Crepe Myrtle - Ask Extension
This past Spring we dug up an approx 10' crepe myrtle tree for a new home and now several shoots are coming up in it's spot. Would these be true to t...
Knowledgebase
Crepe Myrtle #769431
Asked August 27, 2021, 2:46 PM EDT
This past Spring we dug up an approx 10' crepe myrtle tree for a new home and now several shoots are coming up in it's spot. Would these be true to the original tree - or maybe another color.
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
Sometimes a rootstock is used for crape myrtles, especially for the tree forms. If a rootstock was used then the shoots coming up from the roots will potentially be a different form or flower color. Crape myrtle roots can be challenging to dig out completely, they often spring back again, so it's not surprising that you are seeing shoots where the old plant was.
You may be able to look at the tree you moved and see if it has a graft union at the base of the trunk right above the soil line. It often will leave a bump or you might see a line where the trees were grafted. If you are able to see this, then chances are the plant coming up will be different than the one you transplanted.
Thanks for using Ask Extension!
Sometimes a rootstock is used for crape myrtles, especially for the tree forms. If a rootstock was used then the shoots coming up from the roots will potentially be a different form or flower color. Crape myrtle roots can be challenging to dig out completely, they often spring back again, so it's not surprising that you are seeing shoots where the old plant was.
You may be able to look at the tree you moved and see if it has a graft union at the base of the trunk right above the soil line. It often will leave a bump or you might see a line where the trees were grafted. If you are able to see this, then chances are the plant coming up will be different than the one you transplanted.
Thanks for using Ask Extension!
Thank you --- I'm going to be careful when I dig to save any I can. My tree wasn't grafted as a Master Gardener started several from seed
Phyllis Miller.
Sounds great, best of luck!
