By Cynthia White, Colusa County Master Gardener
On nearly any street in town right now, you can see fully flowering crepe myrtles. I won’t call them trees, although many are nearly tree-sized. They are really wonderfully overgrown shrubs that bring stunning hot weather color to our community.
The crepe myrtle is well suited to our local climate. It thrives in full sun, receiving six to eight hours of sunlight per day, in well-drained soil. It benefits from modest watering, light pruning and seasonal maintenance for vibrant blooms and healthy growth. If it doesn’t receive enough sun, it can suffer from early flower drop. It also needs good air circulation to help prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
Another issue crepe myrtles can be susceptible to is aphid infestation, which appears as a dark sooty coating on the leaves and branches. Ants often tend the aphids, whether you see them or not. Applying a systemic insecticide to the soil around the trunk can help eliminate the aphids.
Crepe myrtles require very little fertilizer or water once established. Water sparingly and feed lightly with a slow-release fertilizer once a year. If your plant is growing in a lawn area, keep grass at least 2 feet away from the trunk because it competes directly with the tree for water and nutrients. Apply a light layer of mulch around the base and avoid overwatering. Well-drained soil is essential for a healthy plant.
When choosing a variety, select one that is suited to your available space and sun exposure. Color choices range from snow white to the bright red variety known as Dynamite. Even after the blooms have faded for the season, crepe myrtles continue to provide attractive fall foliage and striking winter bark that becomes more beautiful with age.
If your space is limited, consider a dwarf variety that stays under 5 feet tall. A fully mature standard crepe myrtle can reach 30 feet in height, so think ahead before you plant.