Crape myrtle, also known as red crape myrtle, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with extremely high ornamental value. Its flowers are brilliant, fruits are red, and leaves have variable colors, making it an excellent choice for landscaping and courtyard planting. This article will introduce the cultivation methods of crape myrtle in detail, helping you easily grow beautiful crape myrtle.
Selecting Seeds and Purchasing Seedlings1. Seed Selection: There are many varieties of crape myrtle. You can choose according to personal preferences and planting environment. Common varieties include red crape myrtle, variegated red crape myrtle, purple-leaf red crape myrtle, etc.
2. Purchasing Seedlings: When buying crape myrtle seedlings, select healthy and high-quality seedlings free from diseases and pests. It is recommended to purchase in spring or autumn when the temperature is suitable for seedling survival.
Planting Time and Location1. Planting Time: Crape myrtle is suitable for planting in spring or autumn when the temperature is suitable for seedling survival.
2. Planting Location: Choose a place with abundant sunlight and good drainage for planting. Crape myrtle is cold and drought resistant and not picky about soil, but it prefers loose, fertile, and well-drained sandy soil.
Planting Method1. Digging Hole: Dig a hole appropriate in depth and diameter based on the size of the seedling, generally 20-30 centimeters larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Placing Seedling: Place the seedling in the hole and let the roots naturally spread out to avoid twisting.
3. Filling Soil: Fill soil to half of the hole, then tread lightly to make the soil and roots closely contact, and then fill soil to the hole opening, tread firmly and water thoroughly.
Watering and Fertilizing1. Watering: Crape myrtle prefers a moist environment but dislikes waterlogging. Keep the soil moist during the initial planting period, and gradually reduce watering frequency after the seedling has survived. In high summer temperatures, water promptly to prevent the seedling from withering.
2. Fertilizing: Crape myrtle grows vigorously and requires a large amount of fertilizer. Apply a compound fertilizer once in spring and autumn each year, and water promptly after fertilizing.
Pruning and Shaping1. Pruning: Crape myrtle grows fast and needs to be pruned regularly to maintain a beautiful tree shape. Pruning is generally done before spring germination and after autumn defoliation.
2. Shaping: According to personal preferences, you can shape the crape myrtle into forms such as round or cylindrical.
Disease and Pest Control1. Common diseases and pests of crape myrtle include aphids and red spiders. When diseases and pests are found, take measures to control them in a timely manner.
2. Control Methods: You can spray pesticides and also strengthen garden management to keep the environment clean.
In the process of cultivating crape myrtle, pay attention to aspects such as seed selection, planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and disease and pest control, and you can grow beautiful crape myrtle. I hope this article can provide you with useful references and wish you success in cultivation!