Crepe myrtle is a beautiful flowering tree that is perfect for any landscape. They are easy to care for and can be planted in almost any type of soil. Here are some tips on how to plant crepe myrtle trees.
When choosing a location to plant your crepe myrtle, make sure it is in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. They also need well-drained soil, so avoid planting them in areas that tend to be wet or soggy. Once you have chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to get started!
The first step is to dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Loosen up the roots a bit before placing the tree into the hole. Backfill with soil and water deeply.
Be sure to mulch around the base of the tree to help keep the roots cool and moist.
- Purchase a Crepe Myrtle that is appropriate for the size of your planting area
- The tree should be at least 2 years old and have a trunk diameter of at least 1 inch
- Prepare the planting hole before you bring the tree home
- The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so that the tree is at the same level in the ground as it was in the pot
- Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any roots that are circling the inside of the pot
- Place the tree in the prepared hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down gently as you go to remove any air pockets
- Water deeply immediately after planting and continue to water regularly (weekly or more during hot, dry weather) during the first growing season until roots are established and new growth begins to appear
Credit: www.thetreecenter.com
Contents
What is the Best Month to Plant Crepe Myrtles?
If you’re looking to add some color to your landscape with crepe myrtles, the best time to plant them is typically in the spring or fall. Spring is generally the best time to plant trees and shrubs in many areas of the country, as it gives them a chance to get established before the hot summer months. However, if you live in an area with very hot summers, planting crepe myrtles in fall may be a better option so they can get their roots established before the heat arrives.
Whichever season you choose, make sure to pick a time when the weather is mild and there’s no risk of frost.
Where Should You Not Plant a Crape Myrtle?
There are a few places you shouldn’t plant a crape myrtle. One is under power lines. The other is too close to your house.
Crape myrtles can get quite large, so you need to give them plenty of room to grow. If you plant them too close to your house, they could end up damaging your foundation or siding.
You also shouldn’t plant them under power lines.
While they may not damage the lines themselves, the utility company will likely trim them back severely, which will ruin the tree’s shape and beauty.
How Long Does It Take a Crepe Myrtle to Get Established?
It takes a crepe myrtle about two to three years to become established. The plant will usually start blooming during its second year. Once it is established, it will be drought tolerant and can tolerate some flooding.
It is important to prune the crepe myrtle yearly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
How Do I Plant Myrtle?
When planting myrtle, it is best to do so in the spring or early summer. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To start, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go. Water deeply and regularly for the first few weeks after planting. Once established, myrtle is drought tolerant.
Crape Myrtle Tree | Step by Step Planting
How Far Apart to Plant Crepe Myrtles
When it comes to crepe myrtles, one of the most common questions is how far apart to plant them. The answer can vary depending on the variety of crepe myrtle and the size of the tree, but as a general rule, you should plant them about 15-20 feet apart. This will allow them enough room to grow and spread without overcrowding each other.
If you’re unsure what variety of crepe myrtle you have, or if you want to make sure they have plenty of room to grow, you can always err on the side of caution and plant them further apart. After all, you can always move them closer together later if needed. But once they’re planted too close together, there’s not much you can do except wait for them to outgrow each other (which could take years).
So when in doubt, go with a wider spacing between your crepe myrtles. It may take a little longer for them to fill in the space, but it’ll be worth it in the long run!
How to Plant Crape Myrtle from Cutting
If you’re looking to add some color to your yard with a beautiful crape myrtle, planting from a cutting is a great option! Here’s how to do it:
First, find a healthy crape myrtle that you’d like to take a cutting from.
Cut off a 6-8 inch section of stem, making sure to include at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Strip the leaves off of the bottom half of the stem.
Next, prepare your planting spot by digging a hole that’s slightly larger than the roots on your cutting.
Add some compost or other organic matter to the hole and mix it in with the soil.
Place your crape myrtle cutting in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down gently as you go. Water well after planting.
Now all you have to do is wait for your new crape myrtle to take root and start growing!
Planting Crepe Myrtle in Fall
Fall is the perfect time to plant a crepe myrtle tree. The cooler weather and longer nights help the trees roots develop, giving them a strong start for next spring. Here are some tips on how to plant your new crepe myrtle tree:
1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard with well-drained soil. Crepe myrtles need at least six hours of sunlight each day.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
This will give your tree plenty of room to grow.
3. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any tightly wrapped roots before placing it in the hole. Fill in around the roots with soil, tamping it down lightly as you go.
4. Water your new tree deeply, saturating the root ball completely. Be sure to keep an eye on it over the next few weeks, watering regularly if necessary (especially if there has been no rain).
With proper care, your crepe myrtle will thrive for many years to come!
Planting Crape Myrtle in Clay Soil
Crape myrtles are one of the most popular ornamental trees in the southern United States. They are known for their attractive flowers and foliage, as well as their tolerance to heat and drought. Crape myrtles can be grown in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soils.
Clay soils can be a challenge for gardeners, but with a little extra care, crape myrtles can thrive in these conditions.
When planting crape myrtles in clay soil, it is important to improve drainage before planting. This can be done by amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
It is also important to choose a planting site that has good drainage. If possible, plant crape myrtles on a slope or raised bed to further improve drainage. Once your tree is planted, water it regularly during its first growing season to help it establish roots in its new location.
With proper care, crape myrtles can prosper even in challenging clay soils. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of these trees without worrying about poor drainage causing problems down the road.
Conclusion
In order to plant a crepe myrtle, it is best to do so in the spring or early fall. The first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and full sun. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Next, remove the tree from its container and loosen any roots that are tightly bound. This will help the tree establish itself more quickly once it is planted. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, making sure to pack it down firmly.
Water your new crepe myrtle deeply and regularly for the first few months while it becomes established.