No matter what season you are in just take one day at a time.
Several years ago, a simple shout from my neighbor, "Don't forget to cut back your crepe myrtles," sparked a journey into understanding the care of these beautiful plants. That year, I didn't heed his advice, and while his crepe myrtles flourished with vibrant blooms, mine struggled to flower. The following year, I took his advice to heart, pruning my crepe myrtles before Valentine's Day as he suggested, and it made all the difference.
Just like crepe myrtles, many aspects of life require knowledge, planning, and action to thrive. We often acquire things without fully understanding the care they need, whether it's plants, our homes, or ourselves. As we juggle various commitments, it can be challenging to keep everything in order, but with intentionality, we can learn and improve.
In colder climates, crepe myrtles need protection from freezing temperatures, demonstrating that care and attention can make a significant impact. When given the right conditions, care, and protection, crepe myrtles flourish, much like how we can grow and thrive through self-care in different seasons of life.
My motto is simple: know better, do better. If you're a novice with a crepe myrtle and want it to thrive, here are seven essential tips:
1. Location and Planting: Plant your crepe myrtle in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They love full sun, which helps them grow strong and bloom beautifully.
2. Watering: In the first year, water your crepe myrtle regularly to establish a robust root system. Once established, they're drought-tolerant but appreciate deep watering during dry periods.
3. Soil and Mulching: Enrich the soil with organic matter and use mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch away from the trunk to avoid rot.
4. Pruning: Prune your crepe myrtle in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or weak branches and shape the plant for health and aesthetics.
5. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth and flowering. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, which can lead to more foliage than blooms.
6. Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Address issues early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
7. Winter Protection: In regions where temperatures drop below freezing, cover your crepe myrtle to protect it from the cold.
Crepe myrtles typically bloom from June to September, with the exact timing depending on the variety and local climate. They're a fantastic choice for adding color to your garden throughout the summer.
As you too can apply these lessons of care and intentionality to your crepe myrtles and your life. Embrace the journey of learning and growing, and watch as both your plants and your life flourish.
If you are ready to transform your garden and your life, start by implementing these crepe myrtle care tips. Sign up for my newsletter for more gardening and life advice delivered straight to your inbox! NEWSLETTER
Empowering you to live intentional,
Kelle Cathey
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