Welcome to Crape Escape!
Well hello there! 👋🏻Crape Escape is a little corner of the ole interweb where I share what I’ve learned about breeding, growing, choosing, and loving crape myrtles. From picking the perfect size and color to winter care tips, planting how-tos, and spotlights on our exclusive Southern Charm originals, these posts are here to help you get it right the first time. It's always a work in progress and I'm always learning. Please, feel free to leave comments!🌸
Ideal Crape Myrtle Planting TimeView all
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Fall is the classic time to plant deciduous hardwoods — warm soil, cooler tops, roots that keep working. Crape myrtles can go in any time of year if you water...
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Dormant? More Like “Dreaming of Spring” – Why Planting Crape Myrtles in Winter or Early Spring Is Smarter Than You Think →
Crape myrtles are tougher than they look—and planting them while they’re dormant (late winter to early spring) can actually give them a head start. Here’s why it works beautifully in... -
Best Time to Plant Crape Myrtles: Spring for Strong Roots & Blooms! →
Ever wondered when to plant a crape myrtle so it thrives from day one? Spring is the sweet spot! Giving your new tree the full active growing season to establish...
🫨Did I Get the Wrong Crape Myrtle?View all
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Why Do Crape Myrtle Flower Colors Vary? (Especially in the First Year) →
Crape myrtle flower colors can look different the first year due to shipping and planting stress—especially with reds and purples. Learn why this happens, what other factors affect color, and...
✂️Pruning Crape Myrtles-the Right WayView all
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Summer Deadheading: How Southern Charm Crape Myrtles Rebloom Through October →
🌸 Summer is prime time for a second crape myrtle bloom! Deadheading isn’t required (especially on giants), but a light trim plus bloom booster can keep the color going into... -
Winter Pruning Guide: Bigger Blooms Without the 'Crape Murder' →
Ever looked at your bare crape myrtles this late winter and thought, "Time to grab the pruners!"? Do it right while they're dormant, and you'll set them up for way...
Crape Myrtle Disease & Pest ControlView all
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Aphids on Crape Myrtles: How to Spot, Stop & Prevent Them This Summer →
Those tiny sap-sucking pests are back! Learn how to identify crape myrtle aphids, understand why they appear on tender new growth, and discover the best organic and preventive treatments —... -
Ugh, What a Pest! 🐛Caterpillars on Crape Myrtles: Spring’s Sneaky Leaf Buffet (and Why You Don’t Need to Panic) →
🌿 Ugh, What a Pest! – Caterpillars on Your Crape Myrtles One day your trees are covered in perfect, lush new spring growth… the next day it looks like a...
Crape Myrtle Winter CareView all
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Crape Myrtle Winter Care: Why & How to Apply Dormant Oil →
Give your crape myrtles a clean start to the season! Learn why dormant oil is one of the smartest winter steps you can take, how it smothers overwintering pests like...
Choosing the Right Crape MyrtleView all
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Best Crape Myrtles for Southern Yards: Top 10 Heat-Tolerant Varieties →
Few plants can handle a deep freeze one month and a humid steam bath the next like a good Cold Hardy crape myrtle. In southern states like Florida, Texas, Georgia,... -
Dwarf Crape Myrtles: The Perfect “Just Right” Size & Fast-Growing Beauty →
Dwarf crape myrtles, maturing 6-10ft tall, deliver big blooms and bold presence without overwhelming your space. Fast-growing and versatile, they’re the Goldilocks 🥰 choice for hedges, accents, and small yards. -
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle: A Practical Guide to Long-Term Success →
Picking the perfect crape myrtle isn’t just about the prettiest bloom—it’s about choosing a tree that fits your space, survives your winters, and thrives for decades. Prioritize mature size first...