Crepe or Crape Myrtle

Why I was not happy about this plant…

❖ Sounds like crinkly old skin

❖ Gets black sticky stuff on it ❖ Looks boring when not in

season

My unscientific opinion does not matter…

The mission of the UCCE is to conduct research on new pests and issues affecting the county, and

to provide research based information to the public.

Classification of Crepe Myrtle❖ Plant Family: Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee)

❖ Genus: Lagerstroemia (la-ger-STREEM-ee-a) They are not myrtles at all, but have a similar leaf shape to the true myrtle (Myrtus)

❖ species: indica (IN-dih-kuh) "indica" means "of or from India.”

Most Crape Myrtles in gardens are varieties of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids of it and Lagerstroemia fauriei (Japanese Crape Myrtle).

❖ Common name: Crepe or Crape Myrtle. “Crepe” is for the crepe-like texture of the flowers.

More details about CM..❖ Deciduous shrub or small to medium sized tree (up to 25 feet tall); slow to

moderate growth

❖ Can grow in all climatic zones; tolerates heat well; can withstand winter frost

❖ Does best in full sun

❖ Can grow in any type of soil that has good drainage.

❖ Once established, only needs occasional deep watering

❖ Known for variety of colors of crinkly flower clusters (“Crepe”)

❖ Glossy, dark green leaves; pretty fall foliage

❖ Dormant in winter; good time to prune to encourage more blooms next season

“The Good, the Bad and the Bugly”

❖ All things Crepe Myrtle!

Good stuff to know about CM

❖ Good choice to plant near a structure or by a sidewalk as their roots are noninvasive

❖ Beautiful all year round (bark is pretty in winter)

❖ Drought and heat tolerant❖ Come in many colors

The Bad…

❖ Susceptible to Aphids, Powdery Mildew, and Black Sooty Mold

The Bugly…

❖ Aphids as Pests: secrete sticky “Honeydew,” that turns black with the growth of sooty mold fungus

❖ Natural aphid predators include: lady beetle, parasitic wasp, lacewing larvae, and soldier beetles

How do you get rid of that black mold and powdery mildew?❖ Prevention - Right plant, Right place!

• Buy mildew resistant cultivars of Lagerstroemia (with Native American names such as ‘Arapaho,' 'Hopi,' 'Natchez,' and 'Zuni' )

• Plant in full sun

IPM for Crepe Myrtle

❖ Integrated Pest Management

• Check weekly for aphids and prune heavily affected parts; control ants

• Spray with water early in the day to knock off aphids to prevent the honeydew and growth of black sooty mold

• Spraying with water can also help with powdery mildew

• If needed, use insecticidal soaps or oils, but not during heat of day

What I learned to like about this tree…

❖ It made the “Nifty 50” list of water wise, gardener’s dream plant list for San Diego

❖ Good option for urban planting in a parkway by a sidewalk

❖ Beautiful year round with the right variety and proper pest management

Image credits:

ask.extension.org (photos of powdery mildew and sooty mold)

Balboa Park Facebook page (photo Crepe (Crape) Myrtle trees on El Prado)

UCCE IPM Pest notes

https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/crape-myrtle/

MG 2020 Teri Sprecco

Resources for Crepe Myrtle Presentation

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/crapemyrtle.html

http://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/Plant_of_the_Month/Lagerstroemia_spp_Crepe_Myrtle/

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/crapemyrtle.html

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7493.html

Photos: ask.extension.org (photos of powdery mildew and sooty mold)

Balboa Park Facebook page (photo Crepe (Crape) Myrtle trees on El Prado)