Black Crape Myrtle Tree

November 15, 2024 Post a Comment

Black crape myrtle tree

The Black Diamond® crape myrtle tends to reach a mature height between 10-12 feet with a 4 to 5 foot spread.

What turns a crepe myrtle black?

As summer approaches, it is not unusual for crape myrtles' lush green growth to turn black as they are covered in sooty mold. Sooty mold is the black, crusty material that encompasses the leaves during the growing season.

Is there a black crepe myrtle?

Black Diamonds are a revolutionary new series of crape myrtles that provide unique beauty to your landscape and instant yard envy for your neighbors. Flawless black foliage emerges in early spring followed by masses of brilliant jewel-toned blooms that last until the first frost.

How much sun does a black diamond crape myrtle need?

Full sun is the ideal condition for this shrub, meaning it should get at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Crape myrtle grows in a wide range of soils from slightly alkaline to acidic. It prefers moist, well-drained sites but has some drought tolerance.

Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?

Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it's fine.

What is the most beautiful crape myrtle?

Top 5 Crape Myrtle Tree Varieties

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle. Maturing to a height of around 20 feet, the Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is known by its signature coral, pink blooms.
Muskogee Crape Myrtle. ...
Natchez Crape Myrtle. ...
Arapaho Crape Myrtle. ...
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle.

How do you take care of a black crepe myrtle?

Treatment: Although not necessary, sooty mold can be washed from the leaves by spraying foliage with a dish soap solution (4 ounces per gallon of water), waiting three to four minutes, and then rinsing the foliage with a strong stream of water.

What is the life expectancy of a crepe myrtle?

Crepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Are crepe myrtle roots invasive?

Crape myrtle do not have invasive root systems, which may be one reason they are used as sidewalk margin trees. They don't lift the sidewalks as so many other trees do. And their beautiful fall color is another reward.

What is the difference between crepe myrtle and crape myrtle?

Commonly called the “lilac of the South,” the spelling of this tree is a litmus test of geographic origins. Crepe myrtle is the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling; north of some unspecified crepe-myrtle line, it becomes crape myrtle.

What does a black diamond crape myrtle look like?

Black Diamond is a new series of dwarf Crape Myrtle with deep purple to black foliage and a variety of vibrant flower colors. These compact trees or bushes only reach 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at maturity. They are disease resistant and bloom prolifically up until frost.

Is a crepe myrtle a messy tree?

But crepe myrtles are messy trees. What is up must come down, and those blooms will end up all over your driveway and whatever is parked on it for many weeks. Forget keeping it clean.

What is the best time of year to plant crape myrtle?

Although you can plant them at almost any time, the ideal time to plant a new crape myrtle is in early spring. You should ensure the last freeze has passed before planting and provide ample time for your new tree to mature before winter.

How far from my house should I plant a crepe myrtle?

Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.

What is the hardiest crepe myrtle tree?

Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Plant. Tougher than its Southern cousin, Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Tree tolerates subzero temperatures. Like other crape myrtles, this deciduous shrub provides months of interest in the landscape. From midsummer to fall, its bright red flower panicles are on full display.

What are the cons of crepe myrtles?

Top Disadvantage of Crape Myrtles: Bark Scale As they feed on crape myrtles, they secrete a sugary, sticky substance called honeydew that turns is the perfect environment for black sooty mold along the branches and tree trunk. If that sounds gross, you're right. It can ruin the look of your once-beautiful crape myrtle.

What happens if you don't trim crepe myrtles?

The flower clusters may be larger on lopped trees, but the added weight on the ends of long branches causes them to bend over awkwardly, especially after it rains. And since the tree is smaller, it actually produces fewer flower clusters. Many people say they need to cut a crape myrtle back because of its size.

How far from fence should I plant crepe myrtle?

If you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.

Are crepe myrtles high maintenance?

Crape myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance choice for landscaping in the appropriate region, but they do require some specific care for their showy blooms to flourish. To help your crape myrtle look its very best… Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive.

Do crape myrtles need a lot of water?

Crape Myrtles need at least one inch of water per week, with more during especially hot and dry weather. Still, these plants are fairly drought resistant once they've matured. Though Crape Myrtles like a good and deep soaking, issues like poor drainage and overwatering can lead to problems.