Black Diamond® Crimson Red™ Crape Myrtle

1. Planting: Crape Myrtles thrive in full to partial sun, so choose a spot with well-drained soil and 4 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.

After you have found your planting area, dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Comb your hands over the root ball to free up the roots a bit before planting. Place your tree in the hole and make sure that the root crown (where the root ball meets the trunk of the tree) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and water to settle the tree's roots. Finally, mulch the area around the tree to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: Though they are drought tolerant once established, you may have to water young trees more often, especially in the summer heat. If you're not sure when to water, however, simply check the surrounding 3 inches of soil for dryness and water when this area is dry.

3. Fertilizing: Crape Myrtles greatly benefit from a light application of a complete, balanced, slow-release fertilizer formula in the early spring and summer seasons..

4. Pruning: For a more graceful tree shape, remove all but 4 to 5 strong trunks and then remove the lateral branches around the lower half of the tree. Remove any damaged or crossing branches during the late winter, as well as any suckers or low-growing branches.