Newly Planted Crepe Myrtle Wilting-overwatered?

Question

I live in AZ. Bought a crepe myrtle at local nursery. I have clay-like soil. I mixed native soil (I had a crepe myrtle for many years in this same location in yard. Sunny location. My previous crepe myrtle lasted many many years!) and a 50-50 tree / shrub planting soil. Topped it off with a light layer of mulch, Leaving top 1”-2” above ground level. It was doing fabulous for about 5 days. Watered moderately …this morning, she’s completely suited! I pulled out soil around her root ball to see. ..it feels moist. Neither dry nor wet/soggy. It feels ideal, really. If anything, more moist than dry. So, I thought I’d leave some of the dirt/soil out for the day. No improvement. Have the base of her some water this evening. No improvement. Every bit od her is wilting. No otter signs iOS problems on her leaves/trunk, etc. I literally want to cry. Should I take her out of her hole? I’m at a loss! Overwatered? Underwatered? Please help!

Answer 1

I notice that the temperatures in your area have been very high. This, combined with stress of planting, and attempting to mitigate heat with water may have done the shrub in, unfortunately.

This will be, best, planted early in the season, or later in the season. Cooler temperatures will keep you from having to water as often, and will not stress the tree out as much. I would opt to try again later in the year, closer to autumn.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle