Crepe Myrtle question

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
lgamb Browns Summit, NC Apr 14, 2007

Hi I planted 4 crepe myrtles last fall, tuscarora about 4 ft tall. They were still blooming at time of planting. Just checked them today and there is quite a bit of die back, about 1 foot. Is that typical in zone 7b Greensboro NC?

I have a couple of other varieties of crepe myrtle (catawba) that were planted the previous spring, but they seem to have very little die back after the winter.

I'm wondering if its just that they are somewhat newly planted and the root system is not well established yet. Any thoughts?

Post #3390804
Quote
sportzkat Roanoke, VA Apr 15, 2007

I wouldn't think that is too uncommon. I have several crepe myrtles and they seem to die back that much every year. Crepe myrtles are very tolerent (perhaps TOO toloerent) of pruning, and they bloom on new growth so you should be able to shape up yours without any problems.

You might want to read the attached for some good directions on crepe myrtle pruning...

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1009.htm

Hope this helps...

Post #3394301
Quote
rcn48 Lexington, VA(Zone 6a) Apr 16, 2007

lgamb, the odd weather we've all been experiencing since last fall "tricked" alot of plants to send out fresh new foliage much too late in the year. It's very possible that this happened to your Crepe Myrtles and that's why you're seeing quite a bit of dieback. The 'Catawba' was probably better prepared since they had already been in the ground for a year and tougher.

Just prune them back and they should be fine.

Debbie

Post #3396659
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Mid-Atlantic Gardening Threads

Go to all Mid-Atlantic Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP