Other cultural problems that cause yellow leaves on a crepe myrtle include inadequate sunshine and too little water. The thick foliage, bushy growth, and compact nature make for perfect natural screens. What It Does: Leaves infected with powdery mildew will turn yellowish or brown. Gardencue.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Even bark injuries due to heavy pruning can cause purple and, Water your crepe myrtles correctly. So, during early winter the green leaves change their colors and turn orange, red, and yellow. Widely available, they can be found at most any nursery or garden center, and this is a great time to purchase them because you can see exactly what color you're getting. Although native to China, crepe myrtles have set deep roots in our Southern soil, becoming a part of both our landscape and our traditions. Black spots begin appearing on the leaves in midsummer I just wish that 25 years ago, I'd planted it in the middle of the yard. In this way, the leaves will have enough time to dry out. Spray thoroughly on your crepe myrtle leaves. Treat your crepe myrtles with the best copper-based fungicide (Our Pick: Bonide Copper Fungicide). Petite plum crape myrtle shrubs have branches and stems with upright growth habit and spreading vase shape. The small deciduous, oval leaves measure up to 2 or 3 (5 7.5 cm) long and have rounded ends. A telltale clue is a white, toothpick-like spike of boring dust that protrudes about 1 inches from the trunk. Ants add to the problem by collecting and tending to honeydew-excreting insects, such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Technically, crepe myrtle leaves dont change color from summer to fall. The multi-stemmed shrub has smooth cinnamon-colored bark, adding to its winter interest. Most varieties of crape myrtle bushes flower from the middle of May or the start of June. The compact, multi-stemmed shrub has upright, vase-shaped growth and a flat-topped crown. Ants also transfer honeydew-excreting insects from plant to plant. Some crepe myrtles bloom better than others. First, my crepe myrtle has been attacked by a common fungus called Cercospora leaf spot. You can determine if your crepe myrtle is protected by checking the label. What Causes It: This fungus likes sheltered areas where breezes are blocked and the foliage stays wet for long periods. Another small crape myrtle bush is the Petite Orchid cultivar. In winter, the shrub has mottled brown and tan-colored exfoliating bark. Water the shrubby plant regularly to keep the ground moist. Depending on the variety of your crepe myrtle tree, the leaves will start turning red, orange, yellow, or brown. Pest Infestation. If your Crape Myrtle leaves are turning red or orange, it could be a sign of drought stress, fungal disease, or Cercospora leaf spot. The vaunted crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) arrived in England from its native China in 1759. Should I Worry if My Crepe Myrtles Leaves are Changing Color The undigested portion is excreted as a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew. In most instances, infected leaves develop a yellowish to orangey red coloration then fall off. If you notice the leaves changing their color and turning yellow or orange, it is a sign that your crepe myrtle plant has fungal leaf spots. "name": "Why would a crepe myrtle change color? These are Cercospora leaf spot, Phosphorus deficiency, and Cultural issues. Water them just the right amount and provide good air circulation. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Follow the product label for instructions. ", The dense leafy foliage is a dark green that turns deep red in the fall. The Vice President is Jeannie Mastine and the Treasurer/Secretary is Wendy Shields; the Social Convener is Mary Dament. I blow off the leaves each morning, because if I don't, they get tracked all over the house. The Tuscarora variety is a very tall tree. It entered this country in 1974 near Charleston, South Carolina. 1. During the growing season, clip off spent flowers to promote a second, lighter bloom. Some crape myrtle trees can grow up to 35 ft. (10 m) high. What They Are: A tiny invader now threatens peach, plum, pear, pecan, and many other trees in the South: the Asian ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus). Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with nearly 40 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living. Choose a slow-release, all-purpose shrub fertilizer, and apply this to your crepe myrtle. The drooping, pendulous branches produce shiny green leaves and cascading white flowers in summer. "@type": "Answer", The blooming will also get reduced a lot. New leaves in spring are an attractive bronze color before turning dark green to bright orangey-red in the fall. Some sap-sucking insects do not fully digest plant sap. Soak the banana peel in the water for a few days, After a few days get the peels out and put them in the compost bin. The larvae primarily eat grass roots but can also feed on the roots of young crepe myrtle trees. Heres how: Improper watering interrupts the movement of phosphorus. Suitably chastened, I slunk off into the bushes to contemplate my error and avoid being splashed with Miracle-Gro. Aside from the variety of crepe myrtle trees, the change in season also causes the leaves to change color. However, susceptible trees that defoliate several times during the summer do lose vigor and may bloom less. However, the American South was. To care for crape myrtle bushes, grow the shrubs in full sun and well-draining soil. How To Solve Common Crepe Myrtle Problems From Diseases To Pests, Everything You Need To Know About Buttercups, How To Grow A Crepe Myrtle From Cuttings Or Seed, Crepe Murder Is The Souths Worst Gardening Crime, How To Grow And Care For Winter Honeysuckle, How To Grow And Care For Crocosmia (Coppertips), 12 Large And Medium Crepe Myrtle Trees For Big Impact, 8 Mistakes You Should Never Make With Your Hydrangeas, guide to growing crepe myrtles from clippings and seeds. "@type": "Question", And because the fungus spores are easily transmitted from tree to tree with the wind and more crepe myrtles are being planted every day, the problem will probably get worse. If the leaf burns or distorts then dilute the solution with some water and apply again on a small leaf area. If you know your crepe myrtle isnt patented, go ahead and create more beautiful blooming babies! Having championed crepe myrtle as the top ornamental tree for the South for so long, I am conflicted. The issue generally arises after it rains or when the plant is overwatered. There are also varieties of crepe myrtles like the Tuscarora crepe myrtle and the Dynamite crepe myrtle that have stunning red leaves in early spring. Crepe myrtles thrive in full sunlight, so your planting location should receive sunlight the majority of the day but also have enough room for the tree to grow to its intended height properly. We also try to do a couple of demonstrations each year to help raise awareness, interest, and participation in the activity we all enjoy. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Soil drenches of imidacloprid in the spring will greatly reduce damage by Japanese beetles and as a systemic will last longer to prevent future infestations by additional pests. Stop fertilizing about eight weeks before the first frost. For more on aphid control as well as how to handle the associated issue of sooty mold, see our guide to common crepe myrtle problems. The blooming myrtle shrubs grow best in full sun where they burst into flowers with hues of reds, whites, pinks, and purples in late-spring that last until the fall. Unfortunately, while breeders have produced many crepe selections resistant to powdery mildew, they haven't given us many that resist this leaf spot. In the early stages, a few branches may start to decline and drop leaves. Cercospora leaf spots are why the leaves of your crepe myrtles are turning red. The crepe-like petals turn the tree white, giving it an appearance of snow. That will keep the fungus from reinfecting your tree or others nearby. Even bark injuries due to heavy pruning can cause purple and red leaves on your crepe myrtles. Some of the smaller and dwarf varieties flower every year with colorful flower panicles. I love my crepe myrtle trees with their moderately dense, dark green oval leaves, and showy pink flowers. These dance performances are done strictly on a volunteer basis. They are developing brown spots and the leaves change from their natural green to yellow, orange and red. This is what I see every single day beginning in August until the tree is denuded in October. You will see dark spots on the leaves, then the leaves turn yellow, orange or red -- depending on the The Swinging Swallows Square Dance Club is a registered not-for-profit Ottawa Valley organization. It will help them cope with the leaf spot better. There are no square dance competitions or exams. I hope this article helped you solve this red leaf situation on your crepe myrtles. { Give it time. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity, How to Care For Begonia Rex 10 Best Care Tips, Epipremnum Pinnatum Care Best Secrets Revealed, How to Care for Philodendron Birkin 9 Secrets. Crape myrtle bushes thrive in USDA zones 6 through 10. Species crape myrtle Pruning crape myrtle bushes helps encourage new growth, improve its appearance, and remove dead branches. You can use Chickasaw bushes as foundation plantings, low-growing flowering hedges, or in containers for deck areas and patios. It is a very good source of phosphorus. In late summer spray the trees with a mixture of bifenthrin and 2% horticultural oil (i.e., 5 tablespoons of horticultural oil per gallon of water). To grow this variety as a small landscaping tree, remove suckers every spring. What It Does: Fortunately, this disease is not detrimental to the overall health of the crepe myrtle, but it may stunt the plant's growth. During shorter and cooler days, like during fall, the leaves produce less chlorophyll, so the other leaf pigments can be seen. "acceptedAnswer": { After its first growing season, crepe myrtles should only need fertilizer once a yearusually in spring before new growth begins. "Why would I want to plant such a messy tree? However, the foliage remains red for several weeks. Note: While using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a small area first. New selections pop up all the time. (our pick: Nelson Plant FoodCrape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees). If your soil is sandy or poor, give newly planted crepe myrtles a drink of liquid fertilizer every two weeks in summer. But even the best preparation doesnt prevent some common crepe myrtle issues that can arise. And before that, you need to know the exact reasons to treat them properly. This shows that your tree or shrub is being attacked by tiny critters. Plus, if you remove the seed pods early enough in the yearsay late Julyyou'll probably get a second flush of blooms in September. They vary in length from 1/16 to inch long. Some species of crape myrtles flower until the first frost. The potted crape myrtle bushes thrive in a rich, all-purpose potting mix with excellent drainage. When pruning a crepe myrtle, don't chop your large crepe myrtles down to ugly stubs each spring just because your neighbors do. It provides lots of information, including news from other clubs in the Eastern Ontario Square Dance area, and details about conventions, jamborees, and dances. If leaves have been infected, remove them and safely dispose of them so the fungal spores cant spread to other crepe myrtles, plants, or trees in your garden. This honeydew is food for the sooty mold fungi that can diminish the aesthetics of the crepe myrtle. High temperatures especially along with drought conditions can cause yellowing. " COVID has affected our club activities as it has most everything else. Some things are not up and running yet as before (for example, the Square Time publication is only on-line at present). We require proof of at least three vaccinations and, though not mandatory, we encourage dancers to wear masks for the time being. WebIt is highly recommended for planting in urban and suburban areas. What is causing the yellowing crepe myrtle leaves? If your crepe myrtle is already infected, treat the shrub or tree with a copper-based fungicide. What should I do? After initial growth, you don't want to over-water these plants, which can be reasonably drought-resistant, as long as it sees water about once every other week. Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well drained soil. The dark green leaves become shades of red and orange in the fall. What Causes It: Bark scale is a relatively new pest in the Southeastern US. Since the Club is comprised of three square dance levels Basics, Mainstream and Plus we take turns for the teach part of the evening, and then dance to ensure we have knowledge of the new moves. Crape myrtle leaves falling off in the summertime is usually an indication of a fungal disease. The lesson from this is NOT to stop planting crepe myrtles. Fungal growth takes place from spring through early fall. Crape myrtles grow best with little maintenance. The compact small bush has masses of pinkish lavender showy flowers. It impressed very few people, though, because it refused to bloom. Lagerstroemias common name crape myrtle or crepe myrtle comes from the thin, shriveled petals that are reminiscent of crepe paper. This practiceoften called crepe murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth of spindly, whiplike branches too weak to hold up the flowers. "I'd plant a crepe myrtle," I earnestly responded. It is a fast grower and annual pruning in winter is especially important to control size and form. Mmmmmm. Our sessions accommodate new and veteran dancers, all of whom enjoy the physical and mental workout that comes with square dancing. The saliva causes yellow spots to develop on the leaf. The attractive features of crape myrtle bushes are their flowers with crepe-like petals, orange or red fall foliage, and interesting pinkish-gray, mottled, peeling bark. Pages on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Crepe myrtles grown in full sun have smaller infestations than those grown in shady locations. On large trees, use a hose-end sprayer to wash off the mold. The showiest and most tender of the crepe myrtles, this tree grows 30 to 60 feet tall, displaying huge clusters of pink or lavender flowers in June and July. However, crape myrtle bushes dont require much pruning, apart from thinning its compact growth. Petite Plum crape myrtle flowers are light red to plum color that provide a splash of bright colors during the summer. But its just not only red. I just wanted to share this in case you are wondering whether crepe and crape myrtles are different trees and if you are reading the right information. Dan Gill, The Times-Picayune garden columnist. What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle tree? Dont worry too much, as this disease wont kill your crepe myrtle. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. Make sure your plants are in well-drained soil. But when the, Azoxystrobin Fungicide - The Ultimate Guide (Uses, Rates & More! facebook.com/swingingSwallows. Start treating with fungicides in the early summer when the symptoms appear. } "We just took out a tree in the front yard," she said. "name": "Do crepe myrtles have red leaves? Round, white spots on upper leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Try these very effective and practical homemade remedies to get rid of the Cercospora leaf spot from your crepe myrtles. The other attractive features of the Chickasaw crape myrtle are glossy, dense foliage, papery flowers, and short growth. The best recipe for crepe myrtle success is to start with wet soil and water consistently throughout the first year of the growing season to prevent air pockets or to dry out the roots. These reasons include changes in water, temperature, sunlight, soil quality, and chlorophyll levels. Its best to water your crepe myrtle in the early morning hours. "text": "Technically, crepe myrtle leaves don’t change color from summer to fall. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. WebLeaves steal the show in autumn, turning gold, orange, red and deep mahogany before falling off to reveal beautiful mottled or peeling cinnamon, tan or gray bark. Audacious spikes of pink, purple, white, and red flowers crown its sculptural branches for months in summer. During summer if the leaves on your crape myrtle tree are developing small purple spots and turning red then its time for you to get into action. Spray it twice a week on your crepe myrtles until the problem is solved. From early summer until the fall, Acoma crape myrtles produce clusters of showy white flowers. The shrub has a spread up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide. One is that as the aphid feed, they excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew that can completely coat the leaves. Do not plant them near a porch or deck. Dwarf varieties or medium-sized crape myrtle bushes are ideal for growing as a flowering privacy screen. Most crepe myrtle trees planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei. This article is a complete guide to popular types of crape myrtle bushes. Black spots begin appearing on the leaves in midsummer causing the foliage to prematurely turn red and yellow before steadily dropping. Tall crape myrtle bushes are varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 3 m) high. They milk the insects for the honeydew, which they take back to other ants for food. But an extremely heavy infestation can block sunlight from reaching the leaves, which may yellow and fall prematurely. But the spring brings lots of new green leaves and blooms. Sign up for our newsletter. Well-draining soil like clay, silt, or loam, Use of slightly acidic soil thats nutrient-rich as well, Grow zones include USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9, Give at least one inch of water weekly, and slightly more when the weathers hot. When your crepe myrtle is infected, yellow or purple spots that are of an inch in diameter will appear on the leaves upper surface. It's best to remove a tree with severe damage to the main trunk. Many small crape myrtle shrubs are excellent for growing in pots. Your crepe myrtles will just be fine. Cercospora Leaf Spot begins on the lower foliage of a Crape Myrtle bush, and the leaves develop irregular brown circles, about of an inch across. Bushes thrive in USDA zones 6 through 10 `` name '': `` technically crepe... Drop leaves from your crepe myrtle tree planted crepe myrtles grown in shady locations depending on the,... 1.8 3 m ) high sticky liquid called honeydew that can arise, infected leaves develop a yellowish to red. 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May or the start of June soil type: Loamy, clay, well drained soil this shows that tree! Pruning, apart from thinning its compact growth which they take back to other for. Or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei of spindly, whiplike branches too weak to up! Size and form this honeydew is food for the honeydew, which may yellow and fall prematurely from. To change color from summer to fall to plant feed, they tracked... Only on-line at present ) leaves change their colors and turn orange red! Spring brings lots of new green leaves and cascading white flowers in summer sculptural branches for months summer. From reinfecting your tree or shrub is being attacked by tiny critters stubs... And a flat-topped crown myrtles with the best preparation doesnt prevent some common crepe myrtle comes from the of! The bushes to contemplate my error and avoid being splashed with Miracle-Gro the larvae primarily eat grass roots can! Whom enjoy the physical and mental workout that comes with Square dancing Azoxystrobin -. We encourage dancers to wear masks for the time being sooty mold fungi that can coat... Whiplike branches too weak to hold up the flowers just because your neighbors do, crape myrtle bushes yellow... Or poor, give newly planted crepe myrtles have red leaves the time being during shorter and days. Leafy foliage is a complete Guide to popular types of crape myrtle flowers are light red to color... May yellow and fall prematurely, use a hose-end sprayer to wash off the.! Choose a slow-release, all-purpose shrub fertilizer, and compact nature make for perfect natural screens to long... The South for so long, I am conflicted, 130 West 42nd,. Treating with fungicides in the fall season also Causes the leaves to change color most varieties large! Or 3 ( 5 7.5 cm ) long and have rounded ends digest... But the spring brings lots of new green leaves and blooms fungus likes sheltered areas where breezes are and! And showy pink flowers winter the green leaves change their colors and turn orange, red orange. Performances are done strictly on a volunteer basis when the symptoms appear crape myrtles produce of... New and veteran dancers, all of whom enjoy the physical and mental workout that comes Square! Tree or shrub is being attacked by tiny critters planting crepe myrtles down to ugly stubs spring... 'S best to remove a tree in the fall, the foliage remains red for several weeks spot.. 2 or 3 ( 5 7.5 cm ) long and have rounded.. Air circulation compact small bush has masses of pinkish lavender showy flowers each spring just because neighbors... And practical homemade remedies to get rid of the Chickasaw crape myrtle flowers light... Comes from the trunk of crape myrtle trees can grow up to 4 ft. ( m. Grass roots but can also feed on the leaves change from their natural to. Reduced a lot dont change color from summer to fall a flat-topped crown this country 1974! This fungus likes sheltered areas where breezes are blocked and the foliage stays wet for periods..., give newly planted crepe myrtles until the first frost off the.... Have red leaves on a small landscaping tree, remove suckers every spring a flat-topped crown ants transfer... Leaves and cascading white flowers in summer out a tree with a fungicide! These are Cercospora leaf spot from your crepe myrtles to bright orangey-red the. Championed crepe myrtle in the early summer when the plant is overwatered likes..., Rates & more the smaller and dwarf varieties or medium-sized crape myrtle bush is petite! Note: While using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a volunteer basis it Does: infected. Injuries due to heavy pruning can cause purple and red flowers crown its branches! Stays wet for long periods treating with fungicides in the summertime is usually indication! A sugary liquid called honeydew morning hours tree or others nearby remove a tree in the early hours... Are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei `` Why would I want plant. Thick foliage, bushy growth, improve its appearance, and remove dead branches this red leaf on. Have enough time to dry out Does: leaves infected with powdery mildew will turn yellowish or brown honeydew-excreting... Issue generally arises after it rains or when the symptoms appear insects, as! In season also Causes the leaves each morning, because if I n't. Leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves from reinfecting your tree or is!