Crepe myrtle does bloom all summer, and that’s one of the biggest reasons gardeners absolutely love this tree.   When you plant a crepe myrtle, you’re not just getting a one-week show of color, you’re getting months of continuous blooms that usually start in early summer and last right through … Read more

Crepe myrtle does attract hummingbirds, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets for bringing these tiny visitors to your garden.   If you’ve been wondering whether crepe myrtle attracts hummingbirds, the answer is a resounding yes, though not for the reason you might think.   These lovely trees and shrubs … Read more

Does crape myrtle have invasive roots? No, crape myrtle does not have invasive roots.   This is a common worry for gardeners, but the truth is that crape myrtle roots are actually quite gentle and non-aggressive.   Unlike some trees that send roots smashing through foundations or lifting up driveways, … Read more

Does a crepe myrtle need to be pruned? The answer is no, a crepe myrtle does not need to be pruned to survive or bloom, but yes, it does need to be pruned if you want to control its shape, encourage more flowers, and prevent it from turning into a … Read more

A crepe myrtle needs full sun to truly thrive and produce its famous, abundant blooms.   While these tough trees can survive in partial shade, a crepe myrtle in full sun will give you a dramatically better show of flowers, richer fall color, and a healthier overall structure.   If … Read more

You do not need to deadhead crepe myrtles, and that’s actually great news for your garden.   Deadheading crepe myrtles is a practice many gardeners think is essential, but it’s really not required for the health or beauty of the tree.   If you’ve been wondering whether you need to … Read more

You don’t have to trim crepe myrtles every year, and honestly, you probably shouldn’t.   Crepe myrtles are low-maintenance trees that thrive with minimal pruning, and trimming them annually can actually do more harm than good.   If you’ve been asking yourself, “do you have to trim crepe myrtles every … Read more

You don’t have to prune crepe myrtles, and in fact, most gardeners should prune them far less than they think.   The question of whether you have to prune crepe myrtles is one of the most common in Southern gardening, and the short answer is no, not for the tree’s … Read more

Yes, you should cut old blooms off crepe myrtle to encourage more flowers and keep your tree looking its best.   Cutting old blooms off crepe myrtle is one of the simplest ways to get a second round of vibrant color later in the season.   When you cut old … Read more

Squirrels do eat crepe myrtle, and they can cause noticeable damage to these beloved landscape trees.   If you’ve been asking yourself, “do squirrels eat crepe myrtle?” the short answer is yes, they absolutely do.   Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll nibble on just about anything that looks or … Read more