Non-Blooming Crape Myrtle: Sunlight and Fertilization

Non-Blooming Crape Myrtle: Sunlight and Fertilization

A 3-year-old crape myrtle that never blooms likely lacks two things: full sun (6+ hours) and adequate nutrition. Shade from maturing surroundings may be the primary issue.

Action Plan

• Assess sunlight; if <6 hours, consider transplanting (risky) or accepting foliage-only.
• Fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter, scattered and watered in.
• Apply just before rain to avoid watering labor.
• Prune in late winter to encourage new flowering wood.

Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth; fertilization and sun drive flower production.