Fertilizing Crape Myrtles for Better Blooms: Acidifying Fertilizer + Proper Pruning

Reader Question: Healthy Crape Myrtles with Minimal Blooms—What to Feed?

"Four crape myrtles look healthy but bloom poorly. What and when to fertilize?"

Expert Answer: Light Feeding with Acidifying Fertilizer

• Product: Espoma Holly-tone (acidifying, organic) or similar.
• Timing: Early spring + half-rate in early August.
• Rate: ½ lb per large bush (less for small). Spread evenly under canopy, away from trunk.
• Water in well after each application.

Critical Cultural Practices

• Mulch 2–3 inches out to drip line (keep off trunk).
• Prune only in late winter/early spring before buds form. Summer pruning removes flower buds.
• Water: Deep soak weekly or biweekly in hot months.

Crape myrtles bloom on new wood, so spring pruning is fine—but don't over-fertilize. Excess nitrogen = leaves, not flowers.