What does fungus look like on a crepe myrtle?

Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is one of the most common problems of crape myrtle, and it is caused by the fungus Erysiphe lagerstroemiae. Patches of white to grayish powdery growth occur on the surfaces of leaves, flowers, and new shoots.

How do you treat leaf spots on crepe myrtles?

Use a fungicide made specifically for ornamental plants and alter the type used to avoid building up a resistance. For effective control of Cercospora leaf spot with a fungicide, begin applications when leaves begin to appear in the spring and continue applying a fungicide as needed.

How do you get rid of white spots on crepe myrtles?

Apply a soil drench – Drench the soil between the tree’s drip line and the trunk, using a systemic insecticide such as Bayer Advanced Garden Tree and Shrub Insect Control, Bonide Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control, or Greenlight Tree and Shrub Insect Control.

How close can a crepe myrtle be planted to a house?

Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6′-10′ apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8′-12′ apart.

Why does my crape myrtle have scale on it?

Another cause is too much shade. As nearby shade trees grow and mature then the crape myrtles are left hidden underneath and struggle to get enough sunlight. Third cause could be tree stress and shock from pests. Scale and aphids are the biggest nuisances that I see on crape myrtles.

Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtles turning sooty?

Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you just sprayed your crepe myrtle with asphalt. (Note to reader: This is seldom a good idea.) The mold doesn’t feed on the foliage.

Are there any No No’s on a crape myrtle?

Many times, it is the owner of the crape myrtle that has committed the no-no, and so, without delay, here is my list of the Top Ten Crape Myrtle No-No’s: PHOTO: Nachez crape myrtle – possibly the most used and well-known of all crape myrtle varieties.

What should I do about my crepe myrtle tree?

Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated GardenStew. Hi Danny, and welcome to the Stew! Keep deep watering your crepe myrtle. It had lots of water at the nursery, and you deeply watered it when it arrived, then suddenly it was getting a sprinkling.

Why are there no leaves on my crepe myrtle tree?

While crepe myrtle trees are known for frothy blossoms, the trees also need to have leaves for photosynthesis. If your crepe myrtle has few or no leaves, something isn’t right. Check the tree for lines of ants.

What are those white specks on my crepe myrtle?

That’s just what’s happening now with a new insect pest called the crepe myrtle scale. Crepe myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia. Since then, it spread rapidly. It’s easy to spot. It looks like a white speck stuck to the bark of a trunk or branch.

What are the most common problems with crape myrtles?

Crape myrtles ( Lagerstroemia indica) are essentially trouble-free small trees. The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. More information on successfully growing crape myrtles is available in HGIC 1008, Crape Myrtle, and HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning.

Why are the leaves on my crape myrtle turning brown?

Because moisture on the leaves allow disease spores to germinate, avoid getting the leaves wet with overhead irrigation. Also be sure to apply enough nitrogen to maintain a moderate growth rate but too much can cause other issues. It is also helpful if your plants are not crowded.