I just bought this house and it has a crepe myrtle in the front yard. I love crepe myrtles but this one isn't doing so hot. I am near Charleston, SC (originally from Illinois) so I see moss and stuff growing on everything but I am thinking perhaps that is what is wrong with this tree? Maybe it doesn't like whatever this is growing on it? Does anyone know what it is and how I can fix it?
Looks like a crusty type of lichen. I don't think it will hurt your CM. I think it is like having Spanish moss hanging off old oak trees
This message was edited Apr 26, 2014 8:47 PM
Do you know anything else that might be ailing my tree? It definitely isn't doing well and hasn't been since before I moved here. It is disappointing! He produced a grand total of ONE flower this year. He gets full sun and regular water.
That is (are) different types of Lichens on the Crape Myrtle. They are harmless. They do not indicate an unhealthy plant.
Can you take some pictures of the leaves fairly close up and from farther back? Especially show any leaves that are not looking good. Discolored, burned tips or edges, fungus growth on the leaves... ANYTHING that shows what you mean by not doing well.
It is too early here for them to bloom. I usually do not see the first flowers until June, and most are in bloom from July through September.
Some Crape Myrtles are susceptible to powdery mildew. Look up some images of that and see if the leaves of your plant are showing any of the signs.
