crape myrtle

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit VIII' RHAPSODY IN PINK) should be watered deeply at least once a week. Water in the morning on dry days and avoid wetting foliage to prevent diseases. Make sure the topsoil is soft and moist before watering. If the topsoil is dry, provide enough water to allow some runoff. Wait to water again until the topsoil is dry again. Monitor the soil moisture and water more often during warmer months. During the hot summer, water about twice a week. Under hot, dry conditions, increase waterings up to 3 times a week.

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit VIII' RHAPSODY IN PINK) is best suited for full sun, which is typically 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure each day. While this plant can tolerate some shade, it is less likely to thrive and bloom as well as it could if planted in direct sun. For optimum growth and flowering, it is recommended that this plant is placed in an area that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day.

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit VIII' RHAPSODY IN PINK) should be pruned once a year, in late winter while the plants are still dormant. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, then remove any crossing branches to ensure good air circulation. It is also helpful to reduce the size of the tree by selectively pruning branches back to the base of the trunk or lateral branches to create a more manageable size. Pruning should be limited to no more than 25% of the total plant the first year and no more than 15% of the total plant each year afterwards. It can also help to thin out the interior of the plant to increase air flow. The proper pruning that is done at the right stage is key to obtain optimal blooming.