If you’re wondering when to plant crape myrtles in Oklahoma, timing is your first step to success. Getting this right gives your tree the best start, helping it establish strong roots before facing our state’s tough summers and winters.
This guide will walk you through the best planting times and the simple steps to ensure your crape myrtle thrives for years to come.
When to Plant Crape Myrtles in Oklahoma
The absolute best time to plant crape myrtles in Oklahoma is in the spring. Aim for after the last average frost date in your area, typically from mid-April to early May.
Fall is your second-best option. Planting in early fall, around late September to mid-October, allows the roots to grow in the still-warm soil without the stress of summer heat.
Why Spring Planting is Ideal
Spring offers the perfect conditions. The soil is warming up, and rain is usually more reliable. This gives your crape myrtle a full growing season to develop its root system before it goes dormant in winter.
- Root Establishment: The tree can focus all its energy on growing roots.
- Seasonal Rainfall: You’ll get more natural help from spring rains.
- Acclimation Time: It will be strong enough to handle its first Oklahoma summer.
The Fall Planting Window
Fall planting can be very successful if done correctly. The key is to plant early enough. The tree needs about six weeks of mild weather for its roots to settle in before a hard freeze arrives.
- Plant too late, and the roots won’t establish, making the tree vulnerable to winter kill.
- A good rule is to get it in the ground at least a month before your first expected hard frost.
Times to Avoid Planting
You should avoid planting during the peak of summer (July-August) and the dead of winter. Summer’s intense heat and drought stress can shock or kill a new tree. Frozen ground in winter makes planting impossible and roots cannot grow.
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle for Oklahoma
Selecting a variety suited to our climate is just as important as timing. Look for cold-hardy and disease-resistant types.
Consider Mature Size
One of the biggest mistakes is planting a large variety in a small space. Crape myrtles come in dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard sizes. Choose one that fits the space you have without needing excessive pruning.
Popular Oklahoma-Tough Varieties
- Natchez: White flowers, exfoliating bark, very hardy.
- Muskogee: Lavender blooms, fast-growing, and reliable.
- Tuscarora: Bright coral-pink flowers with excellent mildew resistance.
- Sioux: Vibrant pink blooms and a strong, upright form.
- Pocomoke: A great dwarf option with deep pink flowers.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you have your tree and the right time, follow these steps for planting success.
1. Pick the Perfect Spot
Crape myrtles need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun means fewer blooms. Ensure the spot has well-drained soil; they hate “wet feet.”
2. Prepare the Planting Hole
Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball. The depth should be just deep enough so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground. Do not plant it to deep!
3. Handle and Place the Tree
Gently remove the tree from its container. If the roots are circling, loosen them gently. Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring it’s straight.
4. Backfill and Water
Backfill the hole with the native soil you removed. You can mix in a little compost, but avoid heavy amendments. As you fill, water periodically to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
5. Mulch and Initial Care
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like pine bark) around the base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Give it a thorough, deep watering to finish.
Caring for Your Newly Planted Crape Myrtle
The first year is critical for establishment. Your main job is consistent watering.
Watering Schedule
- First Few Weeks: Water deeply every other day, unless it rains.
- First Growing Season: Water deeply once a week. During extreme Oklahoma heat, you may need to water twice a week.
- After First Year: Established crape myrtles are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during extended dry periods.
Pruning and Fertilizing
Do not prune at planting time. In fact, avoid major pruning for the first year. Let the tree focus on roots. In late winter of the second year, you can begin shaping. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient; to much can cause leafy growth instead of flowers.
Winter Protection for Young Trees
A young crape myrtle may need protection in its first Oklahoma winter. After the tree drops its leaves, you can wrap the lower trunk with a tree guard or burlap. A layer of extra mulch around the base also helps insulate the roots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- “Crape Murder”: Avoid severe topping or chopping back the main trunks. This ruins their natural shape and leads to weak growth.
- Overwatering: Soggy soil is a fast track to root rot. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Wrong Location: Planting in shade, a low wet spot, or where it will outgrow its space causes long-term problems.
- Over-fertilizing: This encourages leaves, not blooms, and can make the tree less hardy.
FAQ: Planting Crape Myrtles in Oklahoma
Can I plant crape myrtles in the summer if I water them a lot?
It’s not recommended. The extreme heat and transplant shock are a dangerous combination, even with extra water. The stress can set the tree back significantly or kill it. It’s better to wait for fall.
What is the absolute last date to plant in the fall?
Aim to have your tree in the ground by mid-October. This gives the roots enough time to establish before soil temperatures drop to low for growth. Check your local first frost date and plant at least 6 weeks before.
Is it better to plant a container tree or a bare-root tree?
For most gardeners, container-grown trees from a local nursery are the best choice. They establish faster and can be planted throughout the growing season (though spring/fall are still best). Bare-root trees are very fragile and need immediate planting in early spring while dormant.
How do I protect my new crape myrtle from Oklahoma wind?
Staking can help for the first year. Drive two stakes into the ground on opposite sides of the tree. Use wide, flexible ties to secure the trunk, allowing some movement. Remove the stakes after one year to prevent trunk weakness.
My soil is heavy clay. Can I still grow crape myrtles?
Yes, but you must improve drainage. Plant in a raised mound or berm, and amend the planting hole generously with compost or expanded shale to break up the clay. This prevents water from pooling around the roots.
By choosing the right time—primarily spring—and following these simple steps, you’ll give your crape myrtle a fantastic foundation. With proper placement and care, it will reward you with decades of beautiful, resilient blooms that handle the Oklahoma weather with grace.