Crepe Myrtle
3 messages in this thread
I just received some Crepe Myrtles, I don't know there age the tunks are ab
2" in diameter. they are still in the burlap. I know they need pruning but
I don't know if there would be a problem with cutting them back soon after
transplant. Nor do I know how far back to cut them. I am also need a little
advice on the planting procedure.
Hi Jeff,
About the crape myrtle – find a nice sunny location for it. When planting,
dig a hole twice as wide as the diameter of the root ball and half again as
deep. I don't know what type of soil you have, but it never hurts to add
some amendment to your garden soil. Cut any twine that is holding together
the burlap. If the rootball seems loose, you don't have to remove the
burlap (it will eventually decompose), but it should be slashed in several
areas. Water in thoroughly after filling in the hole with soil. Once your
crape myrtle is established it will be quite drought tolerant, but until
established it will need water from you. I don't know when you plan on
planting, but the dormant season is the usual time to prune. I see no
problem pruning after transplanting – but I would not prune too heavily
(remove no more than 1/4 – 1/3 of plant). One other tip – don't let the
roots dry out before you have a chance to get your plants into the ground.
Alison
Alison;
Thank you so much for the reply, Soil condition around my yard is loose
yellow sand. I am assuming the yellow comes from Clay.
I am going to put the myrtle in the ground this weekend, again thank you
for the reply!
Regards,
Jeff Cook