I have an infestation of aphids on my crepe myrtles. I have tried neem oil and Bayer Advanced Spray and they are still there. What can I do?
I have a method that is powerful, natural, yet gentle enough to be used at any time, and as often as needed. The method is as follows:
First, you will want to prime the soil with dolomitic lime, then spread wettable sulfur to Kill off any infection in the soil. I Also like to spray the plant itself. Mix a few drops of one or more of these ingredients into warm water with a spoonful of coconut oil: Rosemary oil, lavender oil, neem oil, garlic oil, cinnamon extract/oil and for really bad cases, also add clove oil.
Here are some other organic means of controlling pests: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm
When can I transplant my crape myrtle? When the leaves are gone or when it stops flowering?
This is best transplanted when the shrub has gone dormant for the season. Here is an article with more information about the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm
Why is my crêpe myrtle producing a tomato?
This is because you have a tree that is called "Tamarillo". This is not a crape myrtle. It was just a case of mis-identification. This tree is in the Solanaceae family.
Here is some more information on the tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tree-tomato/grow-tree-tomato-tamarillo.htm
I bought two dozen white crape myrtles and their leaves are as attached pictures. Is that a fungus? Chamomile tea sprinkled on it will help? Many thanks! Marcelo Bumbel
This can start to happen naturally during cold weather. If this is not the case then I would suspect a fungal infection. If you do suspect a fungal infection, then prime the soil with wettable sulfur and dolomitic lime. This article will give you more information on the care of the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm
When is the proper time of year to prune crepe myrtle?
Late winter, or early spring is the general consensus. I would prune during these times. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm
Do Crape Myrtle trees periodically shed and regrow leaves? Is this a seasonal occurrence?
The moss will not harm the tree, and yes, this is perfectly normal. They will regrow after dormancy. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm
When is the best time to cut them back? I live in central Alabama.
Ideally, the best time to prune these is in early spring or later winter, during dormancy. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm