How to Plant and Make a Crepe Myrtle Tree Bloom

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are beloved ornamental trees known for their vibrant blooms, long flowering season, and graceful shape. Native to Asia and well-adapted to warmer regions like the American South, they bring color, structure, and texture to any garden.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant, care for, and make a crepe myrtle tree bloom to its fullest potential, even if you’re just getting started with landscaping.

What is a Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe myrtles are deciduous trees or shrubs that produce clusters of frilly, crinkled flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and purple during summer and early fall. In addition to their flowers, they are admired for:

• Smooth, peeling bark
• Attractive fall foliage
• Drought tolerance once established

Fun Fact: The name “crepe” refers to the flower petals’ delicate texture, similar to crepe fabric.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Crepe Myrtle Variety

Choosing the right species and cultivar is key for bloom success and landscape harmony.

Common Species:

• Lagerstroemia indica: Most popular, many hybrids available, best in USDA Zones 7–9.
• Lagerstroemia fauriei: Taller, disease-resistant, hybridized with indica for hardiness.

Consider:

• Size: Dwarf (2–5 ft), Medium (6–15 ft), Tree (15–30+ ft)
• Bloom Color: Choose from white, pink, lavender, red, deep purple
• Mildew Resistance: Look for newer mildew-resistant hybrids

Recommended Cultivars:

• ‘Natchez’ (white, 30 ft)
• ‘Tuscarora’ (coral-pink, 20 ft)
• ‘Dynamite’ (red, 20 ft)
• ‘Tonto’ (magenta, 10–12 ft)

Pro Tip: Match the mature size of the variety with the space you have to avoid future pruning issues.

 Step 2: Ideal Planting Site and Conditions

Location:

• Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6–8 hours/day) is critical for blooming.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil is ideal.
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.5)
• Air Circulation: Avoid crowding. Good airflow reduces disease risk.

Avoid:

• Planting in shade — results in weak growth and minimal flowers
• Wet, clay-heavy soils — causes root rot

 Step 3: How to Plant Crepe Myrtle

When to Plant:

• Early spring or early fall is ideal to allow root establishment before extreme temperatures.

Planting Steps:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep.
2. Remove the tree from its container and loosen circling roots gently.
3. Position the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill with native soil (no need to amend unless extremely poor).
5. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
6. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Step 4: Watering and Fertilization

Watering:

• First year: Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
• Established trees: Drought-tolerant, but weekly watering encourages more prolific blooms.

Fertilizing:

• Best time: Early spring, just before new growth
• Type: Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 8-8-8)
• Avoid: High-nitrogen fertilizers used for lawns (promote foliage over flowers)

Advanced Tip: A light application of phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like bone meal) in early summer can boost flowering.

 Step 5: Pruning for Better Blooming

Pruning helps maintain shape and promotes blooming, but must be done correctly.

When to Prune:

• Late winter to early spring (before new growth starts)

What to Prune:

• Suckers at the base
• Dead, damaged, or crossing branches
• Spent flower heads (deadheading can trigger reblooming in some varieties)

What NOT to Do:

• Avoid “Crepe Murder”: Topping the tree by cutting all limbs back severely ruins its structure and reduces flowering long-term.

Instead of topping, prune selectively and respect the tree’s natural form.

Step 6: Preventing Pests and Diseases

Crepe myrtles are relatively low-maintenance, but here are common issues:

Common Pests:

• Aphids: Cause sticky sap and attract sooty mold
• Japanese beetles: Chew on leaves and flowers

Common Diseases:

• Powdery mildew: White, powdery coating on leaves and buds
• Sooty mold: Black mold growing on aphid excretions

Solutions:

• Use neem oil, horticultural soap, or insecticidal spray
• Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering
• Choose mildew-resistant varieties

How Long Before a Crepe Myrtle Blooms?

• Newly planted trees may take 1–2 growing seasons to begin blooming consistently.
• With proper sunlight, watering, and pruning, trees can bloom from mid-summer to early fall (June–September in most climates).

In warm regions, crepe myrtles can rebloom during the same season with light deadheading.

Final Care Checklist for Crepe Myrtle Blooms

Action	Frequency	Why It Matters
Plant in full sun	Once at planting	Essential for flowering
Deep watering	Weekly (young trees)	Encourages root growth and bloom support
Balanced fertilizer	1–2x per year	Fuels healthy growth and flowers
Prune correctly	Once a year (late winter)	Boosts blooms and structure
Monitor pests/disease	Monthly	Keeps tree healthy and blooming

If you want a garden filled with vibrant summer color and minimal upkeep, crepe myrtles are a perfect choice. With proper planting, careful pruning, and the right environmental conditions, your tree will thrive and bloom beautifully for decades.

Now is the perfect time to get your hands in the soil and start growing your own crepe myrtle tree.