Considering crepe myrtles for your yard? Great choice! Crepe myrtles are exceptionally hardy and reward you with showy blooms for very little work. If you’re thinking about picking up a crepe myrtle or two, check out these interesting crepe myrtle facts, then call us for tree services in Great Falls, VA.
1. Crepe Myrtles Aren’t Picky About Soil Preferences
Some tree species complain if the soil isn’t just right for their needs. Not the crepe myrtle. This specimen can grow in a surprising array of soil types, from soft loam to clay.
If your soil lacks nutrients, that’s no problem for crepe myrtles. In fact, soil that is too nutrient-rich can hinder the crepe myrtle’s bloom cycle. This tree does grow best in slightly acidic soil, though, so you may need to amend yours to adjust the pH level.
2. They Boast an Impressive Growth Rate
Want a tree that’ll grow big and tall in no time? The crepe myrtle is for you. The species can grow up to a whopping 24 inches per year.
Crepe myrtles can get taller than you’d expect, too. Although classified as a low-growing tree or shrub, some varieties can reach up to 30 feet in height. If you’d rather have a smaller specimen, stick with dwarf crepe myrtles, which reach 2-5 feet in height at maturity.
3. Their Pruning Needs Are Virtually Zero
Unlike other tree species that require regular pruning, crepe myrtles don’t need haircuts very often. You should only prune your crepe myrtle to remove dead branches or trim back branches that have overgrown. Pruning back branches too severely can weaken the tree and cause it to stop flowering.
4. They Love the Sun
Like all flowering trees, crepe myrtles have significant sunlight needs. If you’re looking for crepe myrtle facts, you might be interested to know that the species is native to China, where it evolved to withstand high temperatures and harsh sun.
To get the most showy blooms out of your crepe myrtle, plant the tree where it’ll receive at least six hours of sun per day – the more, the better.
5. Crepe Myrtles Boast Surprising Pest Resistance
Some tree species are magnets for pests, always falling prey to aphids, beetles, and even termites. When it comes to pest resistance, the crepe myrtle is a superhero. Most insects steer well clear of it, although the tree can sometimes attract ants.
Its disease resistance, however, isn’t the best. Crepe myrtle is susceptible to tree diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, and leaf scorch. Keep close tabs on your crepe myrtle and treat it at the first sign of disease.
Need Crepe Myrtle Care? Call The Heart of Wood
Now that you’ve learned these interesting crepe myrtle facts, are you looking for the right tree company to care for your specimen? Reach out to our expert arborists at The Heart of Wood. We specialize in crepe myrtle care in the Washington, D.C. area. Call us at (571) 482-0996 or keep reading to learn about leaving tree stump dangers.