Sioux Crape Myrtle question

[Linksys7]

Hi, I bought a couple Sioux Crape Myrtle and they are about a week and a half planted now. Was just curious if the color changes in the leaves and branches look normal? They were all dark green when I first got the trees, but now have changed. Some areas are still dark green while others have changed, and it doesnt appear to be new growth.

 

[Chuck]

Hi, I bought a couple Sioux Crape Myrtle and they are about a week and a half planted now. Was just curious if the color changes in the leaves and branches look normal? They were all dark green when I first got the trees, but now have changed. Some areas are still dark green while others have changed, and it doesnt appear to be new growth.View attachment 55323View attachment 55324

It is not normal for changes to be this drastic but what is probably happening is just a bad case of transplant shock and the plant should grow out of it. Did you put anything into the hole or mix anything into the soil? Please show a picture of the base of the plant.

 

[Linksys7]

I dug the hole, got rid of native soil, replaced with miracle grow organic potting soil, then watered in.

 

[Chuck]

I dug the hole, got rid of native soil, replaced with miracle grow organic potting soil, then watered in.

When one plants a tree he should ALWAYS use the native soil as backfill. You shouldn't even mix fertilizer in with it. What you have effectively done is limit the outward growth of the root system. The roots of the tree will want to stay in that super rich fertilized soil and will not move outward. They will grow in a circle and in time will become what is know as encircling roots, which can severely affect a tree. Your tree is suffering from severe transplant and fertilizer shock. You should dig up the tree and replant. Do not dig a round hole but instead a squarish hole. The hole should be just deep enough to allow the root flare to be exposed and no deeper. When your tree regains its health and looks normal again fertilize on the top of the soil.

 

[Linksys7]

Ok, I planted the tree based on the instructions I received with them from the nursery. Thank you for the information.

 

[Chuck]

Ok, I planted the tree based on the instructions I received with them from the nursery. Thank you for the information.

If you were planting a tomato plant it would be correct but trees are different. You should take that picture to that so called nursery and have them explain it. Let me know what they say.

 

[DirtMechanic]

When one plants a tree he should ALWAYS use the native soil as backfill. You shouldn't even mix fertilizer in with it. What you have effectively done is limit the outward growth of the root system. The roots of the tree will want to stay in that super rich fertilized soil and will not move outward. They will grow in a circle and in time will become what is know as encircling roots, which can severely affect a tree. Your tree is suffering from severe transplant and fertilizer shock. You should dig up the tree and replant. Do not dig a round hole but instead a squarish hole. The hole should be just deep enough to allow the root flare to be exposed and no deeper. When your tree regains its health and looks normal again fertilize on the top of the soil.

After one year.

 

[Chuck]

After one year.

You are correct. I should have stated that, but, in my mind everyone uses organic fertilizers in which case it is 4-6 months but with synthetics/chemicals at least a year. It will take 4-6 months for the tree to regain its health and growth. If it were me I'd take the tree back, retrieve my money and go to a different nursery. There really should be some sort of reparations for this type of thing.

 

[DirtMechanic]

You are correct. I should have stated that, but, in my mind everyone uses organic fertilizers in which case it is 4-6 months but with synthetics/chemicals at least a year. It will take 4-6 months for the tree to regain its health and growth. If it were me I'd take the tree back, retrieve my money and go to a different nursery. There really should be some sort of reparations for this type of thing.

I dunno..Its really hard to kill a crepe myrtle.

 

[Linksys7]

I ordered them from The Crape Myrtle Company

 

[Chuck]

I dunno..Its really hard to kill a crepe myrtle.

It's the heat of the summer. I bet the tree will lose all of its leaves. If it can provide photosynthesis it will survive. If not????????????? I guess it might be the time to get some SuperThrive

 

[DirtMechanic]

It's the heat of the summer. I bet the tree will lose all of its leaves. If it can provide photosynthesis it will survive. If not?????????????

Yeah- the tender start. The roots are famous for being resilient though.

 

[Chuck]

Yeah- the tender start. The roots are famous for being resilient though.

Yeah, in an established tree. A young tree doesn't have all that many feeder roots to lose to fertilizer burn before bad things start to happen.

 

[Chuck]

I dug the hole, got rid of native soil, replaced with miracle grow organic potting soil, then watered in.

I will try to help you save your tree. First, remove the tree and wash away all of that potting soil. Dig a new hole shallower than the first
one. Your tree is buried too deep. Backfill with native soil. The root flare should be visible after planting. DO NOT cover the root flare or let mulch touch the trunk,. Go to a nursery or big box store and get a small bottle of SuperThrive. Apply as a soil drench as per directions and DO NOT FERTILIZE. Do not be surprised if your tree loses all of its leaves. Do not let the soil DRY more than 1/2 an index finger deep. Keep moist but not wet. Use the SuperThrive every other watering.

 

[Linksys7]

Ok

 

[DirtMechanic]

Superthrive is 1.25 mL or 1\4 teaspoon per gallon water. It promotes tip growth. Bushiness is a good way to describe it. This is both the roots and the above ground parts of the plant. It wont make a plant bigger, just bushier, if that makes sense. Chuck is describing a mild hormone stimulant. Good idea.

 

[Chuck]

I ordered them from The Crape Myrtle Company

You might find this interesting

The Crape Myrtle Company | Better Business Bureau® Profile

This organization is not BBB accredited. Wholesale Plants in Archer, FL. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more.

www.bbb.org

 

[Linksys7]

Yes I looked at that already but thanx. I was looking at the leaves again on the tree and noticed something weird. I was concerned with the coloration change but, if you look at this new photo the leaves have a line of color change. M wondering now if it isn't the black mulch I put down. It stains my hands when it's new, is it possible the tree is sucking this up from the soil?

 

[Linksys7]

 

[Chuck]

View attachment 55344

It is not from the mulch. Is the green just starting or is the blackish color getting larger and erasing the green?