Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are the glorious flowering trees that bloom right through the heat of the summer. The large clusters of pink, purple, rose, or white flowers provide bursts of color for weeks, even months, on end. The flaking bark of the tree is also quite attractive.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Crape Myrtles prefer full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours per day of direct sun for profuse blooms. They prefer an evenly moist, well-drained soil, but perform well in a variety of conditions. Crape Myrtles that have been container grown will initially have higher water requirements than field grown specimens which are sold "balled and burlapped".

PROPER TIMING FOR FERTILIZING & PRUNING

Feed Crape Myrtles at least twice a year with a slow-release fertilizer such as Merrifield Flowering Plant Food 10-18-12 or Osmocote. Ideal timing for feeding Crape Myrtles is during the spring and summer seasons. Crape Myrtles should be pruned in the early part of the spring before new growth begins to emerge. They bloom on the current year's wood, so pruning time is important!

CRAPE MYRTLE VARIETIES

Merrifield Garden Center carries over 15 varieties of Crape Myrtle. On the attached pages is a list which details flower color, bloom period, and comments on their bark.
The varieties described on the following pages represent Crape Myrtle that Merrifield Garden Center generally carries. If you are looking for a variety that is not listed, we may be able to order it for you. If you have further questions, please see a member of our professional staff.

Click Here For the Crape Myrtle Chart