The Best Crape Myrtle Fertilizer
While crape myrtle trees are better known for their brilliant blossoms than their fertilization needs, experienced gardeners highlight the importance of knowing what the best type of fertilizer is to care for these lovely ornamental trees. Crape myrtles produce blossoms from white to nearly every shade of pink, red, lavender, and deep purple. Knowing how proper fertilization practices can contribute to the lushness and vibrancy of crape myrtle blossoms will enhance enjoyment of these trees and raise confidence in knowing that you can take credit for the healthy, eye-catching tree in your own home garden or landscape setting. Learn from experts how and when to fertilize crape myrtle, and what fertilizer types will yield the best results.
When to Fertilize Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle trees have a reputation for having low fertilization needs. These hardy, easy care and maintenance trees are drought resistant and can survive well in a variety of soil conditions, especially once the tree has reached maturity. But especially while a young tree is still growing and being established, offering fertilizer after planting and each spring when new growth is beginning to form can greatly aid in producing a healthy tree. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use on Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle fertilizer should reflect these trees' love for acidic soil, and should focus on the root system as branches, foliage, and blossoms fare poorly when exposed to direct contact with fertilizer. Experts suggest a light, all purpose, acidic soil formulation in a 5-10-5 ratio is a good choice, and granular types that can be sprinkled lightly across the topsoil extending out to the edge of the tree canopy is the best method of dispersion. Always water crape myrtle trees well after fertilization which will aid with absorption throughout the entire root system.
