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Crape Myrtle/ purple leaf #946436
Asked October 03, 2026, 11:53 PM EDT
My crape Myrtle has purple leaves. It dies back every year but always comes back in late spring it has white flowers and it blooms every year but the branches are not strong enough to hold them up. I’ve had for 5 years and the branches are weak. I tied it up and now I have a powered mildew on the leaves. What can I do to make this plant stronger. It said that it was good for zone 6. I’m in Cincinnati Ohio
Thank you for your time.
Rick
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Rick,
Thank you for your question. Crape Myrtle does thrive in your area. Let me address the powdery mildew first please. It develops in the fall or spring and crape myrtle has already been reported on Ohio crape myrtle. Remove foliage that has mildew and all the fallen foliage. Treat with a fungicide and follow the instructions carefully.
Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy plant. Prune in late winter to early spring. It blooms on the current season’s growth. Cut the dead out as close to the ground as you can. This is essential in maintaining good structure in your plant. Spring fertilizer is ideal.
Contact local extension office for assistance. They are at 2056 Reading Rd. Ste 500,<personal data hidden>.
Https://ohioline.osu.edu in a wonderful online resource.
I hope I have been helpful and not too chatty.
Happy Gardening,
Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener
