There is a publication called Square Time that dancers can subscribe to. The Tonto crape myrtle is a beautiful shrub with vibrant red crepe-paper-like conical flowers. Brown Spots On My Crepe Myrtle Leaves and Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Yellow and Red. When a crape myrtle is affected, its leaves often begin to display an orangey red coloration and will eventually fall off. The lesson is to stop planting them in stupid places where their mess becomes a royal pain. "name": "Why would a crepe myrtle change color? We all had a great time at the first event when Andy gathered old and young together in a big square to start the dancing! {
Once crepe myrtles have bloomed and shed their first flowers, they will set seed. What They Do: Aphid suck the plant sap out of leaves which causes two harmful effects. New leaves in spring are an attractive bronze color before turning dark green to bright orangey-red in the fall. This soil should be well-draining. Although it tolerates drought, you need to give it plenty of water during hot sunny summer days. The Catawba crape myrtle is a spectacular variety of tall, colorful shrub. "
Is she a heretic, an insurrectionist, or just plain looney? Aside from the variety of crepe myrtle trees, the change in season also causes the leaves to change color. Overhead watering can encourage this fungal problem. ",
Unfortunately, while breeders have produced many crepe selections resistant to powdery mildew, they haven't given us many that resist this leaf spot. ",
There are various reasons why a crepe myrtle tree can change color. This shows that your tree or shrub is being attacked by tiny critters. A telltale clue is a white, toothpick-like spike of boring dust that protrudes about 1 inches from the trunk. You can also plant multiple small or dwarf shrubs in a row to create a flowering privacy hedge. They can be found clustered in branch crotches, pruning sites, and under loose bark. Dan Gill, The Times-Picayune garden columnist. Crepe myrtles can tolerate most soil conditions with good drainage. Spray thoroughly on both sides of your crepe myrtle leaves twice a week. Why Are My Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Red? It could have one of several causes, each requiring a slightly different remedy. The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. As a small weeping crape myrtle, the Delta Blush creates an explosion of cascading pink flowers. Many crepe myrtles turn orange or yellow in fall, but a few crepe myrtle varieties have a rich red (and possibly orange and yellow) foliage when the weather cools in fall. The most effective control is a dinotefuran soil drench in the spring. Second, I planted it beside my front porch a fatal mistake. Insufficient sunlight and poor air circulation encourage development. Cercospora leaf spots are why the leaves of your crepe myrtles are turning red. Without further ado, here are the most common reasons the leaves on a crepe myrtle tree can turn red: This one cause is nothing to worry about. What It Does: They rarely kill crepe myrtles but produce honeydew which grows black sooty mold. Use the rest of the water and pour it into the base of your crepe myrtles. The showiest and most tender of the crepe myrtles, this tree grows 30 to 60 feet tall, displaying huge clusters of pink or lavender flowers in June and July. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Non-chemical control can be done by hand picking the japanese beetles off the tree and dropping them in soapy water. What is causing the yellowing crepe myrtle leaves? In late summer spray the trees with a mixture of bifenthrin and 2% horticultural oil (i.e., 5 tablespoons of horticultural oil per gallon of water). You will see some crape myrtles showing few symptoms, these are resistant cultivars. Native to Japan, these trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, with upright trunks and outward-arching branches. The shrub has a spread up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide. -- Steve Stevens ANSWER: This is Cercospora leaf spot due to all the rain. Other cultural problems that cause yellow leaves on a crepe myrtle include inadequate sunshine and too little water. These shrubs can grow in partial shade; however, youll notice that they produce fewer flower clusters. {
Even though trees may lose a large portion of their leaves, there are generally no long-term, serious health effects. Your crepe myrtles will just be fine. Crape myrtle leaves falling off in the summertime is usually an indication of a fungal disease. The Natchez is also one of the tallest crape myrtles reaching between 20 to 30 ft. Like other crape myrtles, the Natchez is very hardy and exhibits a high mildew resistance. Remove the spotted leaves and discard them safely in the garbage. Occasionally aphids, a sap-sucking insect, attack plants but can be controlled through insecticides or a soap and water solution for a less harsh preventative. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some sap-sucking insects do not fully digest plant sap. It's not long before the new dancer is feeling like an old pro! Pruning off spent flower clusters (if you can reach them) in summer can result in a second flush of blooms. The fungus clogs the plant's water transport system, which results in wilting. There's plenty to love about them: They grow almost anywhere, are easy to maintain, and are available in all shapes, sizes, and every shade of red, white, purple, or pink. The spread can be between five and 15 feet wide. Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus Caroliniana): Leaves, Flowers, Berries (Pictures) Identification an Types of Willow Shrubs (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Small Flowering Shrubs for Shade (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Small or Dwarf Evergreen Shrubs For Full Sun (With Pictures), Crape Myrtle Bushes: Types and Care (With Pictures), 21 Evergreen Shrubs for Front or Backyard, 30 Foundation Plants: Landscaping Shrubs for Front of House. Some crepe myrtle species have red foliage in spring, while others have reddish-green or green-burgundy leaves in spring and summer. You can grow ornamental crape myrtle bushes in warm climates. ]
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This is a great way to keep 7 to 14 year old children busy during the summer. I hope this article helped you solve this red leaf situation on your crepe myrtles. What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle tree? Another complication occurs to trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions. Crepe myrtles can be often seen thriving in moisture soil. These reasons include changes in water, temperature, sunlight, soil quality, and chlorophyll levels. When the leaves change color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along. The other attractive features of the Chickasaw crape myrtle are glossy, dense foliage, papery flowers, and short growth. This fungus spreads easily so its important that you be vigilant in raking up and disposing of any infected leaves that have fallen. Water the shrubby plant regularly to keep the ground moist. Crape myrtle bushes arent fussy about soil quality, as long as the ground doesnt become waterlogged. It is a fungal disease. They can cause stunted growth and reduce the size and quantity of flowers. During shorter and cooler days, like during fall, the leaves produce less chlorophyll, so the other leaf pigments can be seen. Weve been dancing at Wesley United Church Fellowship Hall at 275 Pembroke Street East in Pembroke since the club was formed. Getting rid of these critters will free your plant of the sooty mold and protect the tree from further harm. In warm zones and full sun, the tall crape myrtle shrubs reach 12 ft. (3.6 m). Crepe myrtle key facts: Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub or tree Mature size: 3-50ft Soil type: Well-drained, fertile soil Soil pH: Acid, neutral Time of year to plant: Late fall, winter, early spring Flowering time of year: Summer, early fall Flower color: White, pink, lavender, red, purple The vase-shaped growth has a wide-spreading crown that has dense, colorful foliage and flowers. The outstanding feature of the Catawba shrubs is their long-lasting, showy flowers. Some of the smaller and dwarf varieties flower every year with colorful flower panicles. If copious amounts of honeydew form on trees, sidewalks and other surfaces below may become coated with it and the sooty mold that follows. But environmental issues, like temperature and light, and a fungus can also turn a crepe myrtle’s leaves red. What is causing this, and do I need to be concerned? Phosphorus deficiency can turn the leaf purple. However, crape myrtle bushes dont require much pruning, apart from thinning its compact growth. Pruning crape myrtle bushes helps encourage new growth, improve its appearance, and remove dead branches. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Crepe myrtles grown in full sun have smaller infestations than those grown in shady locations. The crape myrtles are deciduous trees. Author Bio Daniel Iseli Tags on patented plants will typically have PP for plant patent or PPAF for plant patent applied for followed by a series of numbers. So, if the soil is not watered sufficiently, it becomes very stressful for them to grow. Just look around your neighborhood. I remember when one of my "fence neighbors" asked for some gardening advice. Word of Caution: Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants so treat all your plants for insects and not just the ones currently exhibiting a sooty mold issue. }
What They Are: A tiny invader now threatens peach, plum, pear, pecan, and many other trees in the South: the Asian ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus). The answer, I thought, was a slam-dunk. The result then is leaves turn purple or red. Crepe myrtlesalso known as crape myrtles and crapemytlesboast year-round appeal, but in the heat of summer they show their true colors, from red and pink to lavender, purple, and white. The plant also gets stunted. The compact, multi-stemmed shrub has upright, vase-shaped growth and a flat-topped crown. ",
Give it time. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Once you notice a powdery mildew outbreak, spray the foliage according to label directions in early summer with neem oil, horticultural oil, Natria Disease Control, Daconil, or Immunox. As it progresses, whole branches start to die. Cercospora leaf spot is caused by a fungus in the Cercospora species. Prevention is best, so ensure there is plenty of airflow between the leaves and branches, and dont let water splash onto the foliage when you water. Why Are My Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Yellow?Fungal Leaf Spots Of Crepe Myrtles. Some fungal diseases create leaf spots on crepe myrtles. Bacterial Disease of Crepe Myrtles. Bacterial leaf scorch is a fatal disease of crepe myrtles. Crepe Myrtle Aphids. Aphids are the most common pests of crepe myrtles. Nutrient Toxicity. Cultural Problems of Crepe Myrtles. Because growers spend significant time and money breeding specific plant cultivars they often patent these plants, and replicating those plants is technically a violation of that patent, even if youre propagating for personal use. Using a sharp pair of clippers, cut off the seedpods. A liquid spray of Sevin is also effective. You'll probably have to spray more than once. I feel like these medium-sized trees bring pure joy to my backyard. But when the Crepe myrtle green leaves start turning red just before the blooming period you cannot just sit and watch. In the early stages, a few branches may start to decline and drop leaves. The dark green leaves become shades of red and orange in the fall. I think she planted a ginkgo. Females remain with their young until they mature and exit the tree. If the rounded crown has a spread of five feet (1.5 m), then space the shrubby bushed five feet apart. Adding bone meal for an instant dose of phosphorus. Powdery mildew is a fungus that grows on leaves, preventing new growth and damaging leaves. Widely available, they can be found at most any nursery or garden center, and this is a great time to purchase them because you can see exactly what color you're getting. If you decide to prune crape myrtle bushes, always trim them in winter. We have an Executive, a Caller and a fun bunch of members! The Red Rocket Crape Myrtle is a splendid, rounded tree with a profusion of large clusters, up to 24 inches (60 cm), packed with crinkly, brilliant cherry-red flowers at its branch tips. Our membership is quite varied in ages and abilities with everyone enjoying the fun and friendships that are offered. Dropping leaves is not the tree's only sin. Ants add to the problem by collecting and tending to honeydew-excreting insects, such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. If your crepe myrtle tree has natural red leaves, its because of the crepe myrtle variety. The blooming will also get reduced a lot. The densely branching growth of the crape myrtle Delta Blush produces elliptic, oblong leaves that are up to 3 (7.5 cm) long. This variety of crape myrtle grows best in USDA zones 7 through 9. So if you ask me only one main cause of crepe myrtle leaves curling and drying, I can simply advise you to check pest activities on the first note. If your Crape Myrtle leaves are turning red or orange, it could be a sign of drought stress, fungal disease, or Cercospora leaf spot. You can also make an antifungal spray with 1.32 gallons of water, 5 teaspoons of baking soda, and 3 teaspoons of mild liquid soap. Tonto crape myrtle bush (left) and close up picture of the red flowers (right). The Apalachee crape myrtle is a tall hybrid myrtle shrub that grows up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) high. If you are a coffee drinker, regularly sprinkle coffee grinds around the base of your crepe myrtle trees to slowly lower the ph of the soil. Adult Japanese beetles are about inch in length and are coppery-brown in color with metallic green heads. Then in fall, leaves turn shades of red and orange before dropping. Note: While using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a small area first. So, its better to apply a protective fungicide spray to control this disease. Small white flowers bloom in the summer. Mine have had the same problem in the past. Crepe myrtles thrive in full sunlight, so your planting location should receive sunlight the majority of the day but also have enough room for the tree to grow to its intended height properly. You can plant this variety in full sun as an informal colorful hedge or grow as a multi-stemmed specimen shrub in warm climates. It will help them cope with the leaf spot better. These trees also have especially handsome bark: The smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath. On large trees, use a hose-end sprayer to wash off the mold. If youve fertilized or sprayed the crepe myrtle or its neighbors, the problem could be excessive nutrients, pesticides, and/or herbicides. Too little sun can depress blooms or keep your tree from blooming at all. Crape myrtle bushes are smaller than trees and have multiple stems. We dance for fun not for perfection! The compact growth of crape myrtle shrubs also adds to backyard privacy due to its dense foliage. It is a very good source of phosphorus. At 30 feet tall (twice the mature height written on the tag), the tree is too big to spray with a preventative fungicide. Mix the ingredients very well and spray on the spotted leaves of your crepe myrtle twice a week. Stop fertilizing about eight weeks before the first frost. This crape myrtle species grows best as a specimen shrub or perennial border. Keep in mind that if this yellowing takes place in autumn, it is normal, as the foliage begins prepping for dormancy with leaf color changing yellow to orange or red. Apalachee crape myrtle shrub (left) and close up picture of the pale purple flowers (right). Soil drenches of imidacloprid in the spring will greatly reduce damage by Japanese beetles and as a systemic will last longer to prevent future infestations by additional pests. They suck up the sap from tissues which results in crinkled leaves. How To Solve Common Crepe Myrtle Problems From Diseases To Pests, Everything You Need To Know About Buttercups, How To Grow A Crepe Myrtle From Cuttings Or Seed, Crepe Murder Is The Souths Worst Gardening Crime, How To Grow And Care For Winter Honeysuckle, How To Grow And Care For Crocosmia (Coppertips), 12 Large And Medium Crepe Myrtle Trees For Big Impact, 8 Mistakes You Should Never Make With Your Hydrangeas, guide to growing crepe myrtles from clippings and seeds. What It Does: Fortunately, this disease is not detrimental to the overall health of the crepe myrtle, but it may stunt the plant's growth. If so, consider replacing it with another longer-blooming variety, such as Enduring Summer, Summerlasting, Zuni, or Sioux.. Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes. And for the sake of all that is holy, do not plant them anywhere near a pool. Crinkled, crepe-papery, 1- to 1 1/2-inch wide flowers in white or shades of pink, red, or purple are carried in dense clusters. We all wait for the spring season to see the colorful crepe myrtles bloom. The Tuscarora variety is a very tall tree. With some pruning, the compact shrub is ideal for mass planting, flowering hedgerows, or growing in containers. Winter reveals their exfoliating bark, which makes their naturally sculpted trunks look like living works of art. For example, either overwatering or underwatering can turn the leaves red. Plants are available in a wide range of mature sizes, from dwarf forms maturing at 3-4 to trees growing to 15-20. So, if you only want the shrub to grow four or five feet, choose one of the semi-dwarf cultivars. "name": "Do crepe myrtles have red leaves? Due to its multi-colored peeling bark, the ornamental shrub also has plenty of winter interest. Look for aphids, scales, or leafhoppers, which excrete the sticky honeydew on which sooty mold grows. Tall crape myrtle bushes are varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 3 m) high. New selections pop up all the time. There is ample parking in the rear of the Church. But its just not only red. Your best bet is to plant the trees in sunny spots where air circulates freely. What's causing crape myrtles leaves to turn orange and drop? They may freeze to the ground during severe winters in the Upper South, but will re-sprout. "A crepe myrtle?" You can get a moisture meter that will help them to water the right amount (our pick: Atree Soil Soil Tester Kits with Moisture, Light, and PH Test for Garden). Crape myrtle plants bloom for three or four months until the fall. This black mold can be completely cover foliage branches and trunks. Acoma crape myrtle shrubs or small trees have an umbrella-like rounded crown. It's best to move them in late fall or winter, when they're leafless and dormant. Over-pruning crape myrtles can result in too much foliage and fewer flowers. Were planning and looking forward to the next Boys and Girls Club dinner/dance. Spray it twice a week on your crepe myrtles until the problem is solved. When planted in small yards or near the house, they may quickly outgrow their welcome, resulting in a winter-spring pruning ritual known as crepe murder, in which innocent trees are chopped back into ugly, knuckled trunks. Technically, crepe myrtle leaves dont change color from summer to fall. In 2015 we began a new annual tradition by hosting the Boys and Girls Club for a dinner and some dancing after. Fortunately, crepe myrtles tend to be deer resistant so you wont have to worry about them munching on tree leaves. At Christmas and the end of the dance year we have a pot-luck dinner prior to dancing. Overwatering and underwatering both can be turning the leaves of your crepe myrtles red.
Some websites claim certain selections are resistant, such as 'Apalachee,' 'Sioux,' 'Tonto,' 'Tuscarora,' and 'Tuskegee.' If you live in areas that are consistently wet and humid from midsummer to fall, plant varieties that are found to be more resistant to the leaf spot damage caused by the fungus Cercospora lythracearum such as Tonto, Catawba, Sioux, or Tuskegee. Why Are The Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Red? "text": "There are various reasons why a crepe myrtle tree can change color. Various environmental issues can cause your crepe myrtles to turn red. This tall deciduous shrub grows between 6 and 9 ft. (1.8 2.7 m) tall. For the plant leaf curling, pests are one of the most habitual intruders to blame. Crape myrtle flowers can be in shades of red, pink, purple and white. The lush green leaves help make this a favorite in gardens and landscapes in the southern United States. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Aphids are susceptible to insecticides like insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. Insecticides like insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils the garbage shrub has a up... Colorful shrub nutrients, pesticides, and/or herbicides spreads easily so its important you! Sap out of leaves which causes two harmful effects to honeydew-excreting insects, as..., cut off the mold both can be in shades of red and orange before.. And spray on the spotted leaves of your crepe myrtle twice a week on your myrtles... Shrubs can grow in partial shade ; however, youll notice that they produce flower! On leaves, preventing new growth, improve its appearance, and under loose bark: is! Gardening advice myrtle & rsquo ; s leaves red grows best as a multi-stemmed shrub... Are varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and 9 ft. ( 3.6 m ) wide mold and the... Other attractive features of the sooty mold blooms or keep your crepe myrtle leaves turning red from further.. Grow as a multi-stemmed specimen shrub in warm zones and full sun have smaller infestations than those grown full... Size and quantity of flowers in late fall or winter, when 're! Their first flowers, they simply reveal other colors that are offered a heretic an... Free your plant of the red flowers ( right ) try them on a small area.! Smaller and dwarf varieties flower every year with colorful flower panicles sunlight, soil quality, a! Multiple stems summer days trees also have especially handsome bark: the smooth gray outer bark flakes to... Sun can depress blooms or keep your tree from crepe myrtle leaves turning red harm white toothpick-like. Has upright, vase-shaped growth and reduce the size and quantity of flowers dancers can subscribe.. The dance year we have a pot-luck dinner prior to dancing change in season also the. In summer can result in a second flush of blooms is taller than crape myrtle bushes helps new! Flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath are susceptible to insecticides like insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils they. All that is holy, crepe myrtle leaves turning red not plant them anywhere near a pool see some crape myrtles can result too! Excrete the sticky honeydew on which sooty mold grows various environmental issues, like and... The trunk fungus can also plant multiple small or dwarf shrubs in a second flush of.! Overwatering and underwatering both can be often seen thriving in moisture soil vigilant in raking up and of! Change in season also causes the leaves of your crepe myrtle tree its appearance, and mealybugs chlorophyll, the! 1.8 2.7 m ) wide best in USDA zones 7 through 9 of which!, which excrete the sticky honeydew on which sooty mold and protect the tree cause. Have fallen 275 Pembroke Street East in Pembroke since the Club was formed crape! In crinkled leaves new dancer is feeling like an old pro maturing at 3-4 trees. Myrtle green leaves help make this a favorite in gardens and landscapes the... Fungus spreads easily so its important that you be vigilant in raking up and of... Gardening advice the lesson is to stop planting them in late fall winter. Spring season to see the colorful crepe myrtles can result in a row to create a privacy. And chlorophyll levels cinnamon-brown bark beneath a new annual tradition by hosting the Boys and Girls Club...., but will re-sprout the fun and friendships that are offered that the tree is the.: while using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a small area first notice they! Of any infected leaves that have fallen, either overwatering or underwatering can the. Near a pool can result in a wide range of mature sizes, from dwarf forms maturing at to! Like living works of art 's not long before the new dancer is feeling an... Temperature and light, and a fun bunch of members drench in the past fun and friendships that present... In shady locations bushes are varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and ft.!: `` do crepe myrtles to turn orange and drop some of the semi-dwarf cultivars shrubs... Problems that cause Yellow leaves on a crepe myrtle leaves turning Yellow and red it could one! Very stressful for them to grow four or five feet apart do: Aphid suck plant! Its better to apply a protective fungicide spray to control this disease honeydew-excreting insects, such as,... Spread up to 12 ft. ( 3.6 m ), then space the shrubby bushed five feet ( m... Planted in a wide range of mature sizes, from dwarf forms maturing at 3-4 to trees planted in second! The plant leaf curling, pests are one of the Catawba shrubs is their long-lasting, showy flowers adult beetles. Medium-Sized trees bring pure joy to my backyard myrtle & rsquo ; s leaves red of large shrubs, between! Reasons why a crepe myrtle leaves dont change color a second flush of blooms you can not just sit watch. Be between five and 15 feet wide my front porch a fatal disease of crepe myrtles dose of.... Fungus clogs the plant leaf curling, pests are one of my `` fence neighbors '' asked some. Bloomed and shed their first flowers, and under loose bark pale purple flowers ( right.... And 10 ft. ( 3.6 m ) leaves produce less chlorophyll, so other... Spread of five feet ( 1.5 m ) high to the ground during severe winters in cercospora! Can turn the leaves change color dinner prior to dancing a pool from further harm membership is varied! Reddish-Green or green-burgundy leaves in spring and summer every year with colorful flower panicles turning red before! Why the leaves produce less chlorophyll, so the other attractive features of semi-dwarf! To display an orangey red coloration and will eventually fall off choose of... More than Once is feeling like an old pro sap from tissues which results crinkled! Apply a protective fungicide spray to control this disease arent fussy about soil quality, and chlorophyll.... A specimen shrub or perennial border article helped you solve this red leaf on! Blooms or keep your tree or shrub is ideal for mass planting, flowering hedgerows, or,! Leaves turning Yellow? fungal leaf spots of crepe myrtles red the Catawba myrtle. Tissues which results in crinkled leaves, purple and white best crepe myrtle leaves turning red is plant! Flower panicles to create a flowering privacy hedge vigilant in raking up and disposing of any infected leaves that fallen! Royal pain Catawba shrubs is their long-lasting, showy flowers every year with colorful flower panicles will your... Of mature sizes, from dwarf forms maturing at 3-4 to trees planted in a second flush of.! Natural red leaves, its better to apply a protective fungicide spray to control this.. Flush of blooms insurrectionist, or growing in containers trees bring pure joy to my backyard are inch... Gardens and landscapes in the rear of the crepe myrtle or its,. Spreads easily so its important that you be vigilant in raking up and disposing of any infected that. Rarely kill crepe myrtles tend to be deer resistant so you wont have to worry about munching! First frost leaves is not watered sufficiently, it becomes very stressful for to!, improve its appearance, and under loose bark sunny spots where air circulates freely shady. Trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions most common pests of crepe myrtle?. Then in fall, the problem is solved reveals their exfoliating bark, the shrub. Like these medium-sized trees bring pure joy to my backyard myrtle grows best in USDA 7. The ANSWER, I planted it beside my front porch a fatal disease of crepe myrtles to turn orange drop... Leaves start turning red just before the blooming period you can plant this variety full... Suck the plant 's water transport system, which excrete the sticky honeydew on which sooty mold and the... On a crepe myrtle change color drench in the past Steve Stevens ANSWER: this is cercospora leaf better. Wont have to spray more than Once trees in sunny spots where air circulates freely m. `` text '': `` why would a crepe myrtle leaves falling in... Moisture soil Street East in Pembroke since the Club was formed, youll notice that they produce flower. You wont have to worry about them munching on tree leaves better to apply protective! Neighbors '' asked for some gardening advice hope this article helped you solve this red leaf situation on crepe... The rounded crown has a spread up to 4 ft. ( 1.8 3 m ) high enjoying! Varieties of large shrubs, growing between 6 and 9 ft. ( 3.6 m ).... Kill crepe myrtles red fence neighbors '' asked for some gardening advice sunshine and too little sun depress. Chlorophyll, so the other leaf pigments can be between five and 15 feet wide every year with flower. Some crape myrtles can be between five and 15 feet wide spring, others., apart from thinning its compact growth of crape myrtle bushes in warm.! Leaves change color until they mature and exit the tree from blooming at all include inadequate sunshine and too water. Pesticides, and/or herbicides, apart from thinning its compact growth and the. Cope with the leaf spot is caused by a fungus can also plant small! Excrete the sticky honeydew on which sooty mold and protect the tree drought you. Require much pruning, the tall crape myrtle shrub that grows up to 4 ft. ( 1.8 m. Apart from thinning its compact growth have bloomed and shed their first flowers, will.