Is anyone growing a 'Black Diamond" crape myrtle that is thriving?
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
7 years ago
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Crape myrtles and black walnut toxicity
Comments (2)A quickie scan does not reveal any allelopathic problems with Crapemyrtle. Just know that the chemical properties of Black Walnut can extend far beyond the drip line of the tree. Roots grow many feet beyond the drip line, and that is one of the methods that allelopathic chemicals are transferred. But, I think I'd risk it. Just make sure that your Crapemyrtle gets plenty of full sun and isn't shaded by the tree as the sun moves across the sky....See MoreGrowing Crape Myrtle outdoor in Southern NH
Comments (43)I went to college in New Orleans. It was a horribly long, depressing, and expensive experience. There were many times when I was at the end of my rope. Honestly, I don't think I would still be alive, if the sight and fragrance of Crape Myrtles hadn't occasionally reassured me. So yeah, I can see why you want one. I have my desk positioned so that I can look out at my own beautiful CM. It's at least forty years old, and twenty feet tall, with a beautiful, unmolested, mature shape: very much a tree from the Jungles of India. The blooms are a rich orchid/violet color, and are at their peak right now. And yes, the tree continually tells me that everything will be all right. To grow one in New Hampshire, you will need: .A hardy variety .A sun trap (preferably a SE exposure beside your house) .Seriously deep mulch in winter Or: a miniature variety in a pot...See MoreBlack Diamond Crape Myrtle
Comments (13)Thanks for the replies!! I didn't think that crape myrtles were grafted, but I'm going to email Ms Halleck and see if she can give me any info. I bought the one on the right and the one in the middle last spring at Home Depot. . .kept them in their pots (outside but watered) all year and was going to plant this spring (ha! can't be accused of rushing into something!). The one one the left came out late April/early May, the one in the middle I thought might be dead but there was green wood when I snapped a twig, so I kept hoping. . and watering. Finally gave up and went back to HD this spring and got another BD (albiet a little smaller). Now, the little "late to the game" guy is making leaves! They are not the dark burgandy/black, but not as green as my other myrtles. . .really a guess as to what will happen. Think I will plant the two dark ones where I initially planned last year and put the other lil guy in a place unto is own. Again, thanks all!!...See MoreOily black stuff on Crape Myrtle
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 Moreruthz
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