Lawn Guardian

Crape Myrtle Care Guide

Lagerstroemia indica

treeZones 7–10deer resistant

Southern favorite with spectacular summer blooms in pink, red, purple, or white. Attractive mottled bark provides winter interest. Heat and drought tolerant once established.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Prune properly (no crape murder) Late winter/early spring before new growth

Remove suckers from base and thin crossing branches. Cut only pencil-thin branches at the top. Never top or hat-rack the tree.

Apply fertilizer When new growth appears

Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer as new leaves emerge. One application is sufficient for the year.

Summer

Monitor for powdery mildew Throughout summer

Inspect foliage for white powdery coating. Treat with fungicide if detected early.

Deadhead spent blooms After first bloom fades

Remove spent flower clusters to encourage a second flush of blooms in late summer.

Fall

Clean up seed pods After leaf drop

Remove fallen seed pods and leaves from around the base to reduce disease pressure.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns