In order for the crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) to be able to bloom in this country with its enchanting splendor of flowers, a few things have to be considered when caring for them. It is particularly important to protect them adequately in winter.
Summer can only be perfect when the crape myrtle enriches it with its blossom. The ornamental plants surprise with an extraordinary variety of colors. Appropriate care is necessary so that the curly myrtle mixes up the summer in the bed. However, this is not complex and can also be easily managed by inexperienced hobby gardeners. Here you can find out what needs to be considered when caring for plants so that the abundance of flowers can soon appear in your bed.
Worth knowing about the plant itself
The history of crape myrtle began in India. There the plants were tracked down by Magnus Lagerstroem and sent to Sweden for closer examination and identification. The name Lagerströmie is reminiscent of the botanist. The loosestrife family is particularly widespread in China. About 450 species, which can be divided into 22 genera, are known.
The natural conditions
For needs-based plant care, it is important to know the natural characteristics of crape myrtle. The plants thrive in the subtropics and have long been kept as cold house plants in our latitudes. In the meantime, the plants have adapted quite well to our climate and outdoor cultivation is possible.
6 Crepe Myrtle Care Instructions
Casting:
Regular watering is necessary. On hot days it makes sense to water several times, preferably in the morning and evening. It should not be watered in the blazing midday sun. The leaves could burn from the irrigation water. A sure instinct is required when pouring. If you water too much, you risk waterlogging, which the plant cannot tolerate and which leads to root rot. On the other hand, the earth must not dry out.
» Tip: The upper layer of the substrate is allowed to dry slightly between the individual waterings.
Crepe myrtle watering in keywords:
- regular watering
- in summer toowater several times a day
- Avoid waterlogging
- Soil must not dry out completely
Fertilize:
In order to promote lush flowering, crape myrtle receives liquid fertilizer monthly during the growth phase. When dosing, follow the manufacturer's recommendations so that the plants are not oversupplied and burns do not occur. In spring, the substrate can be enriched with compost. The plants also tolerate rose fertilizer very well, which should be placed in the soil close to the trunk.
Fertilize crape myrtle in keywords:
- every four weeks during the growth phase
- Use liquid fertilizer in moderate concentration
- Apply rose fertilizer in spring
- natural long-term fertilization with compost
Pruning:
In late winter, it's time to prune the crape myrtle. The shoots are shortened to a length of about ten centimeters.
» Tip: There should still be about five eyes on the branches after the cut.
In order for the plant to retain its natural growth habit, buds that have formed on the stem are removed.
Even during the growth phase, the hobby gardener should keep an eye on the plants. In order to promote flowering and to prolong the flowering period, faded flowers and disturbing branches and twigs should be removed regularly. It is important to ensure that the plant receives sufficient light.
Propagation:
If you want to grow new plants, you prefer to do this by propagating cuttings. Half-lignified cuttings can be cut as well as young shoots. The cuttings are grown in suitable planters at room temperature. It takes about two years for a flowering plant to develop.
Propagation by seeds requires far more patience. The seeds only need a few weeks to germinate. However, it is not uncommon for up to five years to pass before the hobby gardener can enjoy the rich blooms.
Diseases and pests:
Crepe myrtle is quite easy to care for and appears floriferous and robust. However, the plants are particularly sensitive to moisture. Crepe myrtle is particularly susceptible to powdery mildew when the weather is cool and damp. The disease can be recognized by deformed leaves covered with a white, mealy coating.
» Tip: Crape myrtle is sensitive to moisture. So be careful whenWater not to wet the leaves.
Powdery mildew is quite difficult to treat and the hobby gardener often cannot avoid the use of chemical agents, after all, the aim is to prevent the disease from spreading to the other plants in the bed. Natural control options include horseradish broth or wormwood broth. The plants have to be treated several times with it. Rose fertilizer can also protect against powdery mildew.
Hiberation:
The plants are considered conditionally hardy. Some varieties tolerate severe frosts, while others are not used to freezing temperatures at all. Crape myrtle sheds its leaves in autumn. If the plant is brought indoors soon afterwards, it does not necessarily have to be overwintered in a bright location. Since no photosynthesis takes place, it can be dark in the room. The room temperature should be around five degrees. Avoid frost in winter quarters.
Plants that overwinter outdoors should be sheltered from twigs or leaves. Outdoor plants usually do not need to be watered in winter. With potted plants, make sure that they do not dry out completely. The crape myrtle can only be supplied with water and nutrients to a limited extent in the planter. Therefore, make sure that the soil remains evenly moist.