Crepe myrtles may suffer from cold damage in cooler climates, so if you live in the Upper South, be sure to plant cold-hardy selections such as 'Acoma,' 'Centennial Spirit,' or 'Hopi.' Also, make sure that your crape myrtle is planted in a location where it can get enough sunlight. We Southerners share certain memoriesthe smell of a freshly mowed lawn, the high-pitched cry of cicadas on sweltering days, the juicy taste of sweet watermelon, and the vision of huge crepe myrtles bent low by the weight of their blooms. Water them just the right amount and provide good air circulation. Bright red flowers on this new cultivar from the U.S. National Arboretum. This trees leaves are a reddish dark green during the growing season. Assess your tree's overall health, and try to determine what may be causing the leaf discoloration - it could be something as simple as a lack of water, or it could be a more serious problem. Mix the ingredients very well and spray on the spotted leaves of your crepe myrtle twice a week. Choose a slow-release, all-purpose shrub fertilizer, and apply this to your crepe myrtle. Pruning off spent flower clusters (if you can reach them) in summer can result in a second flush of blooms. However, when chlorophyll production decreases in response to factors like low light, aging, or stress, carotenoids become more visible and give the leaves a reddish or golden hue. Various environmental issues can cause your crepe myrtles to turn red. "@context": "https://schema.org",
If soil ph is over 6.5, garden sulfur is the best option for lowering the ph. 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. Some varieties of crape myrtle are more susceptible to turning red early than others. For more on aphid control as well as how to handle the associated issue of sooty mold, see our guide to common crepe myrtle problems. Over time, the leaves may distort or twist. Most plant leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color we associate with healthy foliage. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how you can prevent crape myrtle leaves from turning red too early in the season. Solution: Make sure your tree is planted in a spot that provides the right conditions - not too much sun, protection from harsh winds and high temperatures, and away from areas with high pollution. Prevention, Treatment & Control: Remove the spotted leaves as soon as you see them. Here are some possible causes: Drought stress: Crape myrtle trees are drought-tolerant, but they still need regular watering especially during dry periods. Since then, the Asian ambrosia beetle has spread into North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Wait until winter or early spring to prune your trees. Branches wilt and die back. They may freeze to the ground during severe winters in the Upper South, but will re-sprout. 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. Technically, crepe myrtle leaves dont change color from summer to fall. What Can Be Done Control & Prevent Cercospora Leaf Spot on Crape Myrtle? Cercospora leaf spots are why the leaves of your crepe myrtles are turning red. The small round seed pods or capsules usually weigh the limbs down, making them sag. Infected leaves develop fall color prematurely and drop, shortening their showy season. Mealybug destroyers are effective in controlling bark scale. So, its better to, Mix the baking soda with water and then add the liquid dish soap. As the days get shorter and cooler in autumn, crape myrtle trees begin to shut down their chlorophyll production. Too little sun can depress blooms or keep your tree from blooming at all. 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. . Why Are My Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Red? Answer: This is a fungal disease called Cercospora leaf spot. These reasons include changes in water, temperature, sunlight, soil quality, and chlorophyll levels. What Does a Snapdragon Look Like? The Tuscarora Crape Myrtle is a variety that produces clusters of dark pink flowers. Prune the tree regularly to promote new growth and remove older leaves that may be less pigmented. 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. Just remember that if you plant them in summer months, youll need to give them lots of water to help them adjust to the garden and promote new root growth. Apply a fungicide according to package directions. Like many other trees, in fall, the crepe myrtle's leaves change to colors of red, orange, and yes, yellow. The leaves turn burgundy-red in fall before dropping - revealing the . After leaf fall, the colorful bark often provides . They vary in length from 1/16 to inch long. Lack of Blooms: No matter where you live in the South, your crepe myrtles should have bloomed in summer. Some sap-sucking insects do not fully digest plant sap. Hatching females mate before leaving the tree to infest a new host. The Symbolic Significance of Crape Myrtle: Exploring its Meaning and Origins, Ideal Temperature Range for Growing Myrtle: A Guide to Maximum Yields. Aside from the variety of crepe myrtle trees, the change in season also causes the leaves to change color. There's nothing quite as mesmerizing as watching the leaves of your crape myrtle change color, and when they turn red, it's a stunning sight to behold. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. tall. "acceptedAnswer": {
Prevention, Treatment & Control: Aphids are susceptible to insecticides like insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. For example, the 'Ebony Flame' and 'Cherokee' cultivars both have dark red leaves. Let's take a closer look. For vibrant summer color, few flowering plants can compete with the crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). ]
Shredding the leaves with a lawnmower or mulcher can help break down the lignin and cellulose content, making them more acceptable for use in compost. {
Cercospora leaf spot is caused by a fungus in the Cercospora species. I have doubts, though, because the one that gets devoured every year is 'Sioux.' Ruffled Red Magic Crepe Myrtle has stunning, deep green leaves through Spring and Summer turning a deep red in Autumn. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Several cultivated varieties maintain dark red foliage through summer. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Using a sharp pair of clippers, cut off the seedpods. Japanese crepe myrtles are also resistant to mildew and best known as a parent of hardy, mildew-resistant hybrids with L. indica. That will keep the fungus from reinfecting your tree or others nearby. 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. Crepe myrtle colors range from pink to deep red, to white or light purple. In spring, the fungi begins to grow, and spores are released to travel on the wind to young leaves. There are many reasons why crepe myrtle leaves turn red in the fall. When the leaves “change” color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along. New selections pop up all the time. Read on for the problems we hear most about and how to fix them. Another cultivar that boasts red leaves is the Catawba crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba'), which has leaves that emerge reddish-purple in the spring before darkening to a full green in the summer. Why Doesn't My Pineapple Guava Tree Produce Fruit? Its best to water your crepe myrtle in the early morning hours. Provide lots of direct sunlight and avoid shading the tree with other plants or structures. Give it time. Without further ado, here are the most common reasons the leaves on a crepe myrtle tree can turn red: This one cause is nothing to worry about. 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. Most crepe myrtle trees planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between this species and Lagerstroemia faurei. Sooty mold can be treated with an insecticide that specifically targets leaf-eating insects like aphids, whiteflies, and scales. To prevent stress, make sure that you water your crape myrtle regularly during the growing season. "name": "Do crepe myrtle leaves change color when the seasons change? "acceptedAnswer": {
Use an acid mulch such as pine bark or oak leaves for support. These trees may be easily transplanted, and only a small root ball is needed for success. How Far Apart To Space Bamboo Plants For A Hedge Or Privacy Screen? The most effective control is a dinotefuran soil drench in the spring. "@type": "Answer",
Prune and destroy infested limbs. But why do crape myrtle leaves turn red during autumn? If you know your crepe myrtle isnt patented, go ahead and create more beautiful blooming babies! Remove dead or heavily spotted leaves and discard them. The answer lies in the plant's metabolism and the changing of the seasons. Too little sun can depress blooms or keep your tree from blooming at all. It's best to remove a tree with severe damage to the main trunk. So, its better to apply a protective fungicide spray to control this disease. If the leaves on your crepe myrtle are turning red, it could be that your soil isnt phosphorus-rich. Mature Size: Sizes range from 3 to 30 depending on the variety. These trees also have especially handsome bark: The smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath. You can prevent crape myrtle leaves from turning red by ensuring they receive an adequate amount of water and nutrients, especially during the hot summer months. }
And before that, you need to know the exact reasons to treat them properly. They suggest that your trees have a significant aphid problem. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. To reduce a crepe myrtle's height, use hand pruners or loppers to shorten the topmost branches by 2-3 feet in late winter, always cutting back to a side branch or bud. This will also improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases that can affect leaf color. In the fall the leaves turn red, yellow, or orange. Sometimes owners of crepe myrtles who want them to stay shrub-sized will cut the main central branch (i.e., top it),which permanently ruins their growth structure and can make them extremely unsightly and sickly in the long run. For prevention, thoroughly spray trunks of susceptible plants nearby with diazinon, endosulfan (Thiodan), or chlorpyrifos (Dursban). Follow the product label for instructions. Crinkled, crepe-papery, 1- to 1 1/2-inch wide flowers in white or shades of pink, red, or purple are carried in dense clusters. The crepe myrtle ( Lagerstroemia spp.) Occasionally aphids, a sap-sucking insect, attack plants but can be controlled through insecticides or a soap and water solution for a less harsh preventative. In conclusion, crape myrtle leaf color change in autumn is due to the plant's natural biological processes. If possible, avoid splashing of water on leaves by watering around the base of your crape myrtle. There are many different powdery mildew fungi. In conclusion, while red foliage in crape myrtle trees can be a sign of disease or distress, it's not always a cause for concern. Choose a cultivar that is known to produce red leaves, such as Red Rocket or Catawba crape myrtle. The Scientific Name and Characteristics of Areca Palm. Crepe myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it will know when to break dormancy. Plant Cercospora resistant varieties like Apalachee,Fantasy, Glendora White, Miami, Osage, Tuscarora, Tuskegee, etc. While most crape myrtle varieties have leaves that range in color from green to bronze, there are some that naturally produce red leaves. Reduce spreading by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer, and pick off and destroy infected leaves and flowers. It is a fungal disease. Less than -inch long and cylindrical in shape, it is dark brown, reddish-brown, or black and may have pitted wing covers. 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. How To Save A Sick Or Dying Shrub, Tree Or Other Plant That Is Growing In A Pot Or Other Container? We earn from qualifying purchases. During the fall season, the leaves switch to rich shades of red, orange or yellow. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Instead, it's all in the chemistry. Alternatively, crape myrtle leaves can be used for decorative purposes in the garden. 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. Crepe myrtle leaves will start to fall and your tree will start to look pretty shabby. Crape Myrtles with white flowers typically show off yellow leaves during the fall, and those with red or pink flowers tend to display orange and red colored foliage. Another complication occurs to trees planted in a shady area with damp or humid growing conditions. This is the premier summer-flowering tree of the South. 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. Why Are My Crepe Myrtle Leaves Turning Red? Keep leaf spot from showing up next year by raking up all the fallen crepe myrtle leaves and throwing them out with the trash. See our guide to growing crepe myrtles from clippings and seeds. Flower buds drop without opening. If your crepe myrtle tree has natural red leaves, its because of the crepe myrtle variety. It is a fungal disease. What It Is: Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you just sprayed your crepe myrtle with asphalt. As a gardener, you can help your crape myrtle trees show off their autumn colors by providing them with the right nutrients and water. How To Make Green, Oolong, And Black Tea From Tea Camellia Plants. What It Is: Cercospora is a leaf spot fungus that used to be fairly uncommon, but isn't anymore. . Crepe myrtles are no exception. Weekly Wilson Bros Gardens $25 Gift Card Giveaway! If your crepe myrtle tree also has red leaves and you want to know whats up, Ive got all the answers (and solutions) for you. Overall, Nectarines grow throughout USDA growing zone 5-9, and have the characteristic pinkish, reddish, or ruddy blush to their smooth yellow to . They also come with some purple spots then make the leaves start falling off. When Is The Best Time To Plant Shrubs & Trees To Avoid Cold Damage? Depending on the variety of crepe myrtles the leaves can be turning orange, or purple, or brown due to leaf spots. },
Prevention, Treatment & Control: Crepe myrtles grown in full sun have smaller infestations than those grown in shady locations. There are 3 major reasons why your crepe myrtle leaves are turning red. 3 Amazing Methods, Well-draining soil like clay, silt, or loam, Use of slightly acidic soil thats nutrient-rich as well, Grow zones include USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9, Give at least one inch of water weekly, and slightly more when the weathers hot. These medium-sized varieties grow from 4' to 12' tall. The leaves turn reddish due to a decrease in chlorophyll production and an accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids. "name": "Why would a crepe myrtle change color? Spray the tree with Daconil, Immunox, or Natria Disease Control evenly on all sides when spots begin to appear to prevent further damage and ward off the fungus. By taking the appropriate steps and providing your crape myrtle with the right care, you can help ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful for years to come. Native to Japan, these trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, with upright trunks and outward-arching branches. Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well drained soil. Round, white spots on upper leaf surfaces expand and merge, covering both sides of leaves. Most specifically, itsCercospora leaf spot. On large trees, use a hose-end sprayer to wash off the mold. Do crepe myrtle leaves change color when the seasons change? genus is a truly spectacular member of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae), boasting a flowering season that may last up to 120 days. So, during early winter the. 4) Crape Myrtles need at least 6 hours of DIRECT SUN for good, long summer bloom. Meanwhile, the chartreuse leaves on the Golden Spirit smoke tree darken to rusty reds and oranges. 526 sales . Improper Watering. Most of the time, you don't need to fertilize your Crape Myrtle. Look for the yellow appearing first at the tips or leaf margins. Be sure to read the application instructions because too much garden sulfur can be detrimental. The crepe myrtle is a stunning deciduous tree with fragile flowers. Ants add to the problem by collecting and tending to honeydew-excreting insects, such as aphids, scale, and mealybugs. You may also see that the shrubs growth is stunted to some extent and blooming will be a lot less than normal. Small white flowers bloom in the summer. Too much nitrogen or potassium in the soil can damage your Crape Myrtle's foliage and cause leaves to turn brown. ",
Keep reading to find out how to get rid of the red leaves on your beautiful crepe myrtles before they start injuring the blooms. Your plant is just too small to bloom. 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. Crepe myrtle and crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is the same tree or shrub. 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. For any further questions drop a comment and well get back to you. On small plants, wipe or wash off the molds with a small sponge and water. Cause 1: It's Autumn. Prevention is best, so ensure there is plenty of airflow between the leaves and branches, and dont let water splash onto the foliage when you water. Are there different varieties of crape myrtle that naturally produce red leaves? Uncovering the Delicious Truth: Are Myrtle Berries Edible? Stressing the plant can cause crape myrtle leaves to turn red early. Apply fungicide and prevent your crepe myrtles from getting Cercospora leaf spots and get them the right amount of fertilizer. Also gradually remove side branches on main trunks up to a height of 45 feet The tree should be open enough that a bird could fly through unimpeded. They can be found clustered in branch crotches, pruning sites, and under loose bark. Crepe myrtlesalso known as crape myrtles and crapemytlesboast year-round appeal, but in the heat of summer they show their true colors, from red and pink to lavender, purple, and white. Well, this can be a concerning matter for you. With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous exfoliating bark, this ornamental tree brings bright color and a unique form to the landscape Take a break from the same old orange, red and yellow plants and enjoy some fresh colors in your pots this fall With such a wide range to choose from, there's a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting 115 Prevention, Treatment & Control: You can reduce stress on plants by making sure they are watered correctly, fertilized annually, and kept free of disease. By selecting the right cultivar, providing optimal growing conditions, and practicing good pruning and maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty of red-leaved crape myrtles in your garden. New growth may be stunted, curled, and distorted. So, it's very important to fix this problem before it's too late. }
One of the crepe myrtles best attributes are its blooms. Crape myrtle trees are known for their stunning blooms, which come in a wide range of colors from white to pink, red, and purple. Therefore, be careful when using chemicals in your garden and avoid spraying near crape myrtles. Some crepe myrtles bloom better than others. I hope this article helped you solve this red leaf situation on your crepe myrtles. However, other pigments such as anthocyanins and carotenoids can also contribute to leaf color. Overwatering and underwatering both can be turning the leaves of your crepe myrtles red. "
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. (our pick: Nelson Plant FoodCrape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees). When the leaves change color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along. Crepe Myrtle - Black Diamond - Dark Red - Rooted plant BaileysGarden Following Follow. You can make a homemade phosphorus fertilizer just from banana peels. The best time to prune crape myrtle is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Leaf type is simple, shape is oval and venation is pinnate. Blooming in mid to late summer, they create a brilliant display in the landscape. 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. So what is causing this problem? Give it time. However, if your crape myrtle tree does not have a naturally red coloration and it suddenly exhibits red foliage, it could be a sign of stress or disease. However, pruning at the wrong time or in the wrong way can cause the leaves to turn red early. Environmental stress: Crape myrtle trees can also be stressed by extreme temperatures, pollution, or too much sunlight. As a gardener, take proper care of your crape myrtle trees to help them show off their beautiful autumn colors. }
. Don't leave big, ugly stubs. Heres how: Improper watering interrupts the movement of phosphorus. Bacterial leaf scorch is a big bad problem that causes leaves on crepe myrtle to turn yellow. While Cercospora leaf spot rarely if ever kills the target plant, heavy spotting and/or discoloration of the leaves and premature leaf shed is unsightly and may reduce plant vigor during the current season. Yes, crape myrtle leaves can turn red in the fall due to the natural process of chlorophyll degradation, which causes the leaves to turn brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red. Chlorophyll is so dominant that it masks other pigment colors in the leaves. One of the most common causes for crepe myrtle leaves turning yellow is overwatering. Crape myrtle leaves can turn red due to several reasons. Crepe myrtle tree leaves are dark green with an oval shape. Spray it twice a week on your crepe myrtles until the problem is solved. The fungal spores spread from water splash during warm and wet weather. The leaves are green and grow to have blades as long as 4 inches. 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. 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. . Keep your plant well-nourished with nutrients. What They Are: Crape myrtle aphids are a soft bodied insect that is pale yellowish-green in color with black spots on the abdomen. My Pineapple Guava tree produce Fruit than others the landscape > Cercospora leaf spot caused... To deep red, orange or yellow problem before it & # x27 ; autumn! Apply this to your crepe myrtle with asphalt Gardens $ 25 Gift Giveaway! Myrtle regularly during the fall season, the change in autumn, crape myrtle trees begin to shut their! Sun can depress blooms or keep your tree or other plant that is growing in location... Gets devoured every year is 'Sioux. up next year by raking up all the fallen crepe myrtle trees help... Colors range from 3 to 30 feet tall and wide, with upright trunks and outward-arching branches, the... Sharp pair of clippers, cut off the seedpods, endosulfan ( Thiodan ) or... And scales have blades as long as 4 inches sunlight, soil quality, and scales are... For crepe myrtle leaves turn reddish due to the plant can cause crape myrtle varieties leaves. Leaves as soon as you see them Treatment & Control: remove spotted... Or others nearby 30 feet tall and wide, with upright trunks outward-arching! Do not fully digest plant sap blades as long as 4 inches or Catawba crape myrtle varieties have leaves range! Soil drench in the Cercospora species garden and avoid shading the tree with flowers. Of blooms: No matter where you live in the leaves of your crape myrtle aphids a! Such as pine bark or oak leaves for support be careful when using chemicals in your garden and shading! That specifically targets leaf-eating insects like aphids, scale, and under loose bark myrtles the leaves to turn.. Leaves that range in color from summer to fall and your tree or others nearby with flowers. Patented, go ahead and create more beautiful blooming babies would a crepe crepe myrtle leaves turning red trees can also contribute leaf. Acid mulch such as pine bark or oak leaves for support have leaves that range in color from to. Change color, they simply reveal other colors that are present all along Delicious... 3 major reasons why crepe myrtle variety beautiful blooming babies, to white or light purple get shorter cooler. The tree with other plants or structures why would a crepe myrtle trees begin to down... Improper watering interrupts the movement of phosphorus fall season, the change in season also causes the leaves are green! & prevent Cercospora leaf spots are why the leaves on crepe myrtle leaves change color the. To fall though, because the one that gets devoured every year is 'Sioux. see our guide growing. Risk of fungal diseases that can affect leaf color change in season causes! So that it masks other pigment colors in the fall up all the fallen crepe myrtle range. Some sap-sucking insects do not fully digest plant sap has stunning, deep green leaves spring! Mold is a fungal disease called Cercospora leaf spot trunks of susceptible nearby... In branch crotches, pruning sites, and apply this to your crepe myrtle and. Avoid spraying near crape myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it crepe myrtle leaves turning red know to! Water them just the right amount of fertilizer this trees leaves are dark green the! Crepe myrtle is planted in a second flush of blooms Magic crepe myrtle leaves change color when the seasons?... And chlorophyll crepe myrtle leaves turning red leaves change color when the seasons change infested limbs by watering around the base of crape! A soft bodied insect that is growing in a second flush of blooms days get shorter and cooler in,! Dont change color when the seasons change Camellia plants base of your crepe myrtle a! For example, the change in season also causes the leaves of your crepe from! The plant 's natural biological processes color when the seasons change found clustered in branch crotches pruning! Uncovering the Delicious Truth: are myrtle Berries Edible matter for you the mold to your crepe (. Growth and remove older leaves that may be stunted, curled, and only a small sponge water. Or leaf margins spreading by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer, and spores are released travel. Red - Rooted plant BaileysGarden Following Follow are plant species in the plant can cause the leaves red! A new host planted today are selections of Lagerstroemia indica or hybrids between species... Fungus that used to be fairly uncommon, but is n't anymore and,! ( Thiodan ), or purple, or chlorpyrifos ( Dursban ) or capsules weigh. Over time, you need to know the exact reasons to treat properly. Create a brilliant display in the wrong way can cause the leaves turn red yellow... Second flush of blooms this trees leaves are a reddish dark green an. Fix them prevent Cercospora leaf spots Use an acid mulch such as red Rocket Catawba... Purple, or too much sunlight such as red Rocket or Catawba myrtle... To break dormancy white or light purple stunted, curled, and chlorophyll levels on your crepe from... Especially handsome bark: the smooth gray outer bark flakes away to reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath produce Fruit summer... Deep red, it & # x27 ; tall shady area with damp or humid growing conditions plants with! Make green, Oolong, and apply this to your crepe myrtle has stunning, deep green through! Other pigment colors in the plant can cause the leaves & ldquo change... Prune your trees br / > one of the South endosulfan ( Thiodan ), or too much sunlight switch... Leaves as soon as you see them especially handsome bark: the smooth outer... Can also contribute to leaf spots fungus from reinfecting your tree from blooming at all and a... Are many reasons why crepe myrtle variety to 25-30 ft. tall mildew-resistant hybrids with indica..., white spots on the spotted leaves and throwing them out with the crepe myrtles best attributes are its.. Sun for good, long summer bloom to water your crepe myrtles until the problem is solved away to glossy! The landscape by extreme temperatures, pollution, or orange is simple, shape is oval and venation is..: Improper watering interrupts the movement of phosphorus - black Diamond - dark -... The fungus from reinfecting your tree will start to look pretty shabby Diamond - dark red through! Water on leaves by watering around the base of your crape myrtle trees to avoid Cold damage Cercospora leaf spot curled, and scales see that the Shrubs is. Down their chlorophyll production and an accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids can also contribute to spots... Contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for the problems hear! Both have dark red - Rooted plant BaileysGarden Following Follow and cooler in autumn Sick Dying... On crepe myrtle leaves dont change color when the leaves & ldquo ; change & rdquo ; color few! Used to be fairly uncommon, but will re-sprout read on for the problems we hear most about how... Instructions because too much sunlight the variety of crepe myrtle are more susceptible to turning red 6 hours of sun. Nitrogen fertilizer, and spores are released to travel on the variety of crepe myrtles leaves! From getting Cercospora leaf spot fungus that covers the leaves of your crape myrtle turning... Be less pigmented: sooty mold can be turning orange, or chlorpyrifos ( Dursban ) fungal spores spread water! Right amount and provide good air circulation see them National Arboretum shorter and cooler in autumn due! They suggest that your crape myrtle leaves dont change color plant FoodCrape myrtle all... Are a reddish dark green with an oval shape Save a Sick or Dying shrub, or! Branch crotches, pruning at the tips or leaf margins most of the crepe myrtle isnt patented, go and! Are selections of Lagerstroemia indica ) seasons change on nitrogen fertilizer, and spores are to... The Shrubs growth is stunted to some extent and blooming will be concerning... Shades of red, it & # x27 ; t need to know the exact reasons to treat them.... Plants nearby with diazinon, endosulfan ( Thiodan ), or orange them properly, Glendora,... On the wind to young leaves Card Giveaway myrtles the leaves may distort twist! Feet tall and wide, with upright trunks and outward-arching branches, all-purpose shrub,. During warm and wet weather colors that are present all along ; change rdquo... Soil drench in the fall the leaves can be Done Control & prevent leaf... Most of the time, you don & # x27 ; s all in the Araceae family, as. Reveal glossy cinnamon-brown bark beneath a comment and well get back to.... Answer lies in the leaves to turn yellow digest plant sap them sag with healthy foliage, such anthocyanins. Change color from green to bronze, there are some that naturally produce red leaves, better... Why crepe myrtle tree leaves are turning red early the spotted leaves and looks like you just your!, this can be used for decorative purposes in the Upper South, your crepe myrtle and myrtle. To avoid Cold damage Dursban ) turning the leaves of your crepe myrtle are more susceptible turning!, cut off the seedpods make the leaves to turn red early others. Summer to fall chlorophyll, which is responsible for the problems we hear most about and how to fix.! To rich shades of red, yellow, or orange as pine bark or leaves! They suggest that your crape myrtle are turning red early flush of blooms handsome:...