How to Grow Crape Myrtle in Mississippi

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most beloved flowering shrubs in the southern United States, particularly in regions like Mississippi. Known for their vibrant blooms and impressive resilience, crape myrtles offer a stunning visual display from late spring through fall. This guide will provide you with essential information on how to successfully grow crape myrtles in Mississippi’s unique climate and soil conditions.

Understanding Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles are deciduous shrubs or small trees that can grow between 3 to 30 feet tall, depending on the variety. They are characterized by their beautiful clusters of flowers that come in shades of white, pink, red, and purple. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, crape myrtles also have attractive bark that peels away to reveal a smooth, multi-colored surface underneath.

Varieties of Crape Myrtle

When choosing a crape myrtle for your garden, it’s important to consider the various cultivars available. Some popular varieties suited for Mississippi include:

Muskogee: Known for its lavender flowers and tall stature, this variety can reach up to 25 feet high.
Natchez: A white-blooming variety that offers a great display and can grow up to 30 feet.
Zuni: A compact option that grows about 5 to 10 feet tall with vibrant pink flowers.
Dynamite: This red-blooming variety is perfect for those looking to add bold color to their landscape.

Choosing the Right Location

Crape myrtles thrive in full sun, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. When selecting a location in your garden:

Sun Exposure: Ensure the area receives ample sunlight, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and leggy growth.
Air Circulation: Good airflow around the plant helps prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
Soil Drainage: Crape myrtles prefer well-draining soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool after heavy rain.

Soil Preparation

The success of your crape myrtle heavily relies on the quality of the soil. Here are steps to prepare your garden bed:

Test Soil pH: Crape myrtles prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 – 7.0). Use a soil testing kit available at local garden centers to check your pH levels.
Amend Soil: If needed, amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This enhances nutrient content and improves drainage.
Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to promote good root development.

Planting Crape Myrtle

Once you’ve chosen your variety and prepared your planting site, it’s time to plant your crape myrtle.

Planting Steps

Select Timing: The best time to plant crape myrtles in Mississippi is during the spring after the last frost or early fall.
Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball of your crape myrtle.
Positioning the Plant: Remove the plant from its container carefully. Place it in the center of the hole and ensure that it sits at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Backfilling: Fill in around the root ball with native soil while gently packing it down to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your new plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering Requirements

While crape myrtles are drought-tolerant once established, they need adequate watering during their initial growth stages.

Initial Watering: Water newly planted crape myrtles every two to three days for the first few weeks. Ensure that water penetrates deeply into the soil.
Established Plants: Once established (typically after one year), reduce watering frequency to once every week or two, depending on rainfall conditions.

Fertilizing Your Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles appreciate a nutrient-rich environment, especially during their growing season.

Type of Fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering plants or trees that is high in phosphorus (the middle number in fertilizer ratios) for better blooming.
Application Timing: Fertilize in early spring when new growth begins and again at mid-summer if needed.

Pruning Techniques

Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy crape myrtles and encouraging optimal blooming.

Best Time to Prune

The best time for pruning crape myrtles is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning Steps

Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Start by cutting away any dead or diseased branches.
Shape the Plant: Thin out crowded branches and shape the plant while maintaining its natural form.
Height Management: If necessary, prune back branches that are too long or create an undesirable height.

Pest and Disease Management

Crape myrtles are generally resistant to many pests and diseases; however, they can still be affected by certain issues.

Common Pests

Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects that can cause curling leaves and stunted growth. Control them with insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybugs.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small bumps on stems and leaves; they can be managed with horticultural oil treatments.

Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease manifests as white powder on leaves, especially during humid weather. Improve air circulation around plants and consider fungicides if severe.
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: A relatively new pest affecting crape myrtles; control methods include horticultural oils or systemic insecticides.

Conclusion

Growing crape myrtle in Mississippi can be a rewarding experience thanks to its vibrant blooms and adaptability to local conditions. By understanding its needs regarding sunlight, soil preparation, watering, fertilization, pruning, and pest management, you can cultivate these stunning plants successfully in your garden. With attention and care, your crape myrtle will flourish, becoming a centerpiece of beauty in your landscape for years to come.