Crape myrtle
A common street and garden tree in Italy; in Britain it needs the hottest, most sheltered spot to flower.
Care
Full sun and heat — in cool summers it flowers sparsely or not at all.
Medium when young; drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained soil.
Flowers on new wood: prune in late winter, removing thin and crossing shoots and shortening last year's growth. Avoid 'topping' the main branches to stumps.
A balanced feed in spring.
Softwood cuttings in early summer.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- FebruaryPrune before growth starts, keeping a good branch framework. how ›
- AugustWater young trees and pots in hot, dry spells. how ›
- OctoberEnjoy the autumn leaf colour.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryPrune before growth starts, keeping a good branch framework. how ›
- AugustWater young trees and pots in hot, dry spells. how ›
- OctoberEnjoy the autumn leaf colour.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. White coating on leaves and buds.
What to do. Choose resistant cultivars; ensure air flow.
How to spot it. Healthy leaves, few flowers.
What to do. Needs more heat and sun.
How to spot it. Sticky leaves with black film.
What to do. Wash off; encourage predators.
Questions
Crape myrtle: is it hardy?
H3: Half hardy. It survives down to −5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, dwarf cultivars.
Crape myrtle: when do you prune it?
Flowers on new wood: prune in late winter, removing thin and crossing shoots and shortening last year's growth. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in February.
Crape myrtle: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in July–September.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed in spring. Feeding months, UK: April.