Question
Planted a lovely Cape Myrtle shrub in June 06 and it was gorgeous all summer and fall. It gets full sun and the leaves appear to be very healthy. It is now the end of July 07 and not a flower or bud in sight. I live in Long Island< New York. Suggestions for care would be appreciated.  Thanks

Answer
Audrey,

The majority of the time it is pruning that is at fault for non-blooming Crape Myrtles. If the plant was pruned in the spring, then most (if not all) of the flower buds were pruned off as these plants flower on the current years growth. The best time to prune is in August.

These plants do best in full sun- if they are not in full sun, then there will be reduced flowering. High nitrogen fertilizers can also contribute to no blooms.

I hope this helps.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen