New crape myrtles-losing them!!

15 years ago

This summer I planted 3 mini pink crape myrtles. They were doing really well. Now I see that one of them has brown/black covering on some of the leaves. If you touch the leaf, it will come off. At first I thought it was dirt, but I know it isn't.

What do you think it could be? Thanks!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

birdbite
15 years ago
sounds like sooty mold due to aphids. Some of mine get this as well but I'm not sure how to prevent it.
pjtexgirl
15 years ago
Sooty mold can often be successfully removed by rinsing with water from a garden hose. However, this will be most effective after the aphids or other honeydew-producing insects are destroyed. Sometimes sooty mold development is so severe and persistent that only time and exchange of leaves through the growing seasons will remove it all.

Aphids are not especially difficult to control and non-chemical methods are usually very effective. Insecticidal soaps are often the remedy of choice for many gardeners. Various brands of insecticidal soaps may be found at just about any retail nursery or garden center. Be sure to read and carefully follow all label directions when using any pesticide, organic or chemical.
Related Discussions
Why are Crape Myrtles Shedding New Growth?
Q
Comments (3)
It's beyond me why and how these (so-called) landscaping companies get away with the butchering of perfectly fine crape myrtles. They've ruined those trees, which will be exquisitely obvious to you in the winter, when they shed their leaves to expose ugly, deformed skeletons instead of the graceful frames that were once there. Please have your very expensive landscaping company explain to you WHY the pruning was done. In fact, there is NO good reason for the be-heading. Other than giving crews busy work at a time when business might otherwise be a bit slow. The same goes for the scalping of Palmetto trees. Sigh. Sorry for the rant, lol.
...See More
If crape myrtle cutting has new growth, has it rooted?
Q
Comments (3)
nless you stuck it in clay, you shouldn't rip off any new roots. If in a loose media you shouldn't have any issue. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell just by top growth. Many plants have enough reserve food/moisture to push a little growth even before roots have struck. I once saw a cut red maple log about 18" in diameter sprout a 2' long shoot, that didn't die until nearly a year after it was cut, without a single root on it, just from what was stored in the log. You have to tug on it. GENTLY.
...See More
WANTED: new Crape Myrtle and a question
Q
Comments (1)
Check out the article in today's Washington Times (link below). Based on what I read, you should water newly planted myrtles. Here is a link that might be useful: Crepe Myrtle
...See More
Crape Myrtle (New Gardner)
Q
Comments (2)
Ha, ha.., I think everybody in North America (Zone 7 and higher) has planted a 'Black Diamond' Crepe Myrtle. I planted my own last year. Yeah, I wouldn't worry about the fabric (assume it was purchased in a larger pot).
...See More
spishack01
15 years ago
Buy some ladybugs. Aphids are the favorite food of the ladybug. Water first before letting them go so they have something to drink with all the aphid eating that will take place.
pikeman
15 years ago
Besides the soaping, give 'em Medina. It's like chicken soup for plants and my crepes seem to respond real well to the stuff. Your crepes can outgrow the malady if you feed them.
rcnaylor
15 years ago
Are they in a sunny location with good drainage.

Some of those kind of problems develop when they are weakened by a location they don't like.

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

GARDENING GUIDES Brighten Any Garden With White Crape Myrtle

By Amy Renea

A terrific supporting player to other plants, white crape myrtle can help a walkway or other parts of a landscape gleam

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types for Creating Privacy and How to Use Them

By Falon Mihalic

Follow these tips for using different kinds of plants as living privacy screens

Full Story

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

Full Story

121

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

LIGHTING How to Choose the Right Solar Lights

By Laura Gaskill

Learn about different types of outdoor solar lights, where to use them and why you might want to avoid the bargain bin

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

WINTER GARDENING California Gardener's January Checklist

By Bill Marken

Winter-defying blooms and pruning saws earn a cheer, while California-focused gardening design books get a well-deserved shout-out

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Make a Pond

By Mitchell Parker

You can make an outdoor fish paradise of your own, for less than you might think. But you'll need this expert design wisdom

Full Story

154

New crape myrtles-losing them!!

Comments (5)

birdbite

pjtexgirl

Related Discussions

spishack01

pikeman

rcnaylor

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US