Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle) is a deciduous large shrub or small to medium sized tree that is smothered in showy ruffled flowers in shades of white, pink, mauve, lavender and red during summer. Dwarf varieties are suitable for growing in small spaces or containers and large crepe myrtles can reach up to 6 m tall. They make a beautiful shade and specimen trees and many crepe myrtles have very attractive mottled bark. Crepe myrtles grow well in most climates.


How to grow Crepe Myrtle in a garden

  1. Choose a position in full sun with well drained soil.
  2. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed and Yates Nature's Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. 
  3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well. 
  5. Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
  6. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  7. During the growing and flowering season feed with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate

Growing tips

  • To help keep crepe myrtles looking tidy, after flowering has finished, remove as many spent flower heads as possible.

  • Crepe myrtles may be pruned hard in winter, although this will affect their natural beautiful shape.

  • Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can infect crepe myrtles and significantly reduce their health. Some varieties of crepe myrtles are more resistant to powdery mildew than others and fungicides can also be applied to protect crepe myrtles from this disease.

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