What season does the crape myrtle bloom? Potted planting methods and precautions

Today I must properly introduce a tree that blooms in summer, and its name is crape myrtle. It is a woody plant belonging to the small tree or deciduous shrub group, with a long flowering period, and the flower color is generally mainly red, so it is also known by the alias "hundred-day red."

Crape myrtle trunk propagation is very simple; as long as old branches are taken as cuttings, the survival rate is extremely high, and rooting and taking shape are also fast. On the flower market, they are often sold as potted plants made into exquisite bonsai. In terms of care, it is actually not difficult; it likes light and must get at least 6 hours of sun every day, because only then will it bloom abundantly. If the placement location does not get enough light, the number of flowers may be greatly reduced.

In terms of temperature, the suitable temperature for growth is around 18°C to 30°C. It is fine if summer is a bit hot, but once it exceeds 35°C, shading tools must be added, otherwise it is prone to sunburn. In winter, its cold resistance is decent; it can withstand short periods of low temperature around -10°C, but if it stays below the suitable growing temperature for a long time, it will easily suffer frost damage.

Crape myrtle does not have high requirements for air humidity, so it should not be watered too frequently. During the growing season, just keep the soil slightly moist, and absolutely do not let water accumulate, otherwise the roots will easily rot. In summer when it is hot, because water evaporates quickly, the watering frequency can be relatively higher; in winter it grows slowly, so the watering frequency should be reduced.

To care well for crape myrtle, you also need to take into account the soil environment it likes. As much as possible, choose loose, well-drained sandy soil or clay, with a pH value of 6.0 to 7.0 being most suitable. You can mix perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand into ordinary garden soil to improve drainage. For the healthy growth of flowers, grasses, and trees, fertilizing also has its particularities. When growth first begins in spring, give it one application of a balanced compound fertilizer, and after that apply once every two months. However, note that too much nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied, otherwise it will only grow leaves and not bloom.

In addition, crape myrtle is prone to diseases and pests. Fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, as well as aphids and scale insects, are all quite common. During usual care, pay more attention, and treat problems as soon as they are found, so that crape myrtle can stay healthy and well!