Request: Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming
Archived on 09/08/2009
I planted Crape Myrtle plants last year and this year they haven't bloomed? What to do?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
By dmorningbird from OK
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RE: Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming
Here is the best web site for gardening help in your growing zone. Clemson University, go to the section Clemson Extension HGIC (Home and Garden Information Center). You can get all the tips on growing and caring for crepe myrtle. Good luck. (08/08/2009)
By deborah123
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Request: Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming
Archived on 07/21/2009
By Ellen Brown
 | | A Blooming Crepe Myrtle. |
Question: I have a very large Crepe Myrtle that doesn't bloom much, but it's very tall and not bushy at all. What's the problem. My other Crepes didn't bloom much this summer either.
Hardiness Zone: 7b
Shelah from Spring City, TN
Answer: Shelah,
The number one most common reason Crepe Myrtles fail to bloom is improper pruning techniques (or a lack of pruning altogether). Crepe Myrtles bloom on the current season's growth. If they are pruned too late, all the new wood is removed and the flower buds never develop. Pruning should be done only after the tree flowers. You said your tree is very large so it may be older. Declining Crepe Myrtles can be revived by pruning. In the dormant season, some of the extraneous branches are cleaned up and removed, opening the interior of the plant to more sunlight and air circulation. Be careful not to commit "crepe murder." Just cut the branches to enhance the natural, overall appearance of the tree, don't whack them all back to one height.
The second most common reason Crepe myrtles fail to bloom is a lack of sun. These trees need a lot of sunshine if you want them to bloom. Are there any trees nearby that may have grown up and around your Crepe myrtle and are blocking some sun?
Is your tree otherwise healthy? Do you see any signs of insect damage or disease? Stress from either can be enough to prevent your tree from blooming.
Is your tree getting too much nitrogen or not enough phosphorus? Trees in the middle of a chemically treated lawn or near garden beds that are heavily fertilized may be getting too much of a good thing when it comes to nitrogen. This promotes healthy leaves, but inhibits flowering. Try adding a little bit of bonemeal as mulch around the tree. This will add phosphorus to the soil over time and you don't have to worry about overdoing it.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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RE: Crepe Myrtle Not Blooming
It could be poor drainage, lack of fertilizer being in balance with your soil type, too much water, or too much shade. Being tall always makes me suspect the tree is reaching up for more light. No blooms and few leaves seems to be in their food/water problems. I'll share with you how I treat mine.
Typically, all of mine like moderate to sparse water, clay soil (which is short only in Nitrogen), and the
removal of all spent blooms/grape-end type branches and small dead twigs throughout the plant and the year. I avoid any drastic pruning, except twice a year of the suckers and undesirable branches cut flush with the main branches.
If you have only one tree per 15 feet in diameter, it's not crowded. If you have two trees sharing the same space, one might crowd out the other or steal all it's water/food. I have a single trunk 30 yr. old tree Crepe, and it's offspring about 15 ' away, which is too tall to do much to it keep it pruned/groomed.
So, it manages on it's own quite well.
A secret I discovered for all leafless Crepes is spraying Sea Kelp on it's leaves, top and bottom, if there is no powdery mildew. A healthy Crepe has nice medium sized green leaves, in abundance, unless there is thick grass mulch around it's base, bringing all sorts of pests to attack an otherwise self-sufficient
tree.
These truly are one of the most rewarding trees once you get the "hang" of their habits, needs, and laid back attitudes. Treat them with the respect they deserve and they seem to reward you with just what you hoped they would, lots of blooms. Keep the trunks to 1-5 branches if close to house or walk way. If not close, allow it to become a large blooming bush, covered in blossoms. They go dormant here in Texas, throughout the winter, with new growth from the old wood/branches and new saplings
at the base. Do not let the old twigs/branches you trim fall to the ground beneath the tree, toss them.
Call your Agricultural Extension Center, if you have one, and ask what type of soil is in your area, and
how to amend it to accommodate the Crepes. I was so pleasantly surprised with the Sea Kelp, and I know you will be too if you follow the directions. Give them plenty of space to grow to the 20' height
they can get. They can be messy, so provide lots of ground for them to drop blooms/leaves/even bark peelings (natural for them) as they get older, then don't worry too much about keeping them picked up unless near concrete. Good luck, and God bless you.
(10/12/2006)
By Lynda
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