What to Plant Around Crepe Myrtles: A Guide to Beautiful and Complementary Combinations

What to Plant Around Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beautiful, flowering trees that are popular in gardens and landscapes around the world. They are known for their delicate, crepe-like petals and their long, showy blooms. Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to care for, and they can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, choosing the right plants to grow around crepe myrtles can be tricky. Some plants will compete with the crepe myrtle for water and nutrients, while others will shade the crepe myrtle and prevent it from getting enough sunlight.

In this article, we will discuss the best plants to grow around crepe myrtles. We will also provide tips on how to plant and care for these plants, so that you can create a beautiful and harmonious landscape.

Plant	Benefits	Tips
Azaleas	Attract butterflies, provide winter interest	Plant in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Hostas	Provide shade, help to prevent soil erosion	Plant in partial to full shade. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Daylilies	Attract pollinators, provide summer color	Plant in full sun. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beautiful flowering trees that are popular in gardens throughout the world. They are known for their showy blooms, which come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. Crepe myrtles are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

If you are thinking about planting crepe myrtles in your garden, you may be wondering what to plant around them. The plants that you choose to plant near your crepe myrtles can help to enhance their beauty and provide them with the support they need to thrive.

In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing plants for crepe myrtles, as well as some of the best plants to pair with them. We will also provide tips on how to plant and care for your crepe myrtles.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Crepe Myrtles

When choosing plants to plant around your crepe myrtles, there are a few factors to keep in mind. These factors include:

• Sunlight: Crepe myrtles need full sun to thrive. When choosing plants to plant around them, make sure that they will also be able to tolerate full sun.
• Water: Crepe myrtles are drought-tolerant, but they do need regular watering during dry spells. When choosing plants to plant around them, make sure that they will also be able to tolerate periods of drought.
• Soil: Crepe myrtles prefer well-drained soil. When choosing plants to plant around them, make sure that the soil is well-drained.
• Size: Crepe myrtles can grow to be large trees, so it is important to choose plants that will not be overshadowed by them.

Plants That Pair Well with Crepe Myrtles

There are many different plants that can be planted around crepe myrtles. Some of the best plants to pair with them include:

• Azaleas: Azaleas are a popular choice for planting around crepe myrtles because they both like full sun and well-drained soil. Azaleas also come in a variety of colors, so you can choose ones that will complement the color of your crepe myrtles.
• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are another good choice for planting around crepe myrtles. They also like full sun and well-drained soil, and they come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white.
• Lavender: Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for planting around crepe myrtles. It does not need a lot of water, and it can tolerate periods of drought. Lavender also has a lovely fragrance that will add to the beauty of your garden.
• Roses: Roses are a classic choice for planting around crepe myrtles. They come in a variety of colors and fragrances, and they can add a touch of elegance to your garden.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Crepe Myrtles

When planting crepe myrtles, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun. The soil should be well-drained, and the hole should be dug deep enough to accommodate the roots of the tree. Once the tree is planted, water it thoroughly and mulch the area around the tree to help retain moisture.

Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive. These tips include:

• Water your crepe myrtles regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize your crepe myrtles in the spring and summer.
• Prune your crepe myrtles in the late winter or early spring.
• Protect your crepe myrtles from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can help your crepe myrtles to grow and thrive for many years to come.

Crepe myrtles are beautiful and versatile trees that can add a touch of beauty to any garden. By choosing the right plants to plant around them, you can help to enhance their beauty and provide them with the support they need to thrive. With a little care, your crepe myrtles will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [The Spruce: How to Plant Crepe Myrtles](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-plant-crepe-myrtles-1903137)
• [Gardening Know How: Crepe Myrtle Care](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm)

What to Plant Around Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are deciduous flowering trees that are native to Asia. They are popular ornamental plants in the United States, where they are grown for their showy flowers and attractive foliage. Crepe myrtles can grow to be 20-30 feet tall and wide, and they typically bloom in the summer.

When choosing plants to grow around crepe myrtles, it is important to consider the mature size of the tree, the amount of sunlight the area receives, and the soil conditions. Some good plants to consider include:

• Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): Azaleas are a good choice for planting around crepe myrtles because they require similar growing conditions. They both like full sun and well-drained soil. Azaleas come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that will complement the color of your crepe myrtles.
• Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Hydrangeas are another good choice for planting around crepe myrtles. They also like full sun and well-drained soil. Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white.
• Roses (Rosa spp.): Roses are a popular choice for planting around crepe myrtles. They like full sun and well-drained soil. Roses come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Daylilies are a good choice for planting around crepe myrtles because they are very easy to care for. They like full sun and well-drained soil. Daylilies come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that will complement the color of your crepe myrtles.
• Lantanas (Lantana camara): Lantanas are a good choice for planting around crepe myrtles because they are very tolerant of heat and drought. They like full sun and well-drained soil. Lantanas come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

When planting plants around crepe myrtles, it is important to space them correctly. The plants should be spaced far enough apart so that they have room to grow. The exact spacing will depend on the size of the plants.

It is also important to water the plants regularly, especially during the summer months. Crepe myrtles and the plants around them need to be watered deeply to reach the roots. You should water the plants until the soil is moist all the way down to the bottom of the root ball.

Tips for Planting Plants Around Crepe Myrtles

When planting plants around crepe myrtles, there are a few things you can do to help ensure their success.

• Plant the plants at the same depth as they were growing in their pots. If you plant the plants too deep, their roots will be smothered and the plants will not grow well. If you plant the plants too shallow, their roots will be exposed to the elements and the plants will not be able to get enough water and nutrients.
• Water the plants well after planting them. Crepe myrtles and the plants around them need to be watered deeply to reach the roots. You should water the plants until the soil is moist all the way down to the bottom of the root ball.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Mulch also helps to prevent weeds from growing around the plants. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips, or straw.
• Prune the plants as needed to keep them healthy and to encourage new growth. Crepe myrtles and the plants around them should be pruned in the late winter or early spring. You should remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You should also prune the plants to shape them and to control their size.

Troubleshooting Problems with Plants Around Crepe Myrtles

If you are having problems with plants around your crepe myrtles, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

• If the plants are not getting enough water, they will wilt and their leaves will turn brown. You should water the plants more often and make sure that the soil is moist all the way down to the bottom of the root ball.
• If the plants are getting too much water, their roots will rot and the plants will die. You should water the plants less often and make sure that the soil is not soggy.
• If the plants are not getting enough sunlight, they will not grow as well and their leaves will be pale.

  What To Plant Around Crepe Myrtle?

Q: What are the best plants to grow around crepe myrtles?

A: Crepe myrtles are beautiful, versatile trees that can be grown in a variety of climates. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for busy gardeners. When choosing plants to grow around crepe myrtles, it is important to consider the tree’s mature size, its light and water requirements, and its susceptibility to pests and diseases. Some good companion plants for crepe myrtles include:

• Perennials:
• Azaleas
• Hydrangeas
• Roses
• Daylilies
• Hostas
• Shrubs:
• Viburnums
• Rhododendrons
• Camellias
• Boxwoods
• Holly
• Groundcovers:
• Ferns
• Creeping Jenny
• Vinca
• Pachysandra
• Mondo grass

Q: How far apart should plants be planted around crepe myrtles?

A: The ideal spacing for plants around crepe myrtles will vary depending on the size of the tree and the size of the plants. As a general rule, plants should be spaced at least two to three feet apart. However, if you are planting larger plants, such as shrubs or trees, you may need to space them further apart.

Q: What should I avoid planting near crepe myrtles?

A: There are a few plants that should be avoided planting near crepe myrtles, as they can compete for water and nutrients, or they can be susceptible to the same pests and diseases as crepe myrtles. These plants include:

• Magnolias
• Oaks
• Maples
• Birches
• Holly trees

Q: How do I care for plants around crepe myrtles?

A: The best way to care for plants around crepe myrtles is to make sure they are getting the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Crepe myrtles are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will need more water during hot, dry spells. The plants around them will also need to be watered regularly, especially if they are young or if the weather is dry.

All of the plants in this area will need to be planted in well-drained soil. Crepe myrtles and their companions will also benefit from being fertilized regularly. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, following the directions on the product label.

Q: What pests and diseases are common to crepe myrtles?

A: Crepe myrtles are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Scale insects
• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Whiteflies
• Leaf spot
• Rust
• Powdery mildew

If you notice any of these pests or diseases on your crepe myrtles, you can treat them with a variety of home remedies or commercial products. It is important to follow the directions on the product label carefully to avoid damaging your plants.

Q: How can I make my crepe myrtles more attractive?

There are a few things you can do to make your crepe myrtles more attractive:

• Prune them regularly to maintain a healthy shape.
• Fertilize them regularly to encourage healthy growth.
• Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Protect them from pests and diseases.
• Add mulch around the base of the trees to help keep the soil moist and to prevent weeds.

By following these tips, you can help your crepe myrtles thrive and add beauty to your landscape.

there are many different plants that can be planted around crepe myrtles, depending on the desired effect. For a more formal and structured garden, plants with similar heights and shapes can be used. For a more natural and informal look, plants of different heights and shapes can be used to create a more layered effect. When choosing plants to plant around crepe myrtles, it is important to consider the mature size of the plant, the amount of sun and water the plant needs, and the soil conditions. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and lush garden that will complement your crepe myrtles for years to come.