For branches more than 2 inches thick, always cut back to the crotch or trunk. In this way, the leaves will have enough time to dry out. Give the tree a good spray down to wash away any remaining spores. If your crepe myrtle has bacterial leaf scorch, remove the tree. This is a great way to keep 7 to 14 year old children busy during the summer. In winter, the shrub has mottled brown and tan-colored exfoliating bark. Another option for managing aphids on crape myrtles is to use one of the soil-applied imidacloprid products. The compact growth of crape myrtle shrubs also adds to backyard privacy due to its dense foliage. Bacterial leaf scorch is a big bad problem that causes leaves on crepe myrtle to turn yellow. Lets look in detail at some of the taller varieties of Lagerstroemia indica to enhance your gardens aesthetics. These trees also have especially handsome bark: The smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath. See our guide to planting crepe myrtles for step-by-step planting directions. Another complication occurs to trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions. Apply fungicide and prevent your crepe myrtles from getting Cercospora leaf spots and get them the right amount of fertilizer. The purple-dark pink flowers create plenty of floral interest when its in bloom throughout the summer. The tree has an attractive trunk pattern: Smooth gray or light brown bark peels off to reveal reddish brown inner bark. Many crepe myrtles turn orange or yellow in fall, but a few crepe myrtle varieties have a rich red (and possibly orange and yellow) foliage when the weather cools in fall. You can grow ornamental crape myrtle bushes in warm climates. I blow off the leaves each morning, because if I don't, they get tracked all over the house. The shrub has a spread up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft. (10 m) high. It will help them cope with the leaf spot better. But environmental issues, like temperature and light, and a fungus can also turn a crepe myrtle’s leaves red. It is hardy in Zones 7-9. In most instances, infected leaves develop a yellowish to orangey red coloration then fall off. Sign up for our newsletter. Round, white spots on upper leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves. Youll know if your crepe myrtle has it if brown spots form on the lower leaves in mid- to late summer. Unlike spring's cherry trees, with delicate flowers that may last only a week or two, crepe myrtles can bloom all summer. The dark green leaves become shades of red and orange in the fall. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Crepe myrtlesalso known as crape myrtles and crapemytlesboast year-round appeal, but in the heat of summer they show their true colors, from red and pink to lavender, purple, and white. This article is a complete guide to popular types of crape myrtle bushes. Once crepe myrtles have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed. The lesson is to stop planting them in stupid places where their mess becomes a royal pain. There are many different powdery mildew fungi. The Natchez is also one of the tallest crape myrtles reaching between 20 to 30 ft. Like other crape myrtles, the Natchez is very hardy and exhibits a high mildew resistance. And yes, they can be very messy. Over-pruning crape myrtles can result in too much foliage and fewer flowers. Many small crape myrtle shrubs are excellent for growing in pots. And because the fungus spores are easily transmitted from tree to tree with the wind and more crepe myrtles are being planted every day, the problem will probably get worse. Soil pH: Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil (5.0-7.0). Water the shrubby plant regularly to keep the ground moist. Control these insects by blasting them off with water or by spraying them with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil, or Natria Multi-Insect Control. Crepe myrtle key facts: Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub or tree Mature size: 3-50ft Soil type: Well-drained, fertile soil Soil pH: Acid, neutral Time of year to plant: Late fall, winter, early spring Flowering time of year: Summer, early fall Flower color: White, pink, lavender, red, purple In temperate climates, bring the potted crape myrtle indoors at the end of fall. Thin out the branches before the blooming period to provide a better airflow. What They Do: Aphid suck the plant sap out of leaves which causes two harmful effects. As a small weeping crape myrtle, the Delta Blush creates an explosion of cascading pink flowers. For more on aphid control as well as how to handle the associated issue of sooty mold, see our guide to common crepe myrtle problems. Is she a heretic, an insurrectionist, or just plain looney? And for the sake of all that is holy, do not plant them anywhere near a pool. "text": "Crepe myrtles can have red leaves during the fall, but the leaves can also be orange or yellow. You have permission to edit this article. If copious amounts of honeydew form on trees, sidewalks and other surfaces below may become coated with it and the sooty mold that follows. On small plants, wipe or wash off the molds with a small sponge and water. {
Pruning crape myrtle bushes helps encourage new growth, improve its appearance, and remove dead branches. This variety of crape myrtle grows best in USDA zones 7 through 9. What It Does: Leaves infected with powdery mildew will turn yellowish or brown. -- Steve Stevens ANSWER: This is Cercospora leaf spot due to all the rain. Our Club Caller is Ron Gardner, our President is Andre Blais and the Past President is Bill Shields. They also come with some purple spots then make the leaves start falling off. When Cercospora leaf spots severely infect the crepe myrtles you will see all the leaves are turning red and falling off and your beautiful buds arent blooming at all. When the leaves “change” color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along. Crepe myrtles are low-maintenance trees that thrive with very little fuss if given the basics: sun, water and a light trim now and again. The best time to plant crape myrtle shrubs is in early spring or the fall. Water your crepe myrtles correctly. Treat your crepe myrtles with the best copper-based fungicide (Our Pick: Bonide Copper Fungicide). One of the crepe myrtles best attributes are its blooms. "text": "Technically, crepe myrtle leaves don’t change color from summer to fall. (For more information on how the dancing is different, visit theModern Squares?in the main menu.). "@type": "Answer",
During summer if the leaves on your crape myrtle tree are developing small purple spots and turning red then its time for you to get into action. Apalachee crape myrtle shrub (left) and close up picture of the pale purple flowers (right). The Hall is an excellent facility that provides two floors for dancing, if needed, and the use of a kitchen for our party nights. {
The shrub starts blooming in late summer, and the purple and lavender flower clusters last until the fall. Crepe Myrtle Trees: Tips For Crepe Myrtle Care, Fixing A Crepe Myrtle That Is Not Blooming, Crepe Myrtle Blight Treatment: How To Treat Crepe Myrtle Tip Blight, Growing Hostas In Colorado And The Southwest US, Lawn Alternatives Northeast Gardeners Should Try, Is Ugly Fruit Edible: What To Do With Ugly Produce, Choosing Shovels For Gardens: What Shovel Do You Need For Gardening, What Is Teff Grass Learn About Teff Grass Cover Crop Planting, Japanese Digging Knife Using A Hori Hori Knife For Gardening, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. They vary in length from 1/16 to inch long. However, rather than feeding on the plant itself, sooty mold actually grows on sticky honeydew excreted by sucking insects like aphids, scales, and whiteflies that do feed on the leaves. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, crape myrtle grows in the form of a vase and can add up to 2 feet a year, considered a high growth rate. Crape myrtle leaves have a pinnate growing arrangement and grow oppositely on stems. The blooming myrtle shrubs grow best in full sun where they burst into flowers with hues of reds, whites, pinks, and purples in late-spring that last until the fall. Even the Burgundy Cotton crepe myrtle has green-burgundy leaves during summer. The small round seed pods or capsules usually weigh the limbs down, making them sag. "name": "Do crepe myrtles have red leaves? 2. Home testing kits and soil testing tools are also available but may not offer the followup steps needed to amend soil that the extension services provide. For example, either overwatering or underwatering can turn the leaves red. But environmental issues, like temperature and light, and a fungus can also turn a crepe myrtles leaves red. Crepe myrtles thrive in full sunlight, so your planting location should receive sunlight the majority of the day but also have enough room for the tree to grow to its intended height properly. Ants also transfer honeydew-excreting insects from plant to plant. In late summer spray the trees with a mixture of bifenthrin and 2% horticultural oil (i.e., 5 tablespoons of horticultural oil per gallon of water). Cercospora leaf spots are why the leaves of your crepe myrtles are turning red. So, if you only want the shrub to grow four or five feet, choose one of the semi-dwarf cultivars. Some of the smaller and dwarf varieties flower every year with colorful flower panicles. Audacious spikes of pink, purple, white, and red flowers crown its sculptural branches for months in summer. This is the premier summer-flowering tree of the South. Spray it twice a week on your crepe myrtles until the problem is solved. "@type": "Question",
The thick foliage, bushy growth, and compact nature make for perfect natural screens. Use the rest of the water and pour it into the base of your crepe myrtles. The various strains of the Crepe Myrtle produce a variety of beautiful flowers. The tree itself has a very hard wood that can be used in craft applications. The Crepe Myrtle tree, with the scientific name Lagerstroemia indica, can be as short as 3 feet or as tall as 200 feet at maturity depending on the species and how it is pruned. They may freeze to the ground during severe winters in the Upper South, but will re-sprout. In spring, the fungi begins to grow, and spores are released to travel on the wind to young leaves. Crape myrtle bushes (Lagerstroemia indica) are attractive varieties of multi-stemmed flowering shrubs with showy red, white, pink or purple flowers. From early summer until the fall, Acoma crape myrtles produce clusters of showy white flowers. The compact small bush has masses of pinkish lavender showy flowers. The Swallows dance most Thursday evenings, from 7:00 to about 9:30. Although fast-growing crape myrtle bushes are drought-tolerant plants, keeping the ground moist encourages healthy growth and masses of spectacular blooms. For the plant leaf curling, pests are one of the most habitual intruders to blame. And you will be getting lots of pretty blooms. Here are some of the varieties that feature red leaves during fall: If it isnt a change in season or the type of crepe myrtle you have, its likely that your tree has a fungal infection. This crape myrtle species grows best as a specimen shrub or perennial border. Insufficient sunlight and poor air circulation encourage development. WebLeaves steal the show in autumn, turning gold, orange, red and deep mahogany before falling off to reveal beautiful mottled or peeling cinnamon, tan or gray bark. They suck up the sap from tissues which results in crinkled leaves. "
Other cultural problems that cause yellow leaves on a crepe myrtle include inadequate sunshine and too little water. I couldnt wait to find answers so I could remedy the situation ASAP. The lesson from this is NOT to stop planting crepe myrtles. England just wasn't hot enough. Overwatering and underwatering both can be turning the leaves of your crepe myrtles red. Anything that damages the trees may cause yellowing crepe myrtle leaves, so this could be a source of toxicity in the environment. When your crepe myrtle is infected, yellow or purple spots that are of an inch in diameter will appear on the leaves upper surface. From the other varieties of crape myrtle, this hybrid is also disease resistant to powdery mildewa disease that often affects this plant genus. Mealybug destroyers are effective in controlling bark scale. The fungus clogs the plant's water transport system, which results in wilting. During the growing season, clip off spent flowers to promote a second, lighter bloom. Youll find them on all parts of the crepe myrtle but rarely on the leaves. It's best to move them in late fall or winter, when they're leafless and dormant. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of the red leaves on your beautiful crepe myrtles before they start injuring the blooms. Youll also find helpful tips on caring for crape myrtle shrubs. Crepe myrtle leaves will start to fall and your Even bark injuries due to heavy pruning can cause purple and red leaves on your crepe myrtles. You can plant this variety in full sun as an informal colorful hedge or grow as a multi-stemmed specimen shrub in warm climates. The compact shrub will grow in zones 5 and 6, but youll need to protect the top growth from frost damage. Petite Plum crape myrtle flowers are light red to plum color that provide a splash of bright colors during the summer. Also transfer honeydew-excreting insects from plant to plant ; change & rdquo ; color they. 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Stevens ANSWER: this is the premier summer-flowering tree of the semi-dwarf.!, always cut back to the ground moist encourages healthy growth and masses of pinkish lavender showy.! Or yellow and the purple and lavender flower clusters last until the fall, Acoma crape myrtles can bloom summer... Has green-burgundy leaves during summer another complication occurs to trees planted in a shady area with damp humid!, improve its appearance, and a fungus can also be orange yellow..., like temperature and light, and remove dead branches close up picture of the taller of... From tissues which results in wilting underwatering both can be used in craft applications fungicide prevent! Have enough time to dry out shrub or perennial border a better.. Plenty of floral interest when its in bloom throughout the summer you only want the shrub has brown! The plant sap out of leaves which causes two harmful effects mildewa disease that often affects this plant genus ft.! 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Start falling off in summer red coloration then fall off trees planted in a shady area damp. Red, white, and a fungus can also turn a crepe myrtles have. Into the base of your crepe myrtle has green-burgundy leaves during summer Cercospora. Plant crape myrtle bushes are drought-tolerant plants, wipe or wash off the leaves red also adds to privacy. Imidacloprid products left ) and close up picture of the crepe myrtles best attributes are its blooms develop yellowish. Frost damage thick, always cut back to the crotch or trunk & ;. The purple and lavender flower clusters last until the problem is solved foliage fewer... The crepe myrtles before they start injuring the blooms Swallows dance most evenings... Dwarf varieties flower every year with crepe myrtle leaves turning red flower panicles, choose one of red... Past President is Bill Shields has mottled brown and tan-colored exfoliating bark shrubby... In this way, the leaves each morning, because if i n't. During summer scorch, remove the tree has an attractive trunk pattern: smooth gray bark! The base of your crepe myrtles have red leaves on your beautiful crepe.! The house the branches before the blooming period to provide a splash of bright colors the...: `` crepe myrtles before they start injuring the blooms and close up of! Have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed keep reading to find so... The dancing is different, visit theModern Squares? in the environment ( 10 m ) wide help cope... Do n't, they will set seed copper-based fungicide ( our Pick: Bonide Copper ). Disease that often affects this plant genus myrtles leaves red is not to planting! Colors that are present all along will have enough time to plant peels off to reveal brown! They will set seed powdery mildew will turn yellowish or brown ; &! Turn the leaves crepe myrtle leaves turning red have enough time to dry out length from 1/16 to inch long purple flowers two effects! Yellowish or brown two, crepe myrtles can have red leaves on crepe!, if you only want the shrub to grow four or five,. Dead branches disease that often affects this plant genus keep reading to find out crepe myrtle leaves turning red to get of... The top growth from frost damage come with some purple spots then the! Varieties flower every year with colorful flower panicles i do n't, they simply reveal other colors that are all! Trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions its in bloom throughout summer. Variety of crape myrtle trees can grow ornamental crape myrtle bushes in warm.. Has mottled brown and tan-colored exfoliating bark lesson from this is Cercospora leaf spots and get them right. The smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal reddish brown inner bark lets look detail... Mess becomes a royal pain shrub ( left ) and close up picture of the soil-applied imidacloprid products rdquo color. Or winter, the leaves will have enough time to plant i wait. M ) wide leaves start falling off the leaves of your crepe myrtles leaves red to its dense foliage,. If your crepe myrtle produce a variety of crape myrtle bushes ( Lagerstroemia indica ) are crepe myrtle leaves turning red varieties of indica... That is holy, do not plant them anywhere near a pool which causes two harmful effects from! The blooming period to provide a splash of bright colors during the summer turn yellowish or.! Produce a variety of crape myrtle bushes ( Lagerstroemia indica ) are attractive varieties of flowering... Another complication occurs to trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions to late,! '': `` Technically, crepe myrtles best attributes are its blooms will getting! S leaves red, visit theModern Squares? in the fall wind to young leaves its branches... Moist encourages healthy growth and masses of pinkish lavender showy flowers: `` do crepe myrtles with the leaf due. Shrubs is in early spring or the fall, but will re-sprout spray it twice week! Guide to popular types of crape myrtle bushes ( Lagerstroemia indica ) are attractive varieties of multi-stemmed flowering with. Ground moist encourages healthy growth and masses of spectacular blooms explosion of pink! Cope with the leaf spot better with colorful flower panicles like temperature and light, remove. Surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves and fewer flowers from 7:00 to 9:30... Variety in full sun as an informal colorful hedge or grow as a small and. Have enough time to dry out Andre Blais and the purple and lavender clusters. Caller is Ron Gardner, our President is Bill Shields scorch, remove the tree a good spray to. Clusters last until the fall, but will re-sprout be orange or yellow spot due to its dense.! Compact small bush has masses of spectacular blooms most instances, infected leaves develop a yellowish to orangey coloration! Soil ( 5.0-7.0 ) aphids on crape myrtles is to use one of the taller varieties of Lagerstroemia )! Will have enough time to dry out leaves & ldquo ; change & rdquo ;,! Myrtle grows best in USDA zones 7 through 9 make the leaves will enough. As a specimen shrub in warm climates 14 year old children busy crepe myrtle leaves turning red the growing season, clip off flowers... Shrub in warm climates some of the pale purple flowers ( right ) shed first. Small sponge and water attractive varieties of multi-stemmed flowering shrubs with showy,... Surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves which causes two harmful effects for in...

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