Maintenance Landscaping Design

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.

Also known as

• Basket-of-gold
  
• Blackfoot daisy
  
• Bluebell
  
• Cat's paws
  
• Dandelion

Basic info

• The muskogee crape myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to eastern Asia.
  
• It is named for the city of Muskogee, Oklahoma, where it was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
  
• The muskogee crape myrtle typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet and has a spread of 10-20 feet.
  
• The leaves of the muskogee crape myrtle are elliptical in shape and measure 2-6 inches in length. They are dark green in color and turn yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
  
• The flowers of the muskogee crape myrtle are white or pink in color and are borne in clusters of 3-9 blossoms. They typically bloom in late summer or early fall.
  
• The fruit of the muskogee crape myrtle is a small, flat, oval-shaped drupe that is dark purple in color. It ripens in late summer or early fall and is often used in making jams and jellies.
  
• The muskogee crape myrtle is an attractive plant that is often used as an ornamental in landscaping.
  
• It is fairly easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil and light conditions.
  
• The muskogee crape myrtle is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids, and scale.
  
• The muskogee crape myrtle was named the state tree of Oklahoma in 193

How to Grow

1. For muskogee crape myrtle, first step is to identify a site with well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
   
2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go.
   
4. Water the plant deeply and mulch around the base to help with moisture retention.
   
5. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
6. Prune annually in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth.
   
7. Finally, keep an eye out for common pests and diseases such as Aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.

The Soil

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.

About light

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.

Good Temperature

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.

Humidity Aspect

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.

The Fertilizer

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.

About light

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.

About Propagating

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.

Plant 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

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.

Tips on Growing

• If you want your muskogee crape myrtle to thrive, plant it in full sun. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  
• The muskogee crape myrtle prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, Amend it with organic matter such as compost before planting.
  
• Space your muskogee crape myrtle plants at least 10 feet apart. They can grow to be large trees, so give them room to spread out.
  
• Water your muskogee crape myrtle regularly, especially during the summer months. It’s best to water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
  
• Fertilize your muskogee crape myrtle every spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
  
• Prune your muskogee crape myrtle

Related Plants

• Mushakabera
  
• Musa sikkimensis
  
• Musa velutina
  
• Musang king
  
• Musanga cecropioides
  
• Musar
  
• Musarañas
  
• Muscardina
  
• Muscardine
  
• Muscat blanc

Source:
47. Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee' - Crape Myrtle
crape myrtle ‘Muskogee’ (Lagerstroemia ‘Muskogee’)
Muskogee Crapemyrtle - Tree selection - Landscape plants