Muskogee crape myrtle is a popular plant that is known for its beautiful flowers. This plant is originally from Asia, and it was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s. Muskogee crape myrtle is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be 15 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are dark green and the flowers are a deep purple. Muskogee crape myrtle is a popular plant to use in landscaping because it is easy to care for and it is drought tolerant.
About soil condition, muskogee crape myrtle can grow in many types of soil including clay, sand, loam, and even poor soil as long as it is well-drained. This tough tree is also tolerant of salt and alkaline conditions.
Like the other myrtles, the Muskogee Crape Myrtle requires full sun to partial sun to maintain its growth. It is a heat-loving plant that can withstand long periods of direct sunlight. However, it will need some protection from the hottest afternoon sun in order to prevent leaf scorch.
The temperature condition that is ideal for the muskogee crape myrtle is a cool to warm climate. This tree is native to parts of Asia and can tolerate cold winters. It can also survive in hot and humid summers.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the conditions are too dry, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become dormant. If the conditions are too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant does best with either a organic or inorganic fertilizer. With organic, you can compost or use manure. As for inorganic, a 15-30-15 or 16-4-8 fertilizer work great. Also, don't forget to top dress with mulch. This helps with holding moisture in and keeping roots cooler in the hot summer months.
Pruning a Muskogee crape myrtle is important to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, first remove any dead or diseased branches. Then, cut back the remaining branches by one-third their length.
Propagation is best done in late winter or early spring, as this is when the plant is most dormant. Take 6-8 inch cuttings from new, healthy growth and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. However, they may have a growth spurt of 3 to 5 feet in a year if conditions are ideal. The plant does best in full sun and well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels. Muskogee crape myrtle can be pruned to maintain a desired size and shape.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and aphids. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is a brown or black discoloration of the roots caused by poor drainage. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant.
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47. Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee' - Crape Myrtle
crape myrtle Muskogee (Lagerstroemia Muskogee)
Muskogee Crapemyrtle - Tree selection - Landscape plants