Help Crepe Myrtle rooots taking over flowerbed

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angedawn47 Lake Charles, LA Oct 24, 2010

The previous owners of my house planted Crepe Myrtle trees in the flowerbeds in front of my house. Every spring I end up digging and chopping Crepe Myrtle roots so that I can plant flowers.
I was wondering if I raise the bed even more if the roots will take over the new soil also. Would it help to use weed barrier or something else? I'm wondering if I should just plant bushes in those beds and forget about planting flowers every year.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Angela

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Oct 26, 2010

Since you have Crape Myrtles in the bed already why don't you widen the bed so you can plant without competing with the roots? Adding a lot of extra soil on top of tree roots is harmful to the tree. Ground covers are usually shallow so you can plant on top of the roots without adding extra soil, I like hen and chicks or sedum for that reason.

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angedawn47 Lake Charles, LA Nov 03, 2010

Thank you so much, flowAjen. The sedums and ground cover are great ideas.

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Nov 03, 2010

you're welcome☺

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BSD Conway, SC Nov 04, 2010

I can really relate to your problem with Crape Myrtles. They will completely take over a bed. FlowAjens suggestions are great. These are some I know will come up around the roots. Daffodils in the center with creeping phlox at edge of bed. These should bloom at the same time. Also, canna lillies in the back are not bothered by the roots. I also incorporated some varigated liriope between the phlox. These I know work but like you, I have had much difficulty creating a flower bed in this area. All that we have suggested are perennials so you can plant them and forget them. You just have to go with what works.
Good luck !

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