Are you curious about when do crape myrtles bloom in Florida? Crape myrtles thrive very well in places where sunlight is highly abundant. That is why Florida is a great place to start planting one.
These trees blossom flawlessly in the summertime, where the sun shines the strongest and brightest. Crape myrtles have a wide variety that differs in sizes and colors.
With this article, we will tell you when crape myrtles bloom in Florida and the needed tasks to help preserve and develop its growth. So, just read on!
When Crape Myrtles Bloom
In this section, you will find out when do crape myrtles bloom in Florida. At the same time, we’ll understand some of the factors aiding their growth. Let’s delve further!
Flowering season
Depending on the variety of crape myrtles, they begin to flower in June and July, until the fall. They bloom in different vibrant colors of pink, lavender, white, or purple. Crape myrtles also vary in sizes- from dwarf up to 20 feet and even higher.
Soil condition
What’s great about this kind of plant is its ability to adapt to most soil conditions. They are compatible with many kinds of soil, so looking for a nice one will be easy. But, if you want the best, then plant it in soil that is a little bit acidic, with a pH level of 5.0 – 6.5.
Location
It is necessary to place your crape myrtle where it can receive full sunlight. Do not set them under a shaded area because diseases like powdery mildew can form on your plants. If your crape myrtle does not get enough sunlight it needs, it will grow weak and bloom fewer flowers.
Nutrition
Crape myrtles only need minimal nutrition. Application of 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 general garden fertilizer is enough for them to grow healthy. The way to apply the fertilizer is for every 100 square feet of the planting bed, pour 1-2 pounds worth of fertilizer. If you plant your crape myrtles in a lawn, then no need for added fertilization.
Pruning
You can prune your crape myrtle, but it not essential to do so. The best time to do this is during late winter or in early spring. Do not prune during the fall season because it will stop your plant from going dormant. You want your crape myrtle to go dormant during the winter so that the plant does not freeze and die.
Look out for diseases
Your plant will not bloom when diseases and pests infect it. Common insects to crape myrtles are whiteflies and aphids, and common diseases include powdery mildew. The application of a pesticide for the pests and resistant varieties for the diseases will drive these problems away.
Watering
Just like any plant, regular watering is necessary. Crape myrtles bloom in the summer and the weather in that time is very intense, especially in a hot place like Florida. That is why watering your plants are particularly essential during the summertime.
Remove excess seeds
The seed pods of crape myrtles release many seeds, which lets new shoots grow from it. There are instances that you cannot remove them because the pods are too out of reach; that is why you must clean up the area around the base. Cleaning out avoids the dense growth of crape myrtle in that area.
Plant spacing
Spacing depends on the variety and size of the crape myrtle. If the ones you have are the small variety, space them out by 3 -4 feet from each other. The larger ones need to be spaced out by 10 feet or more. These large varieties are also not advisable to be planted in containers.
Sizes
As stated above, crape myrtles come in different sizes. The different kinds need different needs as well. They all bloom the same way, which is under the sun. Size is significant depending on your preference and on the available space you have to grow them in.
Amount of sunlight
So if you ask when crape myrtles bloom in Florida, well, they grow the best under the sun. They love basking in the sunlight. In Florida, sunlight is always present, that is why growing crape myrtles there is easy to do.
But, do be reminded that do not let your plants absorb too much heart. Make sure you water them so they won’t completely dry out.
Deadhead the plant
The early-blooming variety of a crape myrtle has a high possibility to bloom again in later seasons if it has undergone dead-heading. But, do not expect the second bloom to be as profound as the first one. Since crape myrtles flower best during the summer, other seasons will give a less lush blossom.
Expose its trunk
You can do this for added beauty to the plant. If you own the larger crape myrtle, you can delicately peel off the bark and prune the branches. The trunk exposure gives the plant a more aesthetic look.
Apply mulch to prevent weeds
After you have planted your crape myrtle, immediately apply three to five inches layer of mulch around the tree to protect it from weeds. The thickness can insulate the roots and protect it from extreme weather conditions.
Air circulation
Crape myrtles require good air circulation to grow suitably. Do not place them in a stuffy environment that is too hot and humid. They grow better outdoors, where there is enough sunlight and air circulation.
Regular irrigation for young crape myrtles
For the first couple of weeks of your crape myrtle, be aware that they should have proper irrigation. When they are young, you must give them extra attention because they have more needs. But, once they start growing, they become drought tolerant, perfect for Florida weather.
Add top soil to maintain moisture
When you plant your crape myrtle, do not forget to add either topsoil or organic peat humus combined with composted cow manure. This mixture will help keep moisture for the plant’s growth.
Conclusion
Crape myrtles are versatile and easy to manage. But, if the ones you have are still the young ones, give them extra attention and care. As they grow, they will require less dependency on you and will begin to grow on its own. When do crape myrtles bloom in Florida depends on various factors as mentioned above.