Why Isn’t My Crepe Myrtle Blooming?

Date June 14, 2022

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

If your crepe myrtle is not blooming, you may be wondering what is wrong. Crepe myrtles are beautiful trees that can add a lot of color to your landscape, but they need proper care in order to thrive. Don’t worry – we are here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the possible reasons why your crepe myrtle has not bloomed and what you can do about it!

When Do Crepe Myrtles Bloom?

One of the most common questions we get about crepe myrtles is, “when do they bloom?” Crepe myrtles are flowering trees, which means that they make flowers during the growing season, but not all the time. In general, crepe myrtles tend to begin to bloom around late May or early June. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the variety of crepe myrtle and the climate of the area.

Reasons a Crepe Myrtle Isn’t Blooming.

There are several reasons why your crepe myrtle might not be blooming when it should. Some of the most common reasons include:

The Tree Is Too Young

Crepe myrtles typically do not begin to flower until they are around three years old. If your crepe myrtle is less than three years old, it is likely that it just has not reached the age where it will begin to bloom yet.

The Tree Is Stressed

Crepe myrtles can be stressed for a variety of reasons, including drought, excessive pruning, or damage to the roots. If your crepe myrtle is stressed, it may not have the energy to produce new blooms. If the surrounding soil does not contain the right balance of nutrients, it can also cause stress for the tree which can lead to a delay in flowering. One of the most important things for crepe myrtles is to have soil that contains the right balance of nutrients.

The Tree Is Sick

If your crepe myrtle has a disease or pest infestation, it may not have the strength to bloom. Common diseases that can affect crepe myrtles include powdery mildew and leaf spots. Pests that can cause problems for crepe myrtles include aphids, scales, and whiteflies.

What to Do If Your Crepe Myrtle Isn’t Blooming

If your crepe myrtle is not leafing out when it should, there are a few things you can do to try to encourage it to start flowering:

Water the Tree Deeply and Regularly

Crepe myrtles need to be watered deeply and regularly in order to stay healthy. If your crepe myrtle is not getting enough water, it may not have the energy to produce flowers.

Prune the Tree Properly

Excessive pruning can damage crepe myrtles and cause them to become stressed. If you need to prune your crepe myrtle, be sure to do it properly and only remove the dead or damaged branches.

Fertilize the Tree

Crepe myrtles need to be fertilized in order to stay healthy and produce new leaves and flowers. Use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for trees and follow the directions on the package.

Check for Pests and Diseases

If your crepe myrtle is infested with pests or diseases, it may not have the strength to bloom. Be sure to check your tree for signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.

Perform a Soil pH Test:

The ideal soil pH for crepe myrtles is between six and seven. If your crepe myrtle’s leaves are yellowing, it could be a sign that the soil pH is too low.

We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about crepe myrtles and why they may not leaf out. If you have any further questions, or if you need help caring for your crepe myrtle, please contact us at TreeNewal of North Texas! We are always happy to help!

For any other questions you may have about crepe myrtles, take a look at our recent posts or ask TreeNewal directly here!

If you need advice or assistance with ensuring your crepe myrtle tree leaves are in good health, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about Why Isn’t My Crepe Myrtle Blooming?, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line.

Healthy trees, healthy lives.