Planting Crape Myrtle
Planting a crape myrtle tree can make a wonderful addition to any home garden. It is a beautiful plant that boasts delicate deep pink to red blooms that appear in the spring, which makes it great for landscaping. If you are interested in growing your own crape myrtle tree, you should know how, where and when to plant it.
First of all, you will have to purchase your crape myrtle tree. Your best bet is to visit your local nursery and see what they have to offer. If you cannot find the right variety of tree, you can do your shopping from an online nursery instead. These are good options, as they tend to carry a much larger stock. However, at the same time, you should make sure any online nursery you give your money to has a good, fair return policy and the proper credentials.
Once you have your tree, make sure to choose a spot in your garden or front yard that receives a full amount of sunlight throughout the day. The soil should be well draining and ventilated, and somewhat acidic, with pH levels that range from 5.5 to 7.5. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the crape myrtle's root ball. This is necessary so that you can plant it and have the roots sitting just at the surface of the soil. Fill the area with water at the tree's base so that the roots can absorb it, which helps them to more quickly establish themselves.
After planting your crape myrtle, make sure to water it at least one to five times per week. If you cannot keep the soil bed moist at all times, more watering is especially necessary. Fortunately, the crape myrtle is highly resistant to drought. At the same time, you should always avoid overwatering it, as this can lead to drooping or yellow leaves.
