March 1, 2017
Question: I am growing Crepe Myrtles in New Jersey, which is USDA zone 6, and it is tricky. I love my crepes. I’ve dealt with powdery mildew for the last 2-years. The mildew makes the buds not bloom and the tender foliage defoliates once it is on the leaves. I spray but it is an ongoing endeavor.
Toni
S. Orange, New Jersey
Answer: Crepe Myrtles were once only considered for the southern climates. Gardeners have expanded their range to the northern climates and are having success growing the Crepe Myrtles. Hot, humid weather activates powdery mildew with a vengeance.
Control: Plant in full sun and find locations with good air movement. Crepes can tolerate light shade, but the denser the shade cover the powdery mildew will show-up. As the shade promotes the fungal spores to begin to grow with the humid air and the moisture evaporating from the tender growth and flowering buds at the terminal tips. Try moving them to more open air, full sun, and wind currents that would help lessen a moist growing environment for the mildew spores. It shows up as a white dusting on the young leaves and flowering bud shoots. It will not usually kill the Crepe Myrtle, but will be unsightly and cause major leaf drop. Over time repeated attacks can weaken the plant and you may lose a plant.
Since you are already spraying the Crepes you have try some of the newer fungicides for mildew control that are systemic in action, or medicine inside the plant. Contact your local nurseries or NJ County Extension office for an approved pesticide, being I am in New Mexico products vary from State to State.
A home remedy you might try out. One tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of Ivory dish soap in a gallon of water. Stir the mix and treat the powdery mildew for 3 to 5 days until mildew is under control. This not a toxic chemical, spray will drip off affected areas.
Mildew Resistant Crepes: A few varieties to consider are Arapho –red, Dynamite, deep red, Natchez, white with cinnamon brown bark, and Strawberry Dazzle a dwarf 4-5-foot shrub strawberry in color.
Good luck on growing your Crepe Myrtles in New Jersey. Let me know if you find these recommendations helpful.
Dr. Dirt
Question: I am growing Crepe Myrtles in New Jersey, which is USDA zone 6, and it is tricky. I love my crepes. I’ve dealt with powdery mildew for the last 2-years. The mildew makes the buds not bloom and the tender foliage defoliates once it is on the leaves. I spray but it is an ongoing endeavor.
Toni
S. Orange, New Jersey
Answer: Crepe Myrtles were once only considered for the southern climates. Gardeners have expanded their range to the northern climates and are having success growing the Crepe Myrtles. Hot, humid weather activates powdery mildew with a vengeance.
Control: Plant in full sun and find locations with good air movement. Crepes can tolerate light shade, but the denser the shade cover the powdery mildew will show-up. As the shade promotes the fungal spores to begin to grow with the humid air and the moisture evaporating from the tender growth and flowering buds at the terminal tips. Try moving them to more open air, full sun, and wind currents that would help lessen a moist growing environment for the mildew spores. It shows up as a white dusting on the young leaves and flowering bud shoots. It will not usually kill the Crepe Myrtle, but will be unsightly and cause major leaf drop. Over time repeated attacks can weaken the plant and you may lose a plant.
Since you are already spraying the Crepes you have try some of the newer fungicides for mildew control that are systemic in action, or medicine inside the plant. Contact your local nurseries or NJ County Extension office for an approved pesticide, being I am in New Mexico products vary from State to State.
A home remedy you might try out. One tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of Ivory dish soap in a gallon of water. Stir the mix and treat the powdery mildew for 3 to 5 days until mildew is under control. This not a toxic chemical, spray will drip off affected areas.
Mildew Resistant Crepes: A few varieties to consider are Arapho –red, Dynamite, deep red, Natchez, white with cinnamon brown bark, and Strawberry Dazzle a dwarf 4-5-foot shrub strawberry in color.
Good luck on growing your Crepe Myrtles in New Jersey. Let me know if you find these recommendations helpful.
Dr. Dirt
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