While summer can be tough on a lot of our garden plants, there’s one that loves the summer and that’s the crapemyrtle. There’s no doubt that because of this, crapemyrtles are one of the more popular plants found in Oklahoma landscapes. They are hardy, and once they start blooming, we have beautiful flowers through the rest of the growing season. In addition, while summer is the least preferred time to plant most trees and shrubs, summer is the perfect time to plant a crapemyrtle. Here’s what you need to know.

Crapemyrtles can be grouped into four types based on their size. First, there’s the standard tree form of crapemyrtle that typically grows to between 15 and 35 feet tall. There’s the shrub form that grows somewhere between 6 and 15 feet tall and then there’s a dwarf form that typically doesn’t grow to be taller than 6 feet tall.

Recently, a new variety has been added that is a trailing form of crapemyrtle that grows along the ground. These make great choices for hanging baskets or for planting next to a wall and allowed to trail down. In any event, you have some choices. To avoid having to trim back your crapemyrtles back in what we call crape murder style (just cutting off the tops of the plant) it’s a good idea to purchase a plant whose mature size fits your location.

Crapemyrtles will do best in locations that get plenty of sun and are pretty forgiving of soil condition. As I said, they love the heat, but as an extra bonus, they can tolerate occasional periods of drought. All of this makes them a perfect plant for Oklahoma.

When you’ve picked out your perfect crapemyrtle, it’s time to plant. When planting, dig the hole about 2-3 times wider that the container the plant came in. I know, none of us like digging holes all that much, but the extra time spent digging a right-sized hole will pay off.

While you dig the hole wider than the container, you only want to dig the hole deep enough for the root ball to rise about 2 inches above the soil. And leave the soil in the bottom of the hole undisturbed. This will give the crapemyrtle a firm base to rest upon and help to prevent settling.

The size and location of the plant will determine whether you need to stake the plant or not. If it’s several feet tall and in an open area exposed to wind, staking is probably a good idea. To stake, use 2 to 3 stakes placed in the ground in a triangular shape around the plant securing it to the stakes loose enough to allow it some wiggle room but snug enough to provide support. Attach the supports loosely enough at the tree so that these connections do not hinder the growth of the tree.

Now that you have it planted, your job will be to keep it hydrated. As a general rule, your new crapemyrtle will need about 1 inch of water per week. But, when it’s really hot, it will probably need more.

And lastly, plan on surrounding your newly planted tree with mulch to help create a weed barrier and minimize the competition from turf and weeds with your newly planted tree. Just keep the mulch away from the base of the tree.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your crapemyrtle for years to come. Good luck!

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo: Tom Ingram