Though crepe myrtles (also referred to as a crape myrtle or crapemyrtle) are practically maintenance-free, problems can arise. Many can be avoided simply by making sure you've picked a crepe that's hardy enough for your area, gets lots of light, and has plenty of room to grow. Crape myrtles ( Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially trouble-free small trees. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. More information on successfully growing crape myrtles is available in HGIC 1008, Crape Myrtle, and HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning
Be on the Lookout for Crapemyrtle Bark Scale! Gardening in the Panhandle
Crape myrtle shrubs (Lagerstroemia spp.) are popular for their colorful foliage and Southern temperament. However, crape myrtle plants can suffer problems like aphids or powdery mildew. In this article, we'll look at eight common crape myrtle pests and diseases and how to deal with them. Table of Contents: 8 Common Crape Myrtle Pests and Diseases It is often a secondary issue, resulting from an infestation of pests like aphids or scale insects that excrete a sweet substance called honeydew on which the fungus grows. Prevention: Regularly monitor your crepe myrtle for pests, and treat them promptly to prevent the development of sooty mold. last updated June 05, 2022 What is bark scale on crepe myrtles? Crepe myrtle bark scale is a relatively recent pest that is affecting crepe myrtle trees in a growing area across the southeastern United States. According to Texas AgriLife Extension, this harmful pest is newly introduced from the Far East. White Scale on Crepe Myrtles Common Problems If you are growing crepe myrtle for the first time, then you might make the mistake of planting it deep into the soil. This leads to the lack of oxygen for the root ball. You should make sure the root ball is almost level with the soil. This will help it get oxygen from the atmosphere and allow it to grow well.
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale A New Pest on Crapemyrtles East Texas Gardening
last updated July 01, 2021 Crepe myrtle plants are somewhat particular. They require six to eight hours of full sunshine in order to grow flowers. They are drought tolerant but, during dry periods, require some water to continue flowering. Crape Myrtles ( Lagerstroemia) are very popular shrubs for warmer areas, and no wonder. They have spectacular blooms for an extended period, grow well in poor soil, and are heat and drought resistant. They also come in many sizes, so there is a plant for every purpose around the garden, from specimen tree to low shrub or container plant. Crape Myrtle Disease: Sooty Mold — Written By Casie Sellars en Español Leaf and stem surfaces are covered with a black sooty substance, causing them to appear black and dirty. Sooty mold indicates that there is an insect problem on the plant. 1. Crepe Murder - Effects of Pruning markchentx/gettyimages Often we see Crepe Myrtles improperly topped and pruned. It is often referred to as the Crepe Murder, jokingly and otherwise. But, it is more severe than ever. Incorrect pruning can be bad for the wallet and the tree.
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Powdery Mildew Powdery mildew is a plant disease caused by a fungus. This is one of the most common diseases contracted by crepe myrtle trees. It contains patches of powdery white or gray growths that tend to cover the leaves and sometimes the branches as well. NOTE: Crepe Myrtle may be referred to as Lagerstroemiaindica in this article, in fact, those are the same plants, Lagerstroemiaindica is the botanical name for Crepe Myrtle. The crepe myrtle is a small tree native to Asia that has naturalized in the Deep South of the United States. When you travel around some areas of the country, you will see the presence of Lagerstroemia in almost every yard.
Crape Myrtles (also spelled Crepe Myrtle) are shrubs and small trees, usually between 15-20 feet in height, best recognized for their stunning, long-lasting summer blooms. There are several types of Crape Myrtles. In Texas, you'll primarily find the varieties that thrive in heat and humidity and tolerate drought. The most common Crape Myrtle pests include aphids, Japanese beetles, and bark scale. Powdery mildew and sooty mold can also affect your Crape Myrtle though they're not traditional pests. Depending on the pest or disease, you can take steps to help your Crape Myrtle recover and thrive. This article will discuss the different pests your Crape.
Crepe Myrtle Bark Diseases Learn About Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale Treatment
If you turn over your crepe myrtle leaves, you'll see lots of small, soft-bodied yellow-green insects feeding - these are the crepe myrtle aphids. You might also notice that the leaves are sticky or covered in a black mildew; both are side effects of this creature. Look for crape myrtles with heavy accumulations of black sooty mold on the leaves, limbs, and trunk. Adult female scales are covered with a soft, off-white felt-like material and are about one-tenth of an inch long. The nymphs (right side) do not have this covering. Look for patches of white felt-like material on the twigs, branches, and trunk.
