Caring for Weeping Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are beautiful small trees that produce paper thin blooms in a variety of colors, and one type is the weeping crepe myrtle. Though some varieties can grow quite large, the weeping crepe myrtle usually only reaches a maximum height of three feet, making it a great choice for planting in smaller gardens. With proper care, the weeping crepe myrtle will grow and bloom for many years to come.
Planting Crepe Myrtle
Popularly grown in Southern locations, crepe myrtles prefer lots of sun and warmth. When selecting a site for planting your crepe myrtle, be sure that it receives full sun. If necessary, amend the soil with peat moss or compost until it is rich and well-drained. The hole you dig for the tree should be no deeper than its original container but twice as wide. Remove all wrappings and containers from the plant's roots, then lower into the ground. Pack firmly and water thoroughly. During the first several months of growth, it is important to keep the plant's soil evenly moist to encourage strong root growth.
General Care and Maintenance
In the spring, fertilize your crepe myrtle using a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer. Since these plants bloom on new wood, they need to be pruned back to encourage new growth and flowering. This should be done in the spring after the first frost has passed. For a plant that is a year old or younger, only gentle pruning is recommended. For more mature plants, 18 to 24 inches of the branches can be removed, though heavy and excessive pruning is not recommended. As your crepe myrtle blooms, removing spent blooms will help the plant continue to flower prolifically. Water extra during periods of little rain, and be on the lookout for powdery mildew, a disease that commonly infects crepe myrtles. This will appear as a white, powder-like growth on the leaves and can be treated with fungicide.
