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When does a crepe myrtle bloom?

Wondering when crepe myrtle trees tend to bloom? Crepe myrtles are stunning year-round. But their beautiful flowers can transform from eye-catching to breathtaking in springtime.

Crepe myrtles typically start blooming sometime between mid-May and late June, depending upon the local climate and seasonal weather. These small flowering trees bloom on freshly-grown stems and tend to flower earliest in the warmest regions, with certain hybrid varieties having been developed to bloom quite early. Crepe myrtles can then continue to bloom throughout the summer for 3-4 months or until the first fall frost.

Read more to learn more about myrtle trees and how to care for them.

Crepe myrtle trees blooming in texas

Crepe myrtles can bloom anytime from spring to early fall

Crepe myrtles are one of the most popular flowering trees in the US. Found in gardens all over the country. They have delicate flowers that range from white to red, yellow, and purple. While they are commonly grown as small trees (10-20 feet tall), they can also be formed into large shrubs or hedges (5-10 feet tall, depending upon the variety).

Crepe myrtles are warm-season plants and can bloom anytime from mid-spring through fall. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Here is a timing estimate of crepe myrtle blooming by USDA hardiness zone:

  • Zone 6: Crepe myrtles tend to bloom from late June – early July through until the first fall frost
  • Zone 7: Crepe myrtles tend to bloom from mid-June – late June through until the first fall frost
  • Zone 8: Crepe myrtles tend to bloom from late May – mid-June through the fall
  • Zone 9: Crepe myrtles tend to bloom from mid-May – early June through the fall

Bloom times vary with many different factors, including the weather that year, the variety/cultivar of crepe myrtle, and the local microclimate. It is not uncommon for trees in the same valley to start blooming several weeks apart.

Crape myrtles have colorful flowers that attract butterflies and bees. The plant also has beautiful foliage, great for making an attractive border or background to other plants.

“The crape myrtle is valued mainly for its long period of striking summer flowers. These showy flowers may be shades of white, pink, red or lavender. Bloom time varies, depending on the cultivar. Large clusters appear on the tips of new branches beginning in early summer and continue into fall.”

Crape Myrtle, Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center
Crepe myrtle tree in bloom

Crape Myrtles bloom at different times in different areas

Many southern gardens have crape myrtle trees. That said, these plants are usually cold-hardy in Zones like 6-9, so there are some more temperate regions where they can also thrive.

Crepe myrtles bloom earliest in the warmest regions (typically Zone 9, and some cultivars can even be grown in Zone 10). Crepe myrtles may not bloom until July in cooler regions like Zone 6. Certain newer hybrids have root systems that may even sometimes survive Zone 5 winters, but the slow regrowth of the aboveground portions may delay blooming into August (if at all).

When does a crepe myrtle bloom

Crepe myrtles are warm-season bloomers

Crepe myrtles are large deciduous shrubs or small landscaping trees that grow well in warmer climates. They prefer well-drained soil and can withstand direct sunlight or full sun. Plant in the fall if you want to see them blossom in early spring.

Crape myrtles can take up to two years before flowering, but once they do, the blooms will last up to six months (if you happen to live in warmer Zones 8-9). There are many different cultivars of crape myrtles, so you’ll have plenty of options for color and variety.

Crepe myrtle tree in front yard

How old does a crepe myrtle have to be to bloom?

Crepe myrtles can start blooming anywhere from age two to about six years old. It all depends on the size, how you care for it, and how much light it gets.

Plant your crape myrtle tree in a spot where it will get a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Trees grown in shady spots may not bloom very well.

Crepe myrtle tree in bloom

My Crepe Myrtle never blooms – what should you do?

The blooming season for crape myrtles can be very long, but it depends on the variety. Some varieties will begin to flower as early as February and may continue until November or December. Different types also have different colors, and some are showier than others.

Sunlight

Lack of sunlight is a common cause of poorly-flowering crepe myrtles. The plant’s leaves should be receiving a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Lower amounts of light will suppress blooming as the plant cannot photosynthesize enough energy to support the process.

Fertilizer

Crepe myrtle trees are commonly fertilized in early spring when planted in nutrient-deficient soil. You can use any well-balanced organic fertilizer. Most are applied around the tree’s drip line.

Be careful with how you fertilize your plant. Mississippi State University says excessive fertilization can lead to limited or no flowering, excessive vegetative growth, and potential winter damage. Only add fertilizer if the soil is deficient in nutrients (get a soil test).

Pruning

You may want to prune your crape myrtle shrub if you want it to flower all year round. When it comes to pruning crape myrtles, timing is crucial. Before new growth begins, prune your Crape Myrtle trees back in the winter or sometime in the early spring. You might lose future flowers pruning too late and remove all the new wood. Because of this, you should prune your Crape Myrtle a few weeks after the last frost.

Planting and care tips for crape myrtles

For a boost, fertilize your plant twice – in March and September. Use either water-soluble organic fertilizer (one teaspoon per gallon) or a controlled-release organic fertilizer (one-third of an ounce per square foot).

Clemson University explains that clay and various soil types, ranging in pH from 5.0 to 6.5, are best for Crape Myrtles. Even though it can withstand drought, it needs frequent watering to begin (approximately two years). This is particularly true when planted in hot climates where soil dries out quickly.

What types of crape myrtles should you buy?

Crape myrtles are one of the most popular flowering trees. There are so many different types and colors it’s hard to pick one. Majestic Beauty is a shrubby type that can grow up to 18 feet tall. It’s often pruned as an ornamental hedge or focal point because its flowers are showy white tubes that can be over 6 inches long! The leaves are bright green and waxy, which adds a nice touch during winter.

FAQs

Do crepe myrtles bloom the first year?

Crepe myrtles typically do not bloom in their first year. These plants usually start blooming between 2-5 years old. That said, the crepe myrtles sold in nurseries are generally already 1-2 years old, and, therefore may bloom during their first summer in your garden.

When do crepe myrtles bloom in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, crepe myrtles typically start to bloom in late June or early July. The plants continue to flower through August until the first fall frost. Most of Oklahoma is in USDA Zones 6-7, so this state is on the colder range of the crepe myrtle growing range (Zones are 6-9), delaying spring flowering.

When do crepe myrtles bloom in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, crepe myrtles can start blooming sometime between mid-May and early June. Much of Louisiana is in USDA Zones 8-9, putting this state at the warmer end of the crepe myrtle growing range. This means these plants flower earlier than in colder regions.

When do crepe myrtles bloom in Texas?

In southern Texas, crepe myrtles tend to start blooming in mid-May to early June. In northern Texas, crepe myrtles may not start blooming until late June or even early July.

References

Mary Jane Duford
Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit.

Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe.

When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

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