Crape myrtles are stunning decorative shrubs which might be extraordinarily in style within the South. Crape myrtles are sometimes utilized in city landscaping because of their attractive flowers, engaging leaves, refined perfume, and peeling bark. On this article, we’ll study crape myrtle root programs and whether or not they’re invasive or aggressive.
The Progress Cycle of Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small bushes from the Lagerstroemia genus of the Lythraceae household. These crops are native to Asia, Australia, and the Indian Subcontinent.
Crape myrtles are fast-growing crops that often stay for a number of many years. These bushes develop 10 to 30 ft excessive and about 6 to twenty ft extensive. Nonetheless, crape myrtles can take a number of years to ascertain their roots. They will additionally take roughly 5 to 10 years to achieve their mature measurement.
Crape myrtles flower all through summer time and fall, typically blooming for 3 to 4 months. Most species are deciduous, which implies they drop their leaves throughout the fall. Crape myrtles go dormant over the winter earlier than producing new development within the spring.
What Form of Root System Do Crape Myrtles Have?
Like many bushes, crape myrtles have a shallow root system that grows just under the floor of the soil. Crape myrtles produce dense mats of fibrous roots which might be roughly 12 inches deep. These root programs can unfold as much as 3 times as extensive because the crape myrtle’s cover.
Are Crape Myrtle Roots Invasive?
Regardless of spreading for big distances, crape myrtle roots aren’t thought of to be invasive. Though the basis system is dense, the person roots are comparatively weak. Crape myrtle roots received’t harm or undermine constructing foundations or pathways.
Nonetheless, grasses and different crops will battle to develop beneath crape myrtles. All crops use roots to soak up water. Because of the dense mats of crape myrtle roots, different crops received’t be capable to set up robust roots. This makes it more durable for them to out-compete the crape myrtle for water.
The place to Plant Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles are naturalized in USDA Zones 6 to 9, particularly throughout the South. Should you stay in a colder zone, develop crape myrtles in pots. This lets you defend them throughout winter by shifting them indoors or wrapping them in fleece.
Plant crape myrtles in sheltered areas that obtain full solar. Crape myrtles want a minimum of six hours of direct daylight each day. Attempt to present morning daylight wherever attainable, as that is much less intense than direct afternoon daylight.
Crape myrtles thrive in nutrient-poor, well-draining soils that also maintain some moisture. They’re moderately drought-tolerant however hate being waterlogged. Crape myrtles additionally want impartial to barely acidic soils.
You possibly can safely plant crape myrtles close to pathways and sidewalks. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to plant them roughly 5 to 10 ft away from your private home or pool. This isn’t as a result of roots, however fairly as a result of these crops drop their flowers and leaves. It may be annoying to always take away fallen flowers and leaves from your private home or pool.
Permitting your crape myrtle to ascertain a sound root system early leads to a more healthy tree. Crape myrtles can take a number of years to totally set up their roots. You possibly can assist this course of by offering loads of water and vitamins.
Water newly planted crape myrtles a few times weekly for the primary two years. The intention is to maintain the soil barely moist. Fertilize younger crape myrtles as soon as a month throughout their first rising season with liquid fertilizer. It’s additionally price pruning crape myrtles flippantly every season.
Crape Myrtle Root System FAQs:
Do Crepe Myrtles Have Giant Root Methods?
Crepe myrtles produce massive, shallow root programs that may unfold as much as 3 times as extensive because the tree’s cover. These roots kind dense mats roughly 12 inches deep.
Do Crepe Myrtles Have Damaging Roots?
Regardless of their intensive root programs, crepe myrtle roots aren’t harmful. You possibly can safely plant crepe myrtles near sidewalks or backyard paths. Crepe myrtle roots received’t undermine the foundations of your private home.
How Near the Home Can You Plant a Crepe Myrtle Tree?
Crepe myrtle roots received’t harm your private home’s foundations. Nonetheless, planting them 5 to 10 ft away from your private home is advisable as they drop a lot of leaves and flowers all year long.
Wrapping Up
Crape myrtles have intensive, shallow root programs consisting of dense mats of fibrous roots. The basis system can lengthen as much as 3 times as extensive because the tree’s cover. Nonetheless, crape myrtle roots aren’t harmful or invasive.
For extra, see our in-depth guides to 13 stunning forms of crape myrtle to develop in your backyard and what colours crape myrtle flowers are available in.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener dwelling in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s captivated with nature and sustainability with a give attention to gardening and wildlife.
