A Detailed Guide to the Blooming Time and Key Planting Methods of Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle is also called itchy flower, itchy tree, purple gold flower, purple orchid flower, and mosquito flower. It is a widely planted ornamental flower in China, with a very long cultivation history, and is a tree species with excellent adaptability to the environment. The flowering period of crape myrtle is very long, and it can also be grown in pots. Its leaves, bark, roots, and flowers also have certain medicinal value. So when does crape myrtle bloom? What are the key points of its planting methods?

1. When does crape myrtle bloom?

Crape myrtle blooms during the summer and autumn season when few flowers are in bloom. Its flowering period is relatively long, lasting from June all the way to September. Each inflorescence of crape myrtle can bloom for about 50 days, and the flowering period of the whole plant lasts as long as 4 months, so it is known as “Hundred-Day Red” and also has the praise “In midsummer the green shades the eyes, this flower reddens the whole hall.”

2. What are the key points of crape myrtle planting methods?

1. Seed collection

The flowering period of crape myrtle is from June to September. The flowering period is relatively long, with flowers and fruits coexisting, and the fruiting is sequential. From September to November, when the capsules turn from green to brown and individual ones begin to slightly crack, cut off the infructescence, collect the mature capsules at the base of the infructescence, remove the fruit skin, dry the seeds in the sun, and then put them into a container for storage. The storage location must be kept ventilated and dry, and the storage time lasts until March of the following year.

2. Land preparation and bed making

Crape myrtle has strong adaptability to the environment, is tolerant of drought and cold, and has no strict requirements for soil, but it grows best when planted in deep, fertile, loose, slightly acidic to acidic sandy soil. First loosen the soil of the seedbed with a hoe, and prepare the sowing furrows at a width of 20-25 cm and a depth of about 2-3 cm.

3. Seed germination pretreatment

In order to make the seeds germinate uniformly and sprout quickly, the seeds should be pretreated for germination before sowing. First, the seeds should be disinfected. A common method is to soak them in 0.2% potassium permanganate for 1-2 days, then rinse them multiple times with clean water to remove residual potassium permanganate. After rinsing clean, put the seeds into warm water at about 45-50 degrees C and soak for 2-3 days, then remove the seeds and dry them slightly.

4. Watering

Crape myrtle likes moisture but fears waterlogging, so watering should be moderate. Too much watering causes water accumulation and can make crape myrtle rot at the roots and die. But if water is not replenished in time, it will also pause growth or die from lack of water, especially during the flowering period when the potting soil must not be too dry. During high summer temperatures, potted plants evaporate water quickly, so it is best to water thoroughly in the evening; if the pot is shallow, water once in the morning and once in the evening to meet the needs of daytime growth. In spring and autumn, water once every other day. In winter, crape myrtle should keep the potting soil moist, and watering once every few days is enough, preferably when the temperature is relatively high at noon. Crape myrtle bonsai likes light, and it is generally placed in conditions with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation for growth.

5. Fertilizing

After autumn, crape myrtle should be given a slightly stronger organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer, but on the whole, crape myrtle stumps should not be given heavy fertilizer, to prevent branches from growing excessively. When fertilizing crape myrtle, attention should be paid to the combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. During the growing period, apply decomposed fertilizer once every half month. After each pruning, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer once; 0.3% urea solution can be added to the fertilizer liquid to promote the germination of new buds and the growth of new branches, and afterward apply a phosphorus- and potassium-based fertilizer to promptly provide the nutrients needed for flowering. Fertilizing should be done in the evening, followed by watering once the next morning. Fertilizing is not suitable on rainy days or when the potting soil is wet.

5. Repotting

The pot should be changed and the soil replaced once every 2-3 years. In order for it to bloom every year or four times a year, it is required to change the pot and soil once a year, preferably before sprouting in spring. After the stump is taken out of the pot, remove the surrounding soil and some dead roots, thick roots, long roots, and overly dense roots, plant the plant into the pot, add cultivation soil, press it firm, and water thoroughly. The cultivation soil must be rich in organic matter, have good drainage and air permeability, and sufficient fertility, to ensure it has abundant flowers and lush leaves.