Black spots on crape myrtle

11 years ago

I just had some trees delivered today. The crape myrtle has black spots all over it. I called the nursery. She said it was mold and would not harm the tree. Which may be true but could it mean there something wrong with the tree?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

lsst
11 years ago
I am in SC, too and I have never seen that on a crape myrtle.
You might want to try posting your question over in the trees forum. Someone there might be able to help.
User
11 years ago
Wezzie,
Looks like alphids to me.
Most modern cultivars of crape myrtles that the nurseries carry today are very resistant to pests, but you don't know the situation that the tree has been growing in.
To get rid of the alphids, you simply spray the tree down real good with a hose now, and when it starts leafing out in the spring.
A nice hard spray on the tree is about all you will need to get rid of the alphids.
Alphids have many natural predators that will be out in full force to battle them once the weather warms up.
You will see wasps, and other predators that will keep the alphids under control.
Keep and eye on it, if you see the leaves of the tree becoming distorted, spray again with the hose.
Try to use the hose, not to kill the natural predators that by mid sumer, will be all over your tree, eating the alphids.
If you see alot of ants under or near the tree, go buy some Amdro at a local big box store. Sprinkle all around the bottom of the tree with it, and apply again whenever you see more ant nests.
Related Discussions
Oily black stuff on Crape Myrtle
Q
Comments (3)
It's 'black sooty mold' caused by mold growing on the 'honey dew' secreted by aphids. Spraying with insecticidal soap is recommended. The white spots are most likely powdery mildew which some varieties of crape myrtles are subject to mostly in the spring, especially if there is not good air circulation and they are not in full sun. Sometimes trimming out some of the interior foliage will help, plus you can spray them with an anti fungal solution. Good luck. Crape myrtles are beautiful trees and are mostly carefree. Incidentally I find using the Gilmour 362 professional hose end sprayer to be the most convenient way to spray. Amazon.com carries it. Here is a link that might be useful: Google search results for sooty mold on crape myrtles ...
...See More
Black diamond crape myrtle
Q
Comments (2)
I almost picked up 6 of the red hot black diamonds a couple of weeks ago. My parents planted several of the blush BD last year but they aren't mature enough to reveal an old man bark. There seems to be a big push for them as every store in town has or had them this year. Guess we'll know soon enough :)
...See More
Red Rocket Crape Myrtle Leaves Turning Dark/Black
Q
Comments (2)
The plant is ok, there's nothing wrong with it. It's just producing large amounts of anthocyanin (red pigments) in the leaves maybe in response to the large amount of sun it gets. Actually the flowers can fade on cloudy days because it doesn't get enough sun i think.
...See More
Is anyone growing a 'Black Diamond" crape myrtle that is thriving?
Q
Comments (71)
I am in Australia and have been interested in the chat here. Crepe myrtles thrive here in an arid climate. All around town and in my garden. I have perfect conditions for trees everything grows double the size and twice the rate because I live on 30m of river soil on a flood plain. BUT the dark crepe myrtles are not only falling to thrive but slowing looking worse. We have had two very wet years but the soil has perfect drainage. Everything else in the garden around them is thriving. The common consensus here seems to be they are a weak plant. I might wait a year more and if they don't take off I am going to replace them. Thanks for thoughts everyone.
...See More
Samantha Milberg
3 years ago
Hello! Did you ever find out what this was? This is the only picture on the internet I could find that matches the spots on my maples!!
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
2 years ago
The black spots are not aphids at all. They are small growths that are part of the fungal growth (grayish splotches) which will soon partner with algae to become harmless lichen.

The nursery might have an issue with lichen on other plants and the spores have spread. Growing conditions may not be ideal at the nursery, as well.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Crape Myrtle

By Becky Harris

With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous exfoliating bark, this ornamental tree brings bright color and a unique form to the landscape

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pretty Trees for Patios, Paths and Other Tight Spots

By Frank Organ

Choose trees for their size, shape and rate of growth — or shape them to fit your space. Here's how to get started

Full Story

By Paintbox Garden

Create enchanting outdoor spots with fresh white fences, florals and furniture

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Arts and Crafts Cottage Gets a Lively Remake

By Janet Dunn

An interior designer uses color, light and historical touches to brighten up a 1920s Sydney home

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Best-Behaved Trees to Grace a Patio

By Bill Marken

Big enough for shade but small enough for easy care, these amiable trees mind their manners in a modest outdoor space

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: The Wonder of Warblers

By Habitat Network

These small, dynamic birds call North America home, with the yellow-rumped warbler flocking to every U.S. state

Full Story

TRADITIONAL HOMES Plantation Grandeur Rises in a Home's Back Addition

By Becky Harris

Haphazard no more, the back of this traditional South Carolina home now matches the genteel front

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Top 10 Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest

By Kate Bryant

More than just gorgeous and adaptable, these standout plants convey a sense of place

Full Story

Black spots on crape myrtle

Comments (4)

lsst

User

Related Discussions

Samantha Milberg

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US