Black Crepe Myrtle Tree

Black crepe myrtle tree

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

How much sun does a black diamond crape myrtle need?

Black Diamond® Crape Myrtle - Best Red™ Care Sunlight Crapes are full sun lovers, so plant in an area with well-drained soil and 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Watering Though they are drought tolerant once established, you may have to water young trees more often, especially in the summer heat.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle tree?

Lifespan – When planted in full sun and fertile soil, Crepe Myrtles can live well beyond 50 years. In fact, dotted along the southeastern landscape, it is common to come across specimens over 100 years old.

What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?

It should also be noted that some types of crape myrtles, if left unpruned, can be expected to produce the most flowers. As the degree of pruning increases, the number of flowers tends to decrease. However, the flower clusters in pruned crape myrtles tend to be larger than those from unpruned plants.

Should you cut crepe myrtles back every year?

When to Prune? If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in mid-February to avoid winter injury. Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height. Pruning is also not necessary for blooming.

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.

Is crepe myrtle a good tree?

Crape myrtles are wildly popular in the South for good reason. They bloom in the summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service. The larger varieties grow rather quickly, providing a bit of shade in addition to the seasonal color.

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 myrtle tree 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.

Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?

Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.