Crape myrtles are called the lilacs of the south and rightfully so. They look like lilacs, begin to bloom at about the time the northern lilacs finish their spring displays and have lilac-like colors. All that is really missing is the fragrance. Even though we are familiar with crape myrtles many questions do arise.

Someone always feels they are being left out of the neighborhood display at least for a while. A common question is why isn't my crape myrtle in bloom? Well, not all crape myrtles bloom at the same time as there are many different varieties. Also have you noticed crape myrtles near the street lights are some of the first to bloom. They are influenced by the length of the day and street lights can extend the day to bring them into flower. Crape myrtle receiving some shade and those that have been heavily pruned may also be the last to bloom.

Sometimes it is a little scary and many gardeners want to know why the bark is peeling. This is natural and it's the plants way of renewing the outer layer. When the bark peels it helps remove unwanted moss, lichens and sometimes insect pests. Often the inner layer of new bark is a creamy to cinnamon color gardeners enjoy.

Here is another question gardeners ask. Can crape myrtles be pruned at this time of the year? Many practice removing the seed pods formed during the summer by cutting the stems back to about the thickness of a pencil or larger. This encourages new growth and more blooms. This type of pruning can be continued through early September. Suckers from the base can be removed as well as entangle limbs and shoots growing out of control.

One final question is what care is needed during the summer? Crape myrtles are drought tolerant but grow best in a moist soil. So, if you want growth and good flowering water when the rains fail to provide adequate moisture. Plantings also like a feeding in June and again in August. This keeps them growing and flowering. Some gardeners also notice black sooty mold on the leaves during the summer. This is due to aphids or whiteflies feeding in the new growths. It can be ignored or you could use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil spray to get all these pests under control - just follow label instructions.