Crape Myrtle is a deciduous plant, losing its alternately arranged leaves in the fall as they turn reddish in color but their beautiful, exfoliating bark makes up for its bare branches in the wintertime.
Planting: Crape Myrtles grow well in many different types of soil; however, best growth can be expected when plants are set in well-drained, improved soil in full or half-day sun.
Fertilizing: Apply one-half cup of Sunniland 6-6-6 fertilizer per tree or shrub every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Larger established trees or shrubs should be fertilized in early spring and late summer with 1-3 pounds of Espoma Tree-Tone per plant.
Pruning: After each blooming, remove old bloom stalks for increased flowering throughout the summer. Prune to shape in late winter. Shrub form varieties can be pruned into tree form over time.
