How to Select and Grow Crape Myrtle Trees

What makes crape myrtles irresistible?

• Their ability to grow in the shade

• Their evergreen leaves

• Their spectacular late spring, summer, and fall flowers

• Their resistance to all pests

What is the universal Latin name for crape myrtle?

• Lagerstroemia

• Crepe Myrtle

• Myrtus

• Crape Myrtle

When should you prune crape myrtles?

• In early spring, just after bud swell

• In late winter, just prior to bud swell

• In late fall, after leaves drop

• In mid-summer, during peak bloom

What is a recommended fertilizer for crape myrtles?

• Bone meal

• Fish emulsion

• Cottonseed meal

• Blood meal

Which of the following is a large crape myrtle variety?

• ‘Chickasaw’ - lavender pink

• ‘Acoma’ - white

• ‘Sioux’ - dark pink

• ‘Natchez’ - white

What is the main consideration when choosing a crape myrtle?

• Fragrance

• Price

• Availability

• Size and color

Which zone is NOT generally suitable for crape myrtles?

• Zone 5

• Zone 7

• Zone 10

• Zone 8

What should you do to stimulate a strong flush of new flowering growth?

• Prune the plant heavily

• Water the plant daily

• Cut off the small round seedballs after flowers fall

• Add extra fertilizer

Which of the following is a pest that affects crape myrtles?

• Spider mite

• Leaf miner

• Japanese beetle

• Scale insect

What is the recommended action for a bad infestation on a large crape myrtle specimen?

• Water the plant more frequently

• Prune the plant heavily

• Ignore it

• Have a professional handle the job