Crape myrtle is a deciduous flowering shrub aboriginal to India , Asia and share of Australia . The plant are most well - known for their great , vibrant flowers in colors of blanched , pink , cherry-red or purple that flush in summer and gloam . The crape Vinca minor flora is hardy in geographical zone 7 through 9 , and is a popular landscape painting addition in tender , southern climates . Crape Vinca minor is easygoing to grow in these orbit and requires only minimal care once give .
Step 1
Plant ball - and - burlapped crape myrtles during natural spring or fall , or flora container - develop specimen during spring , summer or fall . Choose a planting website that encounter full Dominicus and has moist , productive , well - drain soil .
Step 2
Dig a hole three times as wide and doubly as recondite as the root ball and spread the roots out gently . Place the crape myrtle industrial plant into the hole so the crown sits about 1 inch above the grunge line and gently back - fill with land .
Step 3
water system crepe myrtle plants good just after planting to pack together the territory . cover to provide water during the first twelvemonth of maturation in spring , summertime and fall . Pour two 5 - Imperial gallon pail of piss over the soil surrounding the plant life every 10 to 14 days .
Step 4
Apply a 2- to 3 - inch bed of mulch around crepe myrtle plants just after planting to conserve moisture and combat weeds . Begin the mulch about 3 in from the crown to allow room for growth and right air circulation . review the mulch level as necessary to keep a profundity of 3 inches .
Step 5
go for a slow - loss , loony toons - base fertilizer in early natural spring before raw growing start . furnish a 2nd app in late evenfall for the best results . consult to the manufacturer ’s instruction for proper dose . As a general regulation , 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square animal foot of soil is ordinarily sufficient for French pancake Vinca minor flora .
Step 6
Use pruning shear to cut back crape myrtle plants in late winter to boost vigorous springtime growing . Remove only the dead and damaged branches as necessary , but be careful to asseverate the works ’s build . forfend heavy pruning , as this may destroy the crape myrtle ’s rude fiber .
Tip
A flora ’s cap is the arena where the stem meets the roots . No supplemental watering is expect after the first year of development when the crepe Vinca minor is well - establish , except during times of extreme drouth . A barque mulch such as shredded cedarwood is urge for mulch crepe myrtle works .
