4 year old crepe myrtle fails to bloom (again)

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wheelbug Keller, TX Jul 12, 2010

Hi,

After 3+ years of researching and trying things, I'm asking for any suggestions for my crepe myrtle that continues to fail to bloom. Let me clarify. It has an abundance of buds--they just never open--except on the suckers below. The blooms from the suckers are really nice.

This year, I pruned it heavily before any new growth because it had dealt with powdery mildew previously. Well, the mildew issue is gone, the leaves are twice as large, and the plant looks healthy--with lots of buds. Except the buds simply shrivel up and never open. If it were a shade issue, I would think the suckers wouldn't open either. (By the way, I know I should prune the suckers off, but it's the only way I get to see flowers--they are a beautiful red!)

I have paid more attention to watering this year, which may be why the plant is healthier overall, but no blooms. The only possiblity I have is that somehow my neighbor's continued overfertilization of his yard could be causing too much nitrogen. But, then why do the suckers still bloom?

I thought surely with the last two weeks of cooler temps and rain that it would bloom, but no such luck. By the way, this is in Texas where I now have a lilac that is about to bloom in July! I just don't get it. I transplanted a whole crepe myrtle (white) to my back yard several months ago where it gets the same amount of water, more shade, and has been horribly mistreated over the last 20 years (shredded mulitple times by my dad). Even it has decided to put out some late blooms after recovering nicely from transplantation. Yet, I can't get this stupid red crepe myrtle to bloom in my front yard! Sorry to be lengthy, but I'm trying to avoid information I've already looked up. I need something new (besides tear the thing down!). Advice?

Thanks!

Post #7963134
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Tylersays Madison Heights, VA Jul 14, 2010

I can't offer any real help - BUT, I can sympathize.
We had a Wisteria we nursed for almost 20 years and while it thrived and grew it never produced a single bloom.

He was a viney vine.
He put on a leafy show.
He disappeared into a mulch pile one afternoon,
never again to grow.

R.I.P.

Post #7969700
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wheelbug Keller, TX Jul 19, 2010

: ) Pretty funny.

Post #7981315
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