The Planting and Care of Crape Myrtle Trees
About the guidance on the planting and maintenance skills of crape myrtle trees and the daily knowledge of planting and caring for them, let's learn about them together below.
1. Introduction to Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle trees, also known as Chinese redbud, belong to the legume family and are a common ornamental species in the southern regions of China. Crape myrtle trees have a beautiful shape, dense branches, and colorful flowers, making them one of the top choices for landscaping and ornamental plants. In Chinese traditional culture, crape myrtle is considered a symbol of luck and is therefore used for courtyard decorations and indoor arrangements.
2. Planting Crape Myrtle Trees
2.1 Site Selection
Crape myrtle trees prefer a sunny and well-ventilated environment, usually planted in open areas such as courtyards or near the main entrance. It is necessary to avoid planting in shady places or under street trees, as this can affect the growth and development of the crape myrtle trees.
2.2 Soil Conditions
Crape myrtle trees are not strict about soil requirements but should choose loose and well-draining soil. If the soil is too heavy, an appropriate amount of sand or organic matter such as decomposed leaf soil should be added.
2.3 Planting Method
Dig a hole about 50 cm deep and 0.5 to 1 meter in diameter about 1 to 2 meters away from walls or other plants. Then, scatter an appropriate amount of waste bricks or pebbles that can absorb and retain moisture in the hole, followed by adding well-fermented organic fertilizer on top, and finally, transplant the crape myrtle tree into the hole, firm the soil, and water it.
3. Maintenance of Crape Myrtle Trees
3.1 Watering
Crape myrtle trees need to be watered once a week during the growing season, avoiding waterlogging in the soil, while also avoiding drought, but should not be overwatered.
3.2 Fertilizing
Crape myrtle trees require moderate fertilization during the growing season, with each application not too large. You can choose compound fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or urea, and fertilize in spring and autumn every year.
3.3 Pruning
The flowering season of crape myrtle trees is in summer, and pruning should be done promptly after the flowers fade to maintain the tree's aesthetic shape and healthy growth. Pruning should be done in early or mid-autumn after the flowering season, removing dry, weak, or crossed branches, and keeping branches with a good new growth habit.
3.4 Preventing and Controlling Diseases and Pests
In the early growth stage, crape myrtle trees are prone to attacks by pests such as aphids and red spiders, so insecticides and fungicides need to be sprayed regularly. If diseases or pests are found, they should be treated promptly.
4. Propagation of Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle trees can be propagated through cuttings. Choose healthy, vigorous young branches of crape myrtle trees as cutting branches, cut into 10 to 15 cm long segments, insert them into nutrient-rich soil, and water slightly. After planting, it is necessary to keep the soil moist and shaded, maintaining air humidity.
5. Summary
Crape myrtle trees are common ornamental species in the southern regions of China, and their growth and development require plenty of sunlight, loose and well-draining soil, and moderate water and fertilizer.
In daily maintenance, it is also necessary to prune and control diseases and pests regularly to ensure the health and beauty of crape myrtle trees. Any plant needs human care, only in this way can we appreciate their most beautiful side.
The above shares the guidance on the planting and maintenance skills of crape myrtle trees and the detailed content of planting and caring for them, hoping to bring you some help!