Crepe myrtles grow fast, typically adding 1 to 4 feet of new height in a single year.   That’s a huge range, but where your tree lands on that spectrum depends on the variety, your climate, and how well you care for it.   Some dwarf crepe myrtles might only … Read more

Crepe myrtles can grow as far north as USDA hardiness zone 6, where winter lows can dip to negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit.   That means gardeners in places like southern Pennsylvania, Ohio, and even parts of coastal New England can often enjoy these flowering beauties.   But when we talk … Read more

Crepe myrtle bushes grow at a moderate to fast rate, typically adding 1 to 2 feet of new growth each year.   If you’re wondering how fast do crepe myrtle bushes grow in their first few seasons, most varieties will establish quickly once their roots settle in.   The speed … Read more

How far from fence to plant crepe myrtle is a question that depends on the size of the variety you’re growing, but a good rule of thumb is to plant them at least 6 to 10 feet away from the fence line.   Getting the distance right from the start … Read more

How far back to trim crepe myrtles depends on the look you’re after and the health of the tree.   You should never top your crepe myrtles, but you can trim them back significantly to control height and encourage growth.   In general, you can safely trim crepe myrtles back … Read more

You trim a crepe myrtle by removing suckers, crossing branches, and spent seed pods while keeping its natural multi-trunk shape. If you’ve been asking how do you trim a crepe myrtle without ruining its beautiful form, you’re in the right place. Many gardeners panic when it comes to pruning this … Read more

You should plant crepe myrtle trees at least 6 to 10 feet apart from each other, but the exact spacing depends heavily on the mature width of the specific variety you choose.   If you’ve been wondering how far apart do you plant crepe myrtle trees, the short answer is … Read more

You treat powdery mildew on crepe myrtles by acting quickly with a targeted fungicide and by improving the tree’s growing conditions to stop the fungus from returning.   That’s the simple answer, and if you’ve noticed that white, dusty coating on your leaves, you already know how frustrating this can … Read more

You treat crepe myrtle sticky leaves by targeting the real culprit, which is almost always honeydew left behind by sap-sucking pests like aphids.   That sticky mess isn’t a disease or a natural part of the tree’s growth, it’s a telltale sign that tiny insects are feeding on your crepe … Read more

You treat crepe myrtle fungus by identifying the specific type of fungal issue, removing affected parts, and applying the right fungicide or adjusting care habits.   Crepe myrtle fungus is a common frustration for gardeners, but it’s very manageable once you know what you’re dealing with.   Whether you’re seeing … Read more