Early summer is when crepe myrtle is looking its best, with showy crinkly clusters of blooms in pink, red, white, and purple. But, to ensure you get dazzling blooms, you need to give this showy shrub a bit of attention in spring. More specifically, there are several things to do with crepe myrtle in March to boost its health and prepare it for flowering.
If you’ve been growing crepe myrtle for a few years, you’ll know spring is a key time to prune and mulch this shrub (or tree, like this Muskogee crepe myrtle tree from Fast Growing Trees). Doing so now will set it up for strong growth and vigorous blooming later in the season and into summer.
In fact, skipping these essential tasks could put your plant at risk of damage and sabotage this year’s blooms. So, delay no further – here’s exactly what to do with crepe myrtle in March.
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Crepe myrtle is also sometimes referred to as crape myrtle, with the spelling being up to preference
(Image credit: Getty Images/LITTLE DINOSAUR)
What Your Crepe Myrtle Needs in March
If your crepe myrtle didn’t bloom last year, it might just be that you missed these vital early spring tasks. Do them this month to help get your shrub in fit condition for flowering this summer.
1. Do Some Essential Pruning
Crepe myrtle is native to Asia
(Image credit: kazue tanaka / Moment / Getty Images)
Early spring is an ideal time to prune your crepe myrtle, but it’s crucial to avoid pruning mistakes at this time.
You should focus on removing any diseased and damaged branches that may be draining the crepe myrtle’s energy.
Likewise, March is the time to remove crossing branches on your crepe myrtle. This helps prevent rubbing branches which can cause bark damage and create open wounds for pests and diseases to fester.
This will also improve airflow and give your crepe myrtle a neater silhouette.
When pruning, always use sharp and clean tools, like these loppers from Amazon.
Word of warning: avoid ‘topping’ the tree (i.e. removing the top of the shrub), which leaves unsightly stubs and can remove flower buds, hindering its display later in the year.
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2. Remove Crepe Myrtle Suckers
Crepe myrtle can flower for six weeks or longer at a time
(Image credit: Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world/Moment/Getty Images)
Something else to look out for when tending to your crepe myrtle in March is ‘suckers’ at the bottom of the plant.
These are shoots that appear at the base. The reason they can be problematic is because they steal nutrients from the parent plant.
Leaving suckers in place can result in weaker growth on the main plant, fewer blooms, and a messier appearance. They’re also susceptible to powdery mildew, which can spread easily to the main plant.
Using sharp tools, like these Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon, cut the suckers flush to the ground. It’s best to not leave any stub at all if possible, as suckers can regrow.
Some gardeners choose to spray the cuts with this Bonide Sucker Punch from Amazon, which stops the shoots coming back.
3. Apply a Fresh Layer of Mulch
Crepe myrtle prefers slightly acidic-neutral soil
(Image credit: CuteLife/Alamy Stock Photo)
While crepe myrtles don’t necessarily need fertilizing, mulching is one of the best things to do for them in March.
Not only does it provide a gentle boost of essential plant nutrients as the mulch biodegrades (pine bark, like this from Amazon, is a good choice for these plants), but mulching now can help with moisture retention.
As crepe myrtles gear up for a vibrant summer of blooming, they need plenty of water to keep them going. Mulch helps lock in moisture, so the soil doesn’t dry out.
It can also help regulate soil temperature as crepe myrtles wake from dormancy, and suppress weeds.
You should apply a 2-3″ layer of mulch around the crepe myrtle, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to maintain airflow and prevent bark decay, and fungal issues.
FAQsHow Old Do Crepe Myrtles Have To Be Before They Bloom?
Typically, crepe myrtles will bloom within 1-3 years of being planted. However, some take 3-5 years to fully establish and bloom more reliably every year. They tend to flower for six weeks or more at a time.
The good news is crepe myrtles don’t need deadheading to stay healthy. Once flowers fade, they tend to turn brown and shed off in time, making this shrub a low-maintenance choice.
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