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Aug 29, 2020 1:49 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Linda
Crowley, TX
We live in Crowley, TX and recently purchased three crape myrtles that are only about 3' tall. We planted them at the end of July and they are are blooming and seem to be doing well. My question is: what do w3 need to do to get them ready for the fall/winter season? Do we cover them?
Avatar for luis_pr
Aug 29, 2020 2:48 PM CST
Name: Luis
Hurst, TX, U.S.A. (Zone 8a)
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Since they are not yet established, I would mulch them. If it is dry in the winter, give them a little water although they will be leafless. They should leaf out late so do not panic if everything else has leafed out except the CMs.

Once established, I do nothing to special to prepare for winter. I have skipped ferts some years too.

Crape myrtles bloom on their new growth, so you can apply a high-nitrogen, lawn-type fertilizer (no weed killers included). The first application should be made in mid-April as the plants are starting to grow most actively. Repeat the application in mid-June for sustained feeding all summer. Apply one pound of fertilizer per cumulative inch of trunk diameter. Add the several trunks together to determine the total needed. Your average date of first frost is around the 2nd week in November so fertilizers, including weak ones like coffee grounds, should be administered 3 months before or more (so June-ish). Your new plants probably came with those round fertilizer pellets so I would not apply any more fertilizers until Spring 2021.
Last edited by luis_pr Aug 30, 2020 2:07 AM Icon for preview
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