Crepe Myrtle Red Leaves: Find out the reasons

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beloved ornamental trees and shrubs renowned for their stunning summer blooms, attractive bark, and vibrant fall foliage. However, they can occasionally display worrying symptoms, such as leaves turning red or yellow. Understanding the causes and solutions for these issues is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your Crepe Myrtle. This blog will explore why crepe myrtle red leaves, offering insights into the possible causes and practical solutions.

What Are Crepe Myrtles?

Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are popular ornamental trees and shrubs known for their stunning flowers, ranging in color from white to various shades of pink, red, and purple. Native to Asia, these plants have adapted well to many climates, particularly in the southern United States, where they are often seen in gardens and along streets.

How Tall do Crepe Myrtles Get?

Crepe myrtles, also known as crape myrtles or crapemyrtles, offer a diverse range of sizes to fit any gardening need—from compact dwarf varieties under 3 feet tall to majestic large types that soar over 30 feet. Before purchasing, it’s essential to consider the mature height of the plant to ensure it suits your space, preventing future difficulties in managing its growth.

Most crepe myrtles in cultivation today are derived from Lythraceae indica, a species introduced to the U.S. from China in the early 1800s by the renowned botanist Andre Michaux in Charleston, South Carolina, or from hybrids between L. indica and Lythraceae faurei. The latter is an upright tree known for its heights of 25-50 feet and gracefully arching branches.

To simplify selection, crepe myrtles are categorized based on mature height into groups: dwarf (2-5 feet), semi-dwarf or short (6-10 feet), medium (11-20 feet), and tall (21-50 feet). Dwarf varieties are perfect for containers, mixed borders, or as mass plantings. Short types fit well in containers or shrub borders and can be placed near buildings.

Medium varieties work beautifully as small shade trees, for lining streets, or as privacy screens. Tall types require ample space and are best planted away from structures. For instance, a single ‘Natchez’ crepe myrtle, known for its considerable size, is sufficient for a 900-square-foot lawn.

Dwarf Crepe Myrtles

Name	Form/Height	Flower Color	Fall Foliage	Mildew Resistance	Comments
‘Chicksaw’	Dense mound 3-4 feet tall and wide	Lavender-pink	Bronze-red	Very good	Slow grower; great in container
‘Enduring Summer’	Rounded 4-5 feet tall and wide	White or red	Burgundy-red	Very good	Long blooming early summer through fall. Hardy from zone 6-9.
‘Pocomoke’	Mounding, 2-3 feet high, 3-4 feet wide	Rosy pink	Bronze-red	High	Great in containers; no pruning needed; heavy bloomer; cold hardy
Razzle Dazzle series	Mounding, 3-4 feet high and wide	See comments	Burgundy	Good	Begins blooming a little later than most crepe myrtles, usually in July; selections include ‘Cherry Dazzle’ (our favorite), cherry-red blooms; ‘Diamond Dazzle,’ white blooms; and ‘Sweetheart Dazzle,’ bubble-gum-pink
‘Summerlasting’	3 feet tall and wide	Raspberry, White, Bright pink, Plum	Bronze	Good	Long bloom season; does great in containers; zone 7-10
‘Tightwad Red’	Tight mound 3-4 feet tall and wide	Deep red	Burgundy	High	Small leaves emerge wine-red in spring, changing to deep green in summer; sterile—no seed pods; cold hardy
‘Victor’	Compact, 3-5 feet tall and wide	Deep red	Orange-yellow	Good	Cold hardy

Semi-Dwarf or Short Crepe Myrtles

Name	Form/Height	Flower Color	Fall Foliage	Mildew Resistance	Comments
‘Acoma’	Arching, spreading, 6-10 feet tall and wide	White	Reddish purple	High	Handsome, light gray bark; repeat bloomer; cold hardy; our favorite white
‘Delta Jazz’ (part of the Southern Living Plant Collection)	Upright, 6-10 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide	Pink	Burgundy	Good	Dark burgundy leaves are main attraction; not a heavy bloomer
Early Bird series(part of the Southern Living Plant Collection)	Upright, 5-8 feet high, 3-4 feet wide	White, lavender or purple	Burgundy-red	Good	Blooms earlier than most crepe myrtles, as early as Mother’s Day; reblooms over summer, offering over 100 days of blooms; great in containers
‘Hopi’	Spreading, bushy, 7-10 feet tall and wide	Medium pink	Orange-red	High	Handsome, gray-brown bark; repeat bloomer; cold hardy
Magic series	Rounded, bushy, 7-10 feet tall and wide	See comments	Light yellow	Good	Selections include ‘Coral Magic’ (coral-pink blooms), ‘Plum Magic’ (fuchsia-pink), and ‘Purple Magic’ (purple); new growth emerges red-dish and then changes to deep green
‘Red Rooster’	Upright, 8-10 feet tall, 5 feet wide	Bright red	Red	Good	New foliage emerges maroon-red; cold hardy
‘Siren Red’	Rounded, 8-10 feet tall and wide	Dark red	Yellow	High	New foliage emerges wine-red and then changes to dark green
‘Velma’s Royal Delight	Bushy, 4-6 feet tall and wide	Rich, magenta-purple	Yellow-orange	Good	Gorgeous fl owers; handsome bark; cold hardy
‘White Chocolate’	8-10 feet tall and wide	White	Orange and yellow	Good	Beautiful in the landscape; leaves emerge maroon, then change to burgundy-green
‘Zuni’	Vase-shaped, spreading, 6-10 feet tall and wide	Medium lavender	Orange-red	High	Graceful form, long bloomer, hand-some bark, cold hardy; our favorite lavender

Medium Crepe Myrtles

Name	Form/Height	Flower Color	Fall Foliage	Mildew Resistance	Comments
Black Diamond series	Upright, spreading, 10-12 feet tall, 8 feet wide	See comments	Deep purple	Good	These new trademarked plants are the same as the Ebony series developed by the USDA; they’re noted for striking, blackish purple foliage and contrasting flowers of red, pink, and white; selections include ‘Best Red’ (‘Ebony Flame’), ‘Blush’ (‘Ebony Glow’), ‘Crimson Red’ (‘Ebony Fire’), and ‘Pure White’ (‘Ebony & Ivory’)
‘Burgundy Cotton’	Upright to 12 feet tall, 6-7 feet wide	White	Burgundy	Good	Burgundy flower buds; leaves emerge wine-red and then change to burgundy-green; fast grower
‘Catawba’	Upright, 12-15 feet tall, 8-10 feet wide	Deep purple	Orange-red	Good	Cold hardy; our favorite purple
‘Comanche’	Upright spreading, 12-15 feet tall and wide	Coral-pink	Orange-red	High	Handsome tan to sandalwood bark; cold hardy
‘Dynamite’	Upright, 15-20 feet tall, 10 feet wide	Cherry-red	Orange-red	Good	Flowers may develop white flecking if they open on cool, overcast days; nearly seedless; new growth is crim-son, changing to green; cold hardy
‘Lipan’	Upright, spreading, 15-20 feet tall and wide	Medium lavender	Orange	High	Beautiful white to beige bark; cold hardy
‘Near East’	Open, vase-shaped, 10-15 feet tall and wide	Soft pink	Yellow	Fair to good	Beautiful blooms; not very cold hardy; not for Middle or Upper South
‘Osage’	Open, arching to pendulous, 15-20 ft. tall and wide	Clear, light pink	Red	High	Outstanding, chestnut-brown bark; heavy and long bloomer
‘Pink Velour’	Upright to vase-shaped, 10-12 feet tall and wide	Neon pink	Yellow	Good	Very showy blooms; leaves emerge wine-red and then change to burgundy-green; nearly seedless
‘Red Rocket’	Upright to 15-10 feet tall, 15 feet wide	Cherry-red	Orange-red	Good	Huge flower clusters; flowers open-ing on cool, overcast days may show white flecking; new growth is red and then changes to deep green; cold hardy; our favorite red
‘Regal Red’	Upright to rounded, 15-20 feet tall and wide	Vivid, deep red	Red-orange	Good	Heavy bloomer; handsome bark; cold hardy
‘Rhapsody in Pink’	Upright to rounded, 12-15 feet tall and wide	Soft pink	Yellow-orange	Good	Seedless; leaves emerge purple and hold color through summer; flower clusters rebloom
‘Sioux’	Upright to 15-20 feet tall, 15 feet wide	Bright pink	Red	High	Heavy and long bloomer; smooth, light-brown bark; susceptible to leaf spot in high rainfall areas
‘Tonto’	Rounded, 10-12 feet tall and wide	Red	Maroon	High	Handsome, cream-colored to gray bark
‘Tuscarora’	Vase-shaped, 15-20 feet tall and wide	Deep coral-pink	Orange-red	High	Handsome, mottled, light brown bark
‘Yuma’	Upright, vase-shaped, 12-15 feet tall and wide	Medium lavender	Yellow-orange	Good	Beautiful blooms; handsome, light gray bark; cold hardy

Tall Crepe Myrtles

Name	Form/Height	Flower Color	Fall Foliage	Mildew Resistance	Comments
‘Arapaho’	Upright, vase-shaped, 18-25 feet tall and wide	Intense red	Maroon	High	Handsome, tan bark; fast grower; cold hardy
‘Basham’s Party Pink’	Upright, spreading, to 50 feet tall and wide	Lavender-pink	Orange-red	Good	Very popular in south Texas; not very cold hardy; not recommended for Upper and Middle South
‘Biloxi’	Upright, vase-shaped, to 35 feet tall, 15 feet wide	Light pink	Yellow-orange to red	High	Fast grower; beautiful, chestnut-brown bark; cold hardy
‘Miami’	Upright, spreading, 18-25 feet tall and wide	Deep pink	Orange-red	High	Outstanding, chestnut-brown bark; cold hardy; our favorite pink
‘Muskogee’	Broad, spreading, to 30 feet tall and wide	Light lavender	Orange-red	High	Handsome, light gray-brown bark; long bloomer; cold hardy
‘Natchez’	Upright, arching, to 35 feet tall and wide	White	Orange-red	High	Spectacular, cinnamon-brown bark; fast grower; long bloomer; most widely planted crepe myrtle in the South
‘Tuskegee’	Broad, spreading, 18-25 feet tall and wide	Dark rose-pink	Orange-red	High	Mottled, light tan bark; long bloomer
‘William Toovey’	Upright, spreading, 18-25 feet tall and wide	Watermelon-red	Orange-red	Good	Often sold as ‘Watermelon Red’; fi rst named crepe myrtle selection
‘Twilight’	20 – 25 feet tall and 10 -15 feet wide.	Deep purple	Orange, yellow, Burgundy	Good	Bronze leaf in early spring then green for summer. Blooms June through frost. Beautiful mottled bark. Zones 7-9

Crepe Myrtle Overview

Crepe Myrtles are popular in landscapes for several reasons:

• Aesthetic Appeal: They produce an abundance of flowers in various colors, including pink, white, red, and purple.
• Versatility: They can be grown as trees or shrubs, fitting well into different garden styles.
• Resilience: Crepe Myrtles are hardy and can thrive in various soil conditions.

However, like all plants, they require proper care to avoid issues like discolored leaves. Let’s delve into the reasons behind the red and yellow leaves on Crepe Myrtles.

Causes of Red Leaves on Crepe Myrtles

1. Seasonal Changes

One of the most common reasons for red leaves on Crepe Myrtles is the natural transition to fall. As temperatures drop and daylight decreases, Crepe Myrtles, like many deciduous plants, prepare for winter by entering a state of dormancy. This process involves the breakdown of chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, revealing the red, orange, and yellow pigments that were previously masked.

• Observation: If the red leaves appear in late summer or fall, it is likely part of the natural aging process.
• Action: No action is needed. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

2. Nutrient Deficiency

Another possible cause of red leaves is a deficiency in certain nutrients, particularly phosphorus. Phosphorus is vital for energy transfer and photosynthesis in plants, and its deficiency can cause leaves to turn reddish-purple.

• Observation: Check if other symptoms of phosphorus deficiency are present, such as stunted growth and dark green foliage with reddish undersides.
• Action: Conduct a soil test to confirm the deficiency. If confirmed, amend the soil with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer.

3. Water Stress

Water stress, either from overwatering or underwatering, can also cause Crepe Myrtle leaves to turn red. Insufficient water limits the plant’s ability to take up nutrients while overwatering can lead to root rot, both of which stress the plant.

• Observation: Check the soil moisture. Consistently wet or extremely dry soil could indicate water stress.
• Action: Adjust watering practices to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

4. Pests and Diseases

Certain pests and diseases can cause Crepe Myrtle leaves to turn red. For instance, aphids secrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold, a fungal growth that affects photosynthesis.

• Observation: Look for signs of pests such as aphids, or fungal growth on leaves.
• Action: Use appropriate pesticides or natural predators to control pests and remove affected leaves to prevent the spread of disease.

Diagnosing and Addressing Leaf Discoloration

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Observe the Timing: Determine when the discoloration occurs. Seasonal changes usually affect leaf color in late summer or fall.
2. Inspect Soil Moisture: Check if the soil is too wet or too dry, indicating potential water stress.
3. Examine Nutrient Levels: Conduct a soil test to check for nutrient deficiencies.
4. Look for Pests and Diseases: Identify any signs of pest infestation or disease.

Practical Solutions

• Water Management: Adjust watering practices to ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.
• Soil Amendments: Add fertilizers based on soil test results to correct nutrient deficiencies.
• Pest and Disease Control: Use appropriate treatments to manage pests and diseases effectively.

Preventive Measures for Healthy Crepe Myrtles

Maintaining the health of your Crepe Myrtle involves proactive care. Here are some preventive measures:

1. Proper Watering

• Regular Monitoring: Check soil moisture regularly to prevent both overwatering and underwatering.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

2. Nutrient Management

• Balanced Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.
• Soil Testing: Conduct periodic soil tests to monitor nutrient levels and adjust fertilization accordingly.

3. Pest and Disease Prevention

• Routine Inspection: Regularly inspect your Crepe Myrtle for signs of pests and diseases.
• Prompt Treatment: Address any issues immediately to prevent them from spreading and causing significant damage.

4. Pruning and Maintenance

• Proper Pruning: Prune your Crepe Myrtle to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of disease.
• Cleaning Debris: Remove fallen myrtles leaves and debris around the plant to prevent pest and disease infestations.

Additional Tips for Crepe Myrtle Care

• Selecting the Right Location: Ensure your Crepe Myrtle is planted in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Choosing the Right Variety: Select a Crepe Myrtle variety that is well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
• Winter Protection: In colder climates, protect your Crepe Myrtle from harsh winter conditions by mulching around the base and using protective coverings if necessary.

Conclusion

Crepe Myrtles are resilient and beautiful additions to any landscape, but they require proper care to maintain their health and vibrant appearance. Understanding the causes behind red leaves can help you diagnose and address issues promptly, ensuring your Crepe Myrtle thrives. By implementing preventive measures and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of your Crepe Myrtle year after year.

Maintaining healthy Crepe Myrtles involves a combination of proper watering, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and regular maintenance. By paying attention to the specific needs of your plant and addressing any issues early, you can ensure that your Crepe Myrtle remains a vibrant and attractive feature in your garden.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant about your plant’s needs, you can keep your Crepe Myrtle healthy and beautiful, enjoying its vibrant blooms and colorful foliage throughout the seasons.