What to Plant Under Crepe Myrtles (With Pictures and Videos)

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What To Plant Under Crepe Myrtle?

| Plant | Benefits | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Groundcover | Provides a lush, green backdrop for the crepe myrtle. | Choose a groundcover that will not compete with the crepe myrtle for water or nutrients. |
| Perennials | Add color and interest to the garden throughout the growing season. | Choose perennials that will bloom at different times of the year to extend the flowering season. |
| Shrubs | Create a natural barrier around the crepe myrtle. | Choose shrubs that will not grow too large and will not block the view of the crepe myrtle. |

Plants that complement crepe myrtles

When choosing plants to grow under crepe myrtles, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Water and light requirements. Crepe myrtles are drought-tolerant trees that can thrive in full sun. The plants you choose to grow under them should have similar water and light requirements.
• Color and texture. Crepe myrtles come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to bright pink. When choosing plants to grow under them, consider choosing plants with contrasting colors or textures to create a visually appealing landscape.
• Attraction of pollinators or beneficial insects. Crepe myrtles are a popular source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. If you want to attract more pollinators to your yard, consider planting some flowers or herbs that attract these insects.
• Winter interest. Crepe myrtles lose their leaves in the fall, so it is important to choose plants that will provide winter interest. Some good options include evergreen shrubs, perennials with colorful foliage, or winter-blooming bulbs.

Here are some specific plants that complement crepe myrtles:

• For similar water and light requirements:
• Abelia grandiflora
• Clerodendrum trichotomum
• Gardenia jasminoides
• Hydrangea macrophylla
• Ligustrum lucidum
• Nandina domestica
• Pieris japonica
• Viburnum opulus
• For contrasting colors or textures:
• Blue fescue
• Coral bells
• Daylilies
• Lavender
• Ornamental grasses
• Salvia
• Shasta daisies
• Vinca minor
• For attraction of pollinators or beneficial insects:
• Butterfly bush
• Catmint
• Echinacea purpurea
• Lavender
• Milkweed
• Monarda didyma
• Purple coneflower
• Yarrow
• For winter interest:
• Boxwood
• Holly
• Japanese maple
• Juniper
• Nandina domestica
• Rhododendron
• Viburnum opulus

How to plant under crepe myrtles

Planting under crepe myrtles is a great way to add interest and color to your landscape. Here are the steps involved:

1. Choose the right location. Crepe myrtles need full sun, so the plants you choose to grow under them should be able to tolerate some shade. The area should also have well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the soil. Before planting, loosen the soil in the area where you will be planting the plants. If the soil is compacted, add some compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
3. Plant the plants. Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water the plant thoroughly.
4. Water and care for the plants. Newly planted plants will need to be watered regularly until they are established. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Here are some additional tips for planting under crepe myrtles:

• Plant the plants close enough together so that they will provide each other with some shade.
• Choose plants that will not compete with the crepe myrtle for water or nutrients.
• Keep an eye on the plants and adjust the watering and care as needed.

By following these tips, you can successfully plant under crepe myrtles and create a beautiful and inviting landscape.

Planting under crepe myrtles is a great way to add color, interest, and pollinators to your landscape. By choosing the right plants and following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

What To Plant Under Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beautiful flowering trees that can add a touch of color to any landscape. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for busy gardeners. However, crepe myrtles can be quite large, so it’s important to consider what to plant under them.

The best plants to grow under crepe myrtles are those that will tolerate shade and not compete with the tree for water and nutrients. Some good options include:

• Azaleas
• Hostas
• Ferns
• Impatiens
• Pansies
• Vinca
• Daylilies
• Begonias
• Coral bells
• Geraniums

When choosing plants to grow under crepe myrtles, it’s also important to consider the size of the tree. If you have a large crepe myrtle, you’ll need to choose plants that will not be overshadowed by the tree. If you have a smaller crepe myrtle, you can choose more compact plants that will fill in the space under the tree.

Problems to watch for

When planting under crepe myrtles, there are a few problems to watch for.

• Competition for water and nutrients. Crepe myrtles are heavy feeders and can use up a lot of water and nutrients. If you plant other plants too close to the tree, they may not be able to get enough water and nutrients. To avoid this problem, plant your understory plants at least 3 feet away from the trunk of the tree.
• Pests and diseases. Crepe myrtles can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. If you notice any pests or diseases on your crepe myrtles, it’s important to treat them immediately to prevent them from spreading to your other plants.
• Root damage. Crepe myrtle roots can be quite large and can damage sidewalks, driveways, and other structures. If you’re planting under a crepe myrtle, be sure to leave at least 3 feet of space between the tree and any structures.

Maintenance tips

To keep your crepe myrtles and understory plants healthy, there are a few maintenance tips you can follow.

• Mulch. Mulching around your crepe myrtles will help to keep the soil moist and cool, and it will also help to suppress weeds.
• Prune. Pruning your crepe myrtles will help to keep them healthy and in shape. Prune your crepe myrtles in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins.
• Divide and replant. If your understory plants start to outgrow their space, you can divide them and replant them in another area of your garden. Dividing your plants will help to keep them healthy and vigorous.
• Replace old plants. As your understory plants age, they will eventually start to decline. When this happens, it’s important to replace them with new plants. Replacing your old plants will help to keep your garden looking its best.

Planting under crepe myrtles can be a great way to add color and interest to your landscape. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that will last for years to come.

What To Plant Under Crepe Myrtle?

• Q: What are some good plants to grow under a crepe myrtle?
• A: There are many different plants that can be grown under a crepe myrtle, depending on your climate and the amount of sunlight the area receives. Some good options include:
• Annuals: impatiens, petunias, marigolds, zinnias
• Perennials: azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, hostas
• Groundcovers: pachysandra, vinca, liriope, creeping phlox
• Q: How close can I plant under a crepe myrtle?
• A: The best rule of thumb is to plant trees and shrubs at least 3 feet away from the trunk of a crepe myrtle. This will give the roots of the crepe myrtle plenty of room to grow and will help to prevent the two plants from competing for water and nutrients.
• Q: What should I avoid planting under a crepe myrtle?
• A: There are a few plants that should not be planted under a crepe myrtle, including:
• Trees: maples, oaks, elms
• Shrubs: rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel
• Groundcovers: pachysandra, vinca, liriope
• Q: How do I care for plants under a crepe myrtle?
• A: The most important thing to remember when caring for plants under a crepe myrtle is to water them regularly. Crepe myrtles are drought-tolerant trees, but the plants growing under them may not be. Make sure to water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. You may also need to fertilize the plants under your crepe myrtle, depending on the type of plants you have chosen.

Here are some additional tips for caring for plants under a crepe myrtle:

• Mulch the area around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
• Prune the crepe myrtle regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage new growth.
• Watch for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.

By following these tips, you can help your plants thrive under your crepe myrtle.

there are many different plants that can be successfully grown under crepe myrtles. The best plants for your specific situation will depend on your climate, soil conditions, and the amount of sun exposure that the area receives. By considering these factors, you can choose the best plants to create a beautiful and low-maintenance understory for your crepe myrtles.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Crepe myrtles are deciduous trees that can grow to be large, so it is important to choose plants that will not be overshadowed by them.
• The best plants for under crepe myrtles are those that tolerate full sun and well-drained soil.
• Some good choices for underplanting crepe myrtles include groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs.
• When planting under crepe myrtles, it is important to space the plants appropriately so that they have enough room to grow.
• By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance understory for your crepe myrtles.