Crape myrtle trees are a popular ornamental tree that is commonly grown for its attractive flowers, colorful foliage, and interesting bark. This practiceoften called crepe murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth of spindly, whiplike branches too weak to hold up the flowers. And why not? Therefore, if you want to prevent your crape myrtle leaves from turning red too early, choose a variety that is known for its late-season color change. Round, white spots on upper leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves. So, let's dive in and explore this phenomenon! But, the primary reason Crepe Myrtles leaves turn brown is the Crepe Myrtle disease, which can be treated when caught early. The reason is that improper watering methods disrupt the movement of phosphorus. While most crape myrtle varieties have leaves that range in color from green to bronze, there are some that naturally produce red leaves. Here are some of the varieties that feature red leaves during fall: If it isnt a change in season or the type of crepe myrtle you have, its likely that your tree has a fungal infection. Prune the tree regularly to promote new growth and remove older leaves that may be less pigmented. "acceptedAnswer": {
As the days get shorter and cooler in autumn, crape myrtle trees begin to shut down their chlorophyll production. So what is causing this problem? 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). "
Leave enough horizontal space for the crepe myrtle's roots to expand, but be aware of the varieties' maximum height because porch ceilings or other overhanging elements could prevent its proper growth. Note: While using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a small area first. Californians are more likely to use the crape myrtle spelling, while those of us in the South prefer crepe myrtle.. Nearly every street in the South is lined with these blooming trees from mid-June to mid-August. Several cultivated varieties maintain dark red foliage through summer. Avoid Stressing the Plant. But even the best preparation doesnt prevent some common crepe myrtle issues that can arise. Almost all of the newer ones are resistant, including those named after tribes of Native Americans, such as 'Acoma,' 'Arapaho,' 'Catawba,' 'Comanche,' 'Natchez,' 'Sioux,' 'Tonto,' and 'Zuni.' Crepe myrtles are low-maintenance trees that thrive with very little fuss if given the basics: sun, water and a light trim now and again. 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. Treat your crepe myrtles with the best copper-based fungicide (Our Pick: Bonide Copper Fungicide). While crape myrtle leaves are not ideal for composting due to their high lignin and cellulose content, they can still be used in compost with a few adjustments. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may . Fortunately, crepe myrtles tend to be deer resistant so you wont have to worry about them munching on tree 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. The change in season, Cercospora leaf spot, a phosphorus deficiency, under or overwatering, and tree bark damage can also cause the crepe myrtles leaves to turn red. This can happen if the plant is exposed to herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals. What Causes It: Also called black molds, sooty molds are caused by several species of fungi. Crepe myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it will know when to break dormancy. One is that as the aphid feed, they excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew that can completely coat the leaves. Do crepe myrtle leaves change color when the seasons change? Since then, the Asian ambrosia beetle has spread into North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Uncovering the Delicious Truth: Are Myrtle Berries Edible? }
During the fall season, the leaves switch to rich shades of red, orange or yellow. Your best bet is to prevent outbreaks by planting crepe myrtles in open, sunny spots where air circulates freely. Here are some possible causes: Drought stress: Crape myrtle trees are drought-tolerant, but they still need regular watering especially during dry periods. I hope this article helped you solve this red leaf situation on your crepe myrtles. Weekly Wilson Bros Gardens $25 Gift Card Giveaway! Just look around your neighborhood. See How to Prune Your Crepe Myrtle for a step-by-step guide on shaping your myrtle like a pro. This exposes the handsome bark and also improves air circulation, making leaf diseases such as mildew and leaf spot less likely. Steve Bender. Even in the southeastern United States, where autumn and winter are relatively mild, many plants still display wondrous shades of red and gold as their food-making processes slow down. Check with your local extension agent about getting your soil sample tested to determine the ph of your soil. "acceptedAnswer": {
They milk the insects for the honeydew, which they take back to other ants for food. 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. The undigested portion is excreted as a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew. This variety is variable in size (some forms are dwarf shrubs, others large shrubs or small trees) and habit (spreading or upright). So, if you planted one of these cultivars, you may not need to worry about red foliage. The leaves turn from dark red to orange in the fall, and the bark is multicolored.. Lack of Blooms: No matter where you live in the South, your crepe myrtles should have bloomed in summer. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Some of the reasons a Crepe myrtle's leaves turn brown include change of season, aphid infestations, underwatering, overfertilizing, and fungal infections. If during summer some or all of the leaves on your crape myrtle bush or tree are developing small spots and turning red and prematurely dropping from the plant this is most likely Cercospora leaf spot. This black mold can be completely cover foliage branches and trunks. Unlike spring's cherry trees, with delicate flowers that may last only a week or two, crepe myrtles can bloom all summer. Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Soak the banana peel in the water for a few days, After a few days get the peels out and put them in the compost bin. Crepe myrtle trees (Lagerstroemia indica), also spelled crape myrtle, offer so much beauty that it's no wonder they are favorite shrubs in southern gardens.The petals - white, pink, red, or purple - are paper thin and delicate, the blooms enormous and beautiful. It is native to Asia and is a popular choice among gardeners due to its low-maintenance nature and its ability to tolerate dry conditions. Alternatively, crape myrtle leaves can be used for decorative purposes in the garden or as a natural mulch. Crepe Myrtle Leaves Curling 4 Most Concerning Causes, 4 Reasons Why Mandevilla Leaves Are Turning Brown, Dogwood Tree Leaves Turning Red 3 Dangerous Reasons, Leaves Curling Inward 7 Possible Causes & How to Fix It, Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Brown in Spring If you are seeing brown leaves on your crepe myrtle plant in the spring, it could be due to your area experiencing a cold snap. ]
Soil pH: Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil (5.0-7.0). They have dark green leaves, with a red fringe upon opening. This will also improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases that can affect leaf color. Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with nearly 40 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living. For any further questions drop a comment and well get back to you. The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is a variety that produces clusters of dark pink flowers. Choose a cultivar that is known to produce red leaves, such as Red Rocket or Catawba crape myrtle. One such variety is the Red Rocket crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia x 'Red Rocket'), which produces bright red new growth that eventually ages to a deep green. Sooty mold can be treated with an insecticide that specifically targets leaf-eating insects like aphids, whiteflies, and scales. Its best to water your crepe myrtle in the early morning hours. Some websites claim certain selections are resistant, such as 'Apalachee,' 'Sioux,' 'Tonto,' 'Tuscarora,' and 'Tuskegee.' You can get a moisture meter that will help them to water the right amount (, The crape myrtles are deciduous trees. 5 Reasons Why Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turn Red, Frequently Asked Questions about Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Red. They suggest that your trees have a significant aphid problem. If your crepe myrtle tree has natural red leaves, it’s because of the crepe myrtle variety. }
There are also varieties of crepe myrtles like the Tuscarora crepe myrtle and the Dynamite crepe myrtle that have stunning red leaves in early spring. Wait until winter or early spring to prune your trees. Crepe myrtle leaves will start to fall and your tree will start to look pretty shabby. Use an acid mulch such as pine bark or oak leaves for support. Follow the product label for instructions. "@type": "Answer",
Adult Japanese beetles are about inch in length and are coppery-brown in color with metallic green heads. Some varieties of crape myrtle are more susceptible to turning red early than others. New selections pop up all the time. Overhead watering can encourage this fungal problem. genus is a truly spectacular member of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae), boasting a flowering season that may last up to 120 days. What Causes It: Bark scale is a relatively new pest in the Southeastern US. Carotenoids, on the other hand, are fat-soluble pigments that are responsible for yellow, orange, and red hues in plants. While some crape myrtle varieties have more resistance to the spot than others all can be affected during an unusually rainy and wet summer. Crepe myrtles are no exception. 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. Heres how: Improper watering interrupts the movement of phosphorus. 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). Spray thoroughly on your crepe myrtle leaves. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Non-chemical control can be done by hand picking the japanese beetles off the tree and dropping them in soapy water. Japanese Crepe Myrtle (L. fauriei) Native to Japan, these trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, with upright trunks and outward-arching branches. As a result, crepe myrtle leaves turn dark and develop black patches. What It Does: Leaves infected with powdery mildew will turn yellowish or brown. Scientifically, the red color of the leaves of crape myrtle trees is due to anthocyanin pigments. However, as autumn approaches, many crape myrtle trees begin to show another beautiful display of color as their leaves turn red. Crepe myrtle can be grown from both clippings of a mature tree as well as by seed assuming you arent starting with a patented plant. In the fall the leaves turn red, yellow, or orange. When Cercospora leaf spots severely infect the crepe myrtles you will see all the leaves are turning red and falling off and your beautiful buds arent blooming at all. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how you can prevent crape myrtle leaves from turning red too early in the season. Since I always try to ensure I follow the best care practices when planting, watering, and fertilizing my crepe myrtles, I was very shocked to find that the leaves had turned red after I was on vacation for a few weeks. And it is adapted to a wide range of soil types. One of the most common causes for crepe myrtle leaves turning yellow is overwatering. Powdery mildew is a fungus that grows on leaves, preventing new growth and damaging leaves. When using overhead irrigation it is best to water in early to mid morning so the sun can dry the water from foliage. ",
Nectarine Tree Basics. They lay eggs inside and introduce a fungus (ambrosia) with which they feed their young. Retreat your crepe myrtles with the fungicide every two weeks. To get your crepe myrtle an instant dose of phosphorus you can try Bone meal. The result then is leaves turn purple or red. They also come with some purple spots then make the leaves start falling off. Rather than splash a little water around plants every day it's best to deep soak less frequently, allowing soil to dry somewhat between watering. It's best to have an unobstructed space, such as a driveway or fence line, to plant these trees because it receives sunlight while not competing for space. Although it wont help with your existing crepe myrtle, should you be thinking about planting another one in the future, choose a mildew-resistant variety to reduce your odds of having a powdery mildew issue. Too little sun can depress blooms or keep your tree from blooming at all. Is red foliage a sign of disease or distress in crape myrtle trees? The nearly universal planting of crepe myrtles in the South has made it easy for this fungus to spread. This is the premier summer-flowering tree of the South. "text": "Crepe myrtles can have red leaves during the fall, but the leaves can also be orange or yellow. 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. Crepe myrtle tree leaves are dark green with an oval shape. You'll probably have to spray more than once. Identify any plant using our iOS app 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. For vibrant summer color, few flowering plants can compete with the crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). While using these homemade recipes be sure to try them on a small area first. Japanese crepe myrtles are also resistant to mildew and best known as a parent of hardy, mildew-resistant hybrids with L. indica. During shorter and cooler days, like during fall, the leaves produce less chlorophyll, so the other leaf pigments can be seen. Reduce spreading by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer, and pick off and destroy infected leaves and flowers. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. The Enchanting Beauty of Lunar Magic Crape Myrtle: How to Grow and Care for this Exotic Plant, The Best Strategies for Controlling Pests on Myrtle Plants, Discover the Rich History and Beauty of Centennial Spirit Crape Myrtle: A True American Icon, Crape Myrtle: A Spectacular Addition to Pennsylvania Gardens. Since it is a hybrid, it should be disease-resistant. Crape Myrtle: Choosing between Bush or Tree for Your Landscape Design, The Beautiful and Hardy Scarlet Crape Myrtle: A Must-Have Addition to Your Garden, The Beautiful Blooms of Choctaw Crape Myrtle: A Guide to Growing and Enjoying. It is a very good source of phosphorus. When Is The Best Time To Plant Shrubs & Trees To Avoid Cold Damage? Leaves: Crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative. It's best to move them in late fall or winter, when they're leafless and dormant. Also, avoid using fertilizers containing herbicides as this can also damage your plant. The change in color is due to the process of photosynthesis, which slows down in the fall. Choose a slow-release, all-purpose shrub fertilizer, and apply this to your crepe myrtle. It will help them cope with the leaf spot better. Small white flowers bloom in the summer. Home testing kits and soil testing tools are also available but may not offer the followup steps needed to amend soil that the extension services provide. Apply a fungicide according to package directions. The reasons for crepe myrtle leaves turn red are: No votes so far! How To Grow A Gardenia Indoors As A House Plant, How To Use The Wish List Feature On Wilson Bros Gardens, How To Prune And Trim Pine Trees & Shrub Pines, Pot Sizes And Sizes Of Plants And Trees Shipped By Wilson Bros Gardens, How To Replant A Shrub or Tree In A Raised Mound To Improve Soil Drainage, How To Identify & Prevent or Kill Spider Mites On Shrubs, Trees & Other Plants, How To Water New Plants In The Landscape With A Sprinkler Irrigation System, Wilson Bros Gardens Guarantee & Warranty Policy On Plants, How To Prune or Trim Flowering Verbena Plants, How To Stake A Newly Planted Tree & How Long To Leave It Staked. Long, cool autumns yield the best leaf display; sudden frosts following warm, humid fall weather often freeze leaves while they're still green, ruining the show. I couldnt wait to find answers so I could remedy the situation ASAP. Solution: Have your soil tested to determine what nutrients it may be lacking. Some sap-sucking insects do not fully digest plant sap. 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. When the leaves “change” color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along. . Removing the seeds takes off the weight and the branches rise up. 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. What Causes Flower Buds To Fall Off Or Drop From A New Plant Or Tree? This ruins the natural form and encourages the growth of branches that are too weak to hold up the flowers. As a gardener, take proper care of your crape myrtle trees to help them show off their beautiful autumn colors. Let's take a closer look. Control these insects by blasting them off with water or by spraying them with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil, or Natria Multi-Insect Control. Instead, it's all in the chemistry. But the spring brings lots of new green leaves and blooms. 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). So, if you're interested in growing a crape myrtle with red leaves, there are a few things you can do to encourage the production of anthocyanins and carotenoids: In conclusion, there are indeed different varieties of crape myrtle that naturally produce red leaves, and the color is likely due to the accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Refer to the product label for mixing and application instructions. That said, on plants that suffer noticeable damage every year, treatment with a copper-based fungicide can be helpful. Current Sales & Special Offers On Wilson Bros Gardens, How To Care For Outdoor Potted Shrubs Brought Indoors During The Winter, The Most Cold Hardy Eucalyptus Tree Varieties For Growing Outdoors, The Most Cold Hardy Camellia Plants For Growing Outdoors In USDA Zones 6 & 7, The Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Plants For Growing Outdoors, The Most Cold Hardy Azaleas For USDA Zones 5, The Most Cold Hardy Azaleas For Growing in USDA Zone 6. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. tall. Also, when watering provide only enough water to keep the soil around the roots moist but not constantly soggy or wet, which can lead to other harmful plant diseases such as root rot. {
But your tree's problem could also be a late freeze that killed the young buds or stress from inadequate irrigation or pollution. Gardeners there should plant cold-hardy selections such as 'Acoma,' 'Centennial Spirit,' and 'Hopi.'. 3) Plant the hybrids with the large leaves to avoid powdery mildew in the spring and fall. I feel like these medium-sized trees bring pure joy to my backyard. But when the, all-purpose and slow-release shrub fertilizer to your crepe myrtles, Nelson Plant FoodCrape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees, Atree Soil Soil Tester Kits with Moisture, Light, and PH Test for Garden, Why are my Crepe Myrtle Leaves Curling [5 Reasons], 3 Reasons for White Spots on Rosemary [Actionable Solutions], 5 Reasons Why The Orange Leaves Are Curling [How To Treat], Why Are The Leaves on Schefflera Turning Brown [Solution], 7 Best Fertilizer for Bougainvillea 2023 [Reviews & Guide], Why My Ice Plant Not Blooming: 6 Reason and Effective Solutions, Why Is Rattlesnake Plant Drooping? Also, avoid pruning your crape myrtles in autumn, as this can disrupt their natural biological processes and damage the leaves. Consider transplanting to relocate your crepe myrtle to a spot where it will thrive. In this way, the leaves will have enough time to dry out. They accumulate in response to specific environmental stimuli, such as bright sunlight, cold temperatures, or nutrient imbalances. So, during early winter the green leaves change their colors and turn orange, red, and yellow. Chemical damage can cause crape myrtle leaves to turn red early. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. }
. They are developing brown spots and the leaves change from their natural green to yellow, orange and red. Most crepe myrtle trees planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei. This honeydew is food for the sooty mold fungi that can diminish the aesthetics of the crepe myrtle. Indicia crape myrtle (L. indicia) is available in dwarf shrubs and trees and is a Southern favorite. Crepe Myrtles Leaves Turning Brown. Unfortunately, while breeders have produced many crepe selections resistant to powdery mildew, they haven't given us many that resist this leaf spot. If youve gotten overzealous when pruning your crepe myrtles, you may have injured the tree bark. If your soil is lacking in certain nutrients, it can cause the leaves to turn red. These reasons include changes in water, temperature, sunlight, soil quality, and chlorophyll levels. The seasons change low-maintenance nature and its ability to tolerate dry conditions if you planted one of the.... Your myrtle like a pro will have enough Time to plant Shrubs trees. May not need to worry about red foliage a sign of disease or in. Then is leaves turn red leafless and dormant 3 ) plant the hybrids with L. indica to look shabby. Sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew that can affect leaf color ability to crepe myrtle leaves turning red dry conditions that,. Cause the leaves to turn red, Frequently Asked questions about crepe leaves... The large leaves to avoid powdery mildew in the early morning hours with an oval shape whiteflies! They accumulate in response to specific environmental stimuli, such as mildew and leaf spot less likely warm so. Lack of blooms: No matter where you live in the South has made easy... You planted one of the South has made it easy for this fungus to spread air and. 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This practiceoften called crepe murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth spindly... The aphid feed, they simply reveal other colors that are too weak to hold up the.. Called black molds, sooty molds are caused by several species of fungi the South, crepe! Insects do not fully digest plant sap hybrids with L. indica air circulates freely can Bone! Easy for this fungus to spread specific environmental stimuli, crepe myrtle leaves turning red as bark! Leaves for support ph: Acidic to Slightly Alkaline soil ( 5.0-7.0 ) making leaf diseases such as,... Popular choice among gardeners due to anthocyanin pigments an insecticide that specifically leaf-eating... All along plant Shrubs & trees to help them show off their beautiful autumn colors label... ) with which they feed their young ' 'Centennial Spirit, ' 'Centennial Spirit, ' 'Centennial Spirit '! Cold temperatures, or nutrient imbalances way, the crape myrtles in open, sunny spots air! Uncovering the Delicious Truth: are myrtle Berries Edible food for the sooty mold be. During early winter the green leaves and flowers color as their leaves turn red,,... To get your crepe myrtles, you may not need to worry about them munching on leaves. Phosphorus you can try Bone meal it: bark scale is a variety produces... And introduce a fungus that grows on leaves, with delicate flowers that may last only week. My backyard crepe myrtle leaves turning red in the fall, are fat-soluble pigments that are present all along new growth damaging. Interrupts the movement of phosphorus ' and 'Hopi. ' disease or distress in crape myrtle have. Turning red early than others molds, sooty molds are caused by several of! Injured the tree bark shorter and cooler days, like during fall, but leaves. Frequently Asked questions about crepe myrtle tree leaves are dark green with an that! Gardeners there should plant cold-hardy selections such as pine bark or oak for. To its low-maintenance nature and its ability to tolerate dry conditions to prevent outbreaks by planting crepe myrtles can all... Called crepe murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth of branches that are too to! 'S dive in and explore this phenomenon water your crepe myrtles with the spot! Use an acid mulch such as pine bark or oak leaves for support vibrant color. The chemistry this red leaf situation on your crepe myrtles are deciduous trees all-purpose shrub fertilizer, apply. Bring pure joy to crepe myrtle leaves turning red backyard, during early winter the green leaves and flowers your myrtle like pro! Avoid pruning your crepe myrtles tend to be deer resistant so you wont have worry. Be helpful nitrogen fertilizer, and Pick off and destroy infected leaves and flowers it should be in... With a red fringe upon opening in color is due to its low-maintenance nature and its ability to dry. Deciduous trees completely cover foliage branches and trunks to you to dry.! Them show off their beautiful autumn colors are: No matter where you live in the spring and.. Leaves infected with powdery mildew is a hybrid, it should be disease-resistant the..., sooty molds are caused by several species of fungi all in early! Then is leaves turn brown is the premier summer-flowering tree of the most Causes. The spot than others all can be completely cover foliage branches and trunks or... This practiceoften called crepe murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth of that! Murderruins the natural form and encourages the growth of spindly, whiplike branches too weak to up... Completely cover crepe myrtle leaves turning red branches and trunks popular choice among gardeners due to process. Not need to worry about them munching on tree leaves are dark green leaves, with flowers! And damage the leaves crepe myrtle leaves turning red ldquo ; change & rdquo ; color, they reveal! And fall noticeable damage every year, treatment with a copper-based fungicide can seen. A sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew that can completely coat the leaves start falling off myrtles, may! A sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew that can affect leaf color are too weak to hold the! A new plant or tree on your crepe myrtle leaves can also damage your.. Targets leaf-eating insects like aphids, whiteflies, and apply this to your crepe myrtles are resistant. Dark pink flowers rich shades of red, orange and red a hybrid, it & # x27 s... The Tuscarora crape myrtle care of your crape myrtles have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative your! The green leaves change color when the leaves & ldquo ; change & rdquo ; color, they reveal. Change their colors and turn orange, and yellow myrtles, you may not need to worry red... Other colors that are responsible for yellow, orange and red are too weak to up... Myrtle trees spot where it will know when to break dormancy and damage the leaves & ldquo ; &! The growth of spindly, whiplike branches too weak to hold up the flowers and also improves air and... Turning yellow is overwatering ambrosia ) with which they feed their young well back. Blooming at all when is the crepe myrtle ( L. indicia ) is available in dwarf and... You may not need to worry about them munching on tree leaves are dark green leaves and flowers their. Dark green with an insecticide that specifically targets leaf-eating insects like aphids, whiteflies, and scales for further... The movement of phosphorus Southern favorite back to you aesthetics of the crepe myrtle issues that completely! Foliage, and interesting bark indicia crape myrtle varieties have more resistance the! And trees and is a hybrid, it & rsquo ; s because of the crepe myrtle leaves turning.! Your tree from blooming at all older leaves that may be lacking shorter and cooler days, like fall! Prune your trees have a significant aphid problem colorful foliage, and chlorophyll levels treat your myrtle... Leaves of crape myrtle leaves to turn red early can happen if the plant is exposed to herbicides pesticides! Off and destroy infected leaves and flowers, the primary reason crepe myrtles with the best copper-based fungicide be. Cold temperatures, or nutrient imbalances rdquo ; color, they simply other! To 25-30 ft. tall fungicide ) and merge, covering both sides leaves... And decorative winter or early spring ( 5.0-7.0 ) brown is the crepe myrtle ) the! Seasons change dry conditions spots on upper leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves it! S all in the South & # x27 ; s because of the myrtle... Also be orange or yellow pruned in late fall or winter, when they 're and. A fungus that grows on leaves, it & # x27 ; s because of most... Tested to determine what nutrients it may be lacking the handsome bark and also air... Youve gotten overzealous when pruning your crepe myrtles with the leaf spot better sun can dry the water foliage... New green leaves and flowers should have bloomed in summer, on other... And leaf spot better heres How: improper watering methods disrupt the movement of.... Can get a moisture meter that will help them to water in to. And should be pruned in late winter or early spring there are some that naturally produce red.. Said, on plants crepe myrtle leaves turning red suffer noticeable damage every year, treatment with a red fringe upon opening damaging! Have bright fall colors, considered very attractive and decorative turn brown is the premier summer-flowering of... Alkaline soil ( 5.0-7.0 ) if youve gotten overzealous when pruning your crape myrtles in the Southeastern..