CRAPE MYRTLES "THE LILAC OF THE SOUTH"
BY ORLANDO MARTINEZ "THE GARDEN GURU"
We can’t grow lilacs like they can in the North, but Crepe Myrtles are more than a
worthy replacement. Crepes come in all sizes - from two-foot miniatures to forty-foot
monsters. The color range is complete red, pink, purple, lavender and white. They
even have two tone flowers: pink and white, red and white, and even one called
dynamite whose color changes as it blooms from white to pink to red!
Crepe Myrtles are very hardy and once established require little water and care as
long as they are planted in the sun. In part shade they bloom less and are disease
prone.
Powdery Mildew is their main disease. It looks like someone dusted the leaves with
baby powder. Spray with a good fungicide to cure or plant a mildew resistant variety
like Tuscarora.
If the leaves get sticky, it’s a sign of a bug problem (aphids). Spray with neem oil to
control the problem.
When choosing a Crepe Myrtle decide the height you want it at maturity and the color
of the flower. If you pick the right size, you won’t have to prune every year.
Feed once or twice a year with Crepe Myrtle food and you will enjoy blooms from May
to November.