Crape Myrtle Companion Plants: How to Choose the Right Ones for Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous April 03, 2022 Post a Comment

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Crape myrtles are one of the most popular flowering trees in the US, and for good reason. They are easy to grow, have beautiful flowers, and come in a wide range of sizes and colors. However, if you want to create a truly stunning garden, it's important to choose the right companion plants to complement your crape myrtles. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best crape myrtle companion plants and how to incorporate them into your garden.

Why Choose Companion Plants for Crape Myrtles?

Companion plants are an essential part of any garden design. They not only add visual interest and texture but also provide functional benefits such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and providing shade and support to other plants. When it comes to crape myrtles, companion plants can enhance their beauty, highlight their unique features, and extend their blooming season.

Best Crape Myrtle Companion Plants:

Grasses and Groundcovers:

Crape myrtles have beautiful trunks and bark that can be showcased by planting grasses or groundcovers around their base. Some great options include:

Japanese Forestgrass - this low-growing grass has beautiful variegated leaves that create a striking contrast against the smooth trunk of a crape myrtle.
Variegated Liriope - this evergreen groundcover has long, narrow leaves and produces spikes of purple flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.
Carex - this versatile grass comes in a variety of colors and textures and is ideal for planting around the base of a crape myrtle.

Shrubs:

Shrubs are a great way to add height and dimension to your garden while complementing the beauty of your crape myrtles. Some of the best shrubs to plant with crape myrtles include:

Bottlebrush - this evergreen shrub produces bright red flowers that bloom in summer and fall, making it an ideal companion plant for crape myrtles.
Abelia - this deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub has beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.
Hydrangea - this popular shrub has large blooms that come in a range of colors and can be used to add color and texture to your garden.

Vines:

Vines are a great way to add vertical interest to your garden, and they can also help to provide shade and support for your crape myrtles. Some of the best vines to plant with crape myrtles include:

Clematis - this vine produces beautiful flowers in a range of colors and can be trained to climb up and around your crape myrtle.
Wisteria - this fragrant vine produces cascades of purple or white flowers in spring and early summer, adding a touch of romance to your garden.
Trumpet vine - this fast-growing vine produces clusters of orange or red flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love.

Perennials:

Perennials are a great way to add color and texture to your garden, and they can also help to extend the blooming season of your crape myrtles. Some of the best perennials to plant with crape myrtles include:

Salvia - this versatile perennial produces spikes of blue or purple flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
Coreopsis - this cheerful perennial produces yellow or orange flowers that bloom in summer and fall.
Black-eyed Susan - this classic perennial produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers that bloom in late summer and fall.

How to Incorporate Companion Plants into Your Garden:

Now that you know some of the best companion plants for crape myrtles, it's important to consider how to incorporate them into your garden design. Here are some tips to get you ed:

Choose Plants that Complement Your Crape Myrtle:

When selecting companion plants, it's important to choose ones that complement the size, shape, and color of your crape myrtle. For example, if you have a small crape myrtle with pink flowers, you may want to choose low-growing groundcovers or shrubs with pink or white flowers.

Create Layers:

To create a visually stunning garden, it's important to create layers of plants at different heights. with the tallest plants in the back of the garden and work your way forward, adding shorter plants and groundcovers at the front.

Consider Bloom Time:

To extend the blooming season of your garden, choose companion plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. This will ensure that there is always something in bloom, no matter what time of year it is.

Group Plants Together:

To create a cohesive garden design, group plants together that have similar colors or textures. This will create a unified look and make your garden feel more intentional.

Choosing the right companion plants for your crape myrtles can take your garden to the next level. By selecting plants that complement the size, shape, and color of your crape myrtle, you can create a visually stunning garden that is also functional and beneficial for pollinators and other wildlife. Whether you choose grasses, shrubs, vines, or perennials, incorporating companion plants into your garden design is a great way to enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor space.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I plant vegetables near my crape myrtles?

Yes, you can plant vegetables near your crape myrtles, but it's important to consider the amount of sunlight they will receive. Crape myrtles prefer full sun, so if your vegetable garden is in a shady area, it may not be the best location.

Q2: How close should I plant companion plants to my crape myrtles?

The spacing between companion plants and crape myrtles will depend on the size and growth rate of the plants. As a general rule, you should leave at least 3 feet of space between plants to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

Q3: What are some good groundcovers to plant with crape myrtles?

Some good groundcovers to plant with crape myrtles include Japanese forestgrass, variegated liriope, and carex.

Q4: Can I prune my companion plants along with my crape myrtles?

Yes, you can prune your companion plants along with your crape myrtles, but it's important to research the specific pruning needs of each plant before you .