Crape Myrtles: Aromatic Varieties For Your Garden

Crape myrtle trees, also known as crepe myrtle or crapemyrtle, are a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. They are chiefly known for their colourful and long-lasting flowers, which occur in summer. They are also characterised by their multiple trunks, though they can be pruned to develop a more tree-like appearance. While they are native to Southeast Asia and Oceania, they are now cultivated in warmer regions worldwide. Crape myrtles are highly sought-after in warm climates because their flowers bloom for a long period – at least four months from June to September. However, it is unclear whether they have an aroma.

Crape myrtles are drought-tolerant

Crape myrtles are a type of shrub or small tree known for their brightly coloured, slightly crumpled flowers. They are highly sought-after in warm climates because their flowers bloom for a long period, from June through to September. They are also drought-tolerant. Crape myrtles are easy to care for and well-adapted to hot summers and mild winters. They are quite drought-tolerant once they have become established, although they will produce better growth and flowering with supplemental watering during dry spells.

Crape myrtles need to be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered infrequently but deeply. Using a three-to-four-inch layer of mulch out to the drip line of the tree helps to conserve soil moisture. Crape myrtles are also mostly trouble-free, with powdery mildew and aphids being the most common problems.

Crape myrtles are wonderful, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance trees or shrubs. They are perfect for summer-flowering and will add an abundance of colour to your summertime landscape.

They are susceptible to pests

While crape myrtles are considered to be relatively trouble-free and pest-resistant, they are still susceptible to certain pests. These include aphids, Japanese beetles, powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, crapemyrtle bark scale, and sooty mould.

Crape myrtle aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are pale yellowish-green with black spots on their abdomen. They feed on the plant sap, excreting a sugary substance called honeydew that attracts sooty mould. They can be controlled by natural predators such as ladybirds and green lacewings, or with insecticides.

Japanese beetles are invasive pests that feed on the leaves and flowers of crape myrtles. They can be controlled by hand-picking and drowning in soapy water, or with insecticides.

Powdery mildew is a common fungus that appears as white patches on the leaves, flowers, and new shoots. It is most serious in shady, damp locations. It can be prevented by planting resistant varieties and providing full sun and good air circulation.

Cercospora leaf spot is a fungus that causes yellow spots on the upper leaf surface and can lead to defoliation. It is more likely to occur in warm, moist weather and crowded conditions. It can be prevented by selecting resistant varieties and providing good air circulation.

Crapemyrtle bark scale is an invasive insect that produces honeydew, leading to sooty mould. It is more prevalent in shaded areas. Control methods include the use of insecticides and washing the trunk and branches with a mild soap solution.

Sooty mould is a fungus that grows on the honeydew excreted by sap-sucking insects such as aphids, scales, and whiteflies. It can be controlled by removing the insects and washing the mould off with water.

Crape myrtles are native to Southeast Asia and Oceania

Crape myrtles, also spelt crepe myrtles, are native to Southeast Asia, Australia and parts of Oceania. They were first introduced to the United States in 1790 in Charleston, South Carolina, by French botanist André Michaux. Today, they can be found in almost every state.

Crape myrtles are a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. They are chiefly known for their colourful and long-lasting flowers, which occur in summer. Most species have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having bark that sheds throughout the year. The leaves are opposite and simple, with entire margins, and vary in size from 2 to 8 inches. While all species are woody in nature, they can range in height from over 30 metres to under 30 centimetres; most, however, are small to medium, multiple-trunked trees and shrubs. The leaves of temperate species provide autumn colour.

Crape myrtles are highly sought-after in warm climates because their flowers bloom for such a long period: at least four months from June through late September. As the flowers die, they leave seed balls that transform into side shoots of new flowers. Interestingly, the first blooms of the season will be larger than the ones that appear later.

Crape myrtles are drought and heat tolerant when established, making them adaptable to hot climates. They are also resistant to most pests, although gardeners should beware of Japanese beetles, aphids and whiteflies.

Crape myrtles are susceptible to several pests and diseases, most notably fungus-caused powdery mildew, and more recently, bark scale, caused by aphids leaving a black dark fungal infection in their wake.

Crape myrtles are best cultivated in warmer southern climates and prefer full sun. They are available in a variety of colours and sizes.

They have multiple trunks

Crape myrtles are a type of shrub or small tree known for their brightly coloured, slightly crumpled flowers. They are highly sought-after in warm climates because their flowers bloom for a long period: at least four months from June through to late September.

A unique feature of crape myrtles is that they typically have multiple trunks. If you are looking to develop a more tree-like appearance, these can be pruned into a single trunk. The trunks come in many different colours, ranging from taupe to cinnamon to pale pink, and the bark sheds in strips, revealing layers of varying colours for a striking contrast.

Crape myrtles can be pruned into a whimsical tree shape, providing a gorgeous statement as well as shade. Alternatively, you could plant several varieties together to create a border or as part of a landscaping tableau with low-growing ground cover beneath.

Crape myrtles are drought and heat-tolerant and are resistant to most diseases. They are also resistant to deer, though gardeners should beware of Japanese beetles, aphids, and whiteflies.

Crape myrtles are a type of shrub or small tree

Crape myrtles, also spelt crepe myrtles, are a type of shrub or small tree known for their brightly coloured, slightly crumpled flowers. They are native to China but have become a popular ornamental tree in the American South, where they thrive in the hot and humid climate. Crape myrtles are available in a variety of sizes, from dwarf shrubs to towering trees, and offer a range of colours, from white to shades of deep red and purple.

Crape myrtles are prized for their year-round interest and colour. In summer, they produce showy flowers, and in autumn, their foliage turns radiant shades of red, orange, and yellow. In winter, their bark becomes a decorative feature, as it peels away in strips to reveal layers of different colours. Crape myrtles are also known for their multiple trunks, which can be pruned into a single trunk for a more tree-like appearance.

These versatile plants can be pruned and shaped in various ways, making them suitable for different landscaping purposes. They can be grown as a centerpiece, with their branches pruned into a whimsical tree shape, or several varieties can be planted together to create a border or landscaping tableau. Some crape myrtles are also suitable for containers.

When it comes to care, crape myrtles are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. While they are drought-tolerant, they may need more frequent watering during hot summers, especially in sandy soils. Crape myrtles are generally hardy and resistant to most pests, but they are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in shady and humid conditions.

Overall, crape myrtles are a beautiful and adaptable addition to any garden, providing colour and interest throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions