give them the best chance of performing at their best. Crape myrtles should be planted after the likelihood of frost has passed, usually in late spring or early summer.
Plant them in an area with good air circulation, avoiding spots that are shady or obstructed by buildings or other vegetation. Avoid pooling water during heavy rains, as this can damage the roots of the tree over time.
When planting, dig the hole two to three times wider than the height of the root ball and no deeper than the depth of the root ball. Make sure to keep the soil loose and remove any air pockets when backfilling.
After the hole is filled and the soil mounded around the tree trunk, water deeply and monitor the soil level to make sure it is not drying out.
How far away from the house should you plant a crape myrtle?
When planting a Crape Myrtle, it is important to consider the size at maturity when deciding how far away the tree should be planted from the house. This tree can reach up to 30 feet in height and width at maturity, so a minimum of 15 feet of space should be kept between the house and the Crape Myrtle.
To ensure that the Crape Myrtle has enough room to grow and flourish, it is recommended that it be planted at least 15-20 feet away from the house. In a larger yard, the distance can be even greater, ideally 20-25 feet away from the house.
Additionally, it is important to make sure not to plant the Crape Myrtle too close to other trees to ensure its healthy growth.
Do crepe myrtles need a lot of water?
No, crepe myrtles do not need a lot of water. They are a very drought-tolerant plant, and can thrive with minimal water once they are established. Crepe myrtles don’t need to be watered more than once every few weeks.
However, during periods of prolonged drought, they should be watered more frequently. During the hot summer months, it’s a good idea to give them a deep soaking every two or three weeks. Additionally, if you live in an area where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you should water them more often.
In these extreme conditions, water the plants once a week and make sure the soil is consistently moist—but not waterlogged.
Is coffee grounds good for crepe myrtles?
Coffee grounds can be beneficial for crepe myrtles in several ways. Coffee grounds can help increase the soil acidity, which is beneficial for crepe myrtles as they prefer soil that is slightly acidic.
You can sprinkle a thin layer of coffee grounds around the base of the crepe myrtle or mix them into the soil. Additionally, coffee grounds can provide the crepe myrtle with a source of nutrients. The nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous present in coffee grounds can contribute to healthier, greener foliage and help to promote blooms.
Finally, coffee grounds can act as a natural antifungal and help to deter fungi and pests. As such, coffee grounds can be a versatile and helpful tool for crepe myrtles and their caregivers.
Should I fertilize my crepe myrtle?
Yes, you should fertilize your crepe myrtle. Crepe myrtles require proper nutrition in order to remain healthy and vibrant. Fertilizing your crepe myrtle tree helps to replenish essential nutrients and minerals in the soil, provides new trees with needed nutrition and helps established trees requiring revitalization.
When selecting the proper fertilizer for your crepe myrtle, be sure to select slow-release fertilizer with a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Be sure to apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and remember that over-fertilizing can be even more damaging to your crepe myrtle than fertilizing too little.
In either case, be sure to water your tree well after fertilization.
Can you plant crepe myrtle close to House?
Yes, in most cases it is possible to plant crepe myrtle close to a house. Crepe myrtle trees are hardy and relatively low maintenance, so they are good choices for landscaping close to structures. They can grow to a height of up to 30 feet in some cases, though, so be sure to plant them far enough away from the house that they will not interfere with foundations or gutters.
It is also important to make sure there is enough room for the shrub’s canopy to open up without obstructing paths or walkways. Crepe myrtles generally require full sun, so make sure there is enough light reaching the area where they will be planted.
Additionally, plenty of water and regular pruning are necessary to maintain a healthy crepe myrtle. With adequate care, they can be a beautiful addition to your garden!.
Can crepe myrtle roots damage Foundation?
Yes, crepe myrtle roots can potentially damage foundation. Crepe myrtles tend to have expansive root systems that can spread up to three times the height of the tree. This could lead to problems if the roots start to encroach on the foundation of your house as they try to find water.
Additionally, as these roots grow, they may cause minor settling of the soil and foundation. While this isn’t usually a serious issue, improperly placed trees can cause significant problems if the roots grow near the foundation of your home.
To minimize the risk, you should place the crepe myrtle a good distance from your home’s foundation and check for root growth over time to ensure that it stays away from the structure. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to consult with a certified arborist or foundation specialist.
How wide do crepe myrtles get?
Crepe myrtles can vary in size depending on the variety, but generally speaking, they can get up to 25 feet wide. When planting them in a garden, it’s important to choose a variety that will fit the particular space, as some varieties can reach even wider sizes.
When selecting a crepe myrtle, allow enough space for it to spread, as they can reach up to 15 feet in width. It’s also important to know your growing zone, as some varieties may only be hardy in certain hardiness zones.
When planting, provide them with plenty of room to spread their limbs and plenty of sun. With the right conditions, crepe myrtles can thrive and create a beautiful addition to any garden.
Where do crepe myrtles grow in front yard?
Crepe myrtles are an attractive and easy-care flowering shrub that can be planted in many gardens and landscapes, including front yards. In order to ensure success and growth, it is important to choose an appropriate location that has full sun.
This is at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. After planting, it is important to water the crepe myrtles generously and deeply, especially during the first few weeks to encourage strong, deep roots.
If possible, mulch around the crepe myrtles to help retain moisture in the soil during dry periods and to keep weeds at bay. Planting multiple crepe myrtles in a front yard can create an attractive and low maintenance focal point.
Different colors can also be chosen to create a more visually interesting landscape. Although crepe myrtles are fairly drought tolerant, they will benefit from occasional deep watering during dry months.
Proper fertilization and regular pruning can also help to promote beautiful blooms and keep these flowering shrubs healthy and looking attractive.
How fast does a crape myrtle grow?
The growth rate of a Crape Myrtle is variable and varies depending on the region in which it is planted. In the southern United States, Crape Myrtles can grow up to three feet a year in ideal conditions.
In other parts of the country, the growth rate of this tree is likely to be slower. In general, Crape Myrtles should be trimmed regularly in order to help ensure that they maintain a desired size, shape, and overall appearance.
Crape Myrtles are relatively low-maintenance trees, so they can be planted in many situations but require some basic care. With proper pruning and regular fertilization, Crape Myrtles can provide the homeowner with a lush and beautiful tree for many years to come.
Are crepe myrtle roots invasive?
No, crepe myrtle roots are not considered to be invasive. In fact, they are quite well-behaved in the landscape and won’t spread aggressively as some other trees like willow or magnolia trees do. The roots typically remain close to the trunk and are quite manageable in terms of controlling their spread.
The key is to provide proper maintenance to the tree in order to keep the roots in check and prevent them from becoming overgrown and encroaching on other plants in the garden. This includes pruning and root trimming on a regular basis, as well as limiting the amount of fertilizer and organic matter applied to the soil around the tree.
When cared for in this manner, the roots of the crepe myrtle remain relatively contained and will not pose a threat of becoming too invasive in a garden or landscape setting.
What trees look good with crape myrtle?
Crape myrtles look beautiful when planted with other trees that provide a contrasting texture or form. Common companion trees for crape myrtles include Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.
), Oak (Quercus spp. ), Redbud (Cercis spp. ), and Magnolia (Magnolia spp. ). You can also choose shrubs, such as Hydrangeas and Azaleas, and grasses like Muhly, Cordgrass, and Pennisetum to provide an interesting contrast to a crape myrtle.
The size of the tree you choose should be in proportion to the size of the crape myrtle, so a small to medium size tree such as a Redbud or a Sweetgum will do well with a smaller crape myrtle variety.
Lastly, you can create a beautiful landscape with a mix of different trees, such as a Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) and a Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) for a dramatic effect.
Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?
No, crepe myrtles are not considered to be poisonous to dogs. While it is possible for dogs to have an allergic reaction to the sap from the crepe myrtle tree, it is not considered to be toxic to them.
Additionally, it’s important to note that crepe myrtles are among the most popular ornamental trees due to their colorful blooms and long blooming season. As such, crepe myrtles are widely used as landscape plants and often grown in residential areas, meaning it’s very likely your dog will run into them when out on a walk or in your yard.
Thankfully, they are not known to be toxic to dogs and pose no threat if eaten.
Do crape myrtle trees have invasive roots?
Crape myrtle trees have relatively shallow, non-invasive roots, assuming they are planted in a suitable area. It is important to choose an area with well-draining soil, as root rot can occur if the crape myrtle is planted in an area with poor drainage.
If planted in an area with well-draining soil, the crape myrtle’s roots typically stay close to the soil surface and won’t invade garden paths or sidewalks. While a few of the roots may extend beyond the drip line of the tree, crape myrtles generally don’t have the invasive root system other trees may have.