What is wrong with my crape myrtle?

What is wrong with my crape myrtle?

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.

How do you get rid of powdery mildew on crepe myrtles?

Some fungicides, both natural and synthetic, are available to help control powdery mildew. Natural fungicides such as neem oil extract and potassium bicarbonate are effective when used correctly.

Will crape myrtle bark scale kill the tree?

Crapemyrtles suffer aesthetic damage because of the CMBS infestations. These bark scales may not kill the plants, but there may likely be a reduction in plant vigor, number of flowers, and flower cluster size.

How big are the leaves on a crepe myrtle?

Crepe myrtle leaves The appealing leaves on crape myrtle shrubs are dark green in summer before turning yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The small deciduous, oval leaves measure up to 2” or 3” (5 – 7.5 cm) long and have rounded ends. Crape myrtle leaves have a pinnate growing arrangement and grow oppositely on stems.

Why are the leaves on my crape myrtle turning gray?

Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is one of the most common problems of crape myrtle, and it is caused by the fungus Erysiphe lagerstroemia. Patches of white to grayish powdery growth occur on the surfaces of leaves, flowers and new shoots. Heavily infected flowers may fail to open. Infected parts of the plant are usually distorted and stunted.

What kind of flowers do Acoma crape myrtles have?

From early summer until the fall, Acoma crape myrtles produce clusters of showy white flowers. The crepe-like petals turn the tree white, giving it an appearance of snow. In fall, the flowers drop, and the glossy green foliage turns a dark purple color.

What’s the best way to care for a crape myrtle?

Crape myrtle leaves have a pinnate growing arrangement and grow oppositely on stems. To care for crape myrtle bushes, grow the shrubs in full sun and well-draining soil. Crape myrtle bushes aren’t fussy about soil quality, as long as the ground doesn’t become waterlogged. Water the shrubby plant regularly to keep the ground moist.

What do the leaves look like on a crepe myrtle?

Crepe myrtle tree leaves are dark green with an oval shape. During the fall season, the leaves switch to rich shades of red, orange or yellow. Crepe myrtle colors range from pink to deep red, to white or light purple. The flowers have a dainty feel with each petal looking ruffled (hence the name).

What are the most common problems with crape myrtles?

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.

How big does a pink velour crape myrtle get?

The Pink Velour Crape Myrtle begins to flower with crimson buds, but they open to a clear pink which does not fade in sun or shade, as commonly happens with older varieties. This is a more compact plant, reaching around 10 feet and is multi-stemmed and shrubby.

When do crepe myrtles bloom in southern Louisiana?

With their signature flowers that bloom in whites, pinks and reds, they are a beautiful sight to behold in southern Louisiana’s hot summer months. But, have you ever noticed that your Crepe Myrtles’ leaves have black spots, or are changing colors or shedding before the autumn hits?