The best fertilizer for crepe myrtles should provide good sources of micronutrients, along with other minor elements that the plants are in need of. However, during each growth cycle, crepe myrtles require a different ratio of these nutrients.
If you don't have much experience in choosing the right fertilizer for your crepe myrtles and you need experts' advice, keep scrolling down.
Here are the best fertilizers for crepe myrtles you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Strong Root: J R Peters Inc 52064
- Promote Blooming: Carl Pool CP017
- Best For Healthy Soil: Indian River Organics Fish & Kelp Blend Fish Fertilizer
- Keep Pests Away: BioAdvanced 701900B
- Encourage Regrowth: Crape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees Granular Fertilizer
- Slow-Release: TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Crapemyrtle
| 6 Best Fertilizers For Crepe Myrtles | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Strong Root | J R Peters Inc 52064 | |
Promote Blooming | Carl Pool CP017 | |
Best For Healthy Soil | Indian River Organics Fish & Kelp Blend Fish Fertilizer | |
Keep Pests Away | BioAdvanced 701900B | |
Encourage Regrowth | Crape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees Granular Fertilizer | |
Slow-Release | TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Crapemyrtle | |
Best For Strong Root: J R Peters Inc 52064
- Ideal for root strengthening – the formula 20-20-20
- Dependable – 100% made in the US
- Portable – a carrying handle
- A bit expensive
Our first choice is an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer from J R Peters that is specially formulated for root strengthening.
What we love about J R Peters are 1) their sustainable US-based manufacturing process and 2) their unique blend with an advanced micronutrient package.
For example, this product line has formula 20-20-20 - which not only helps improve common nutrient deficiencies in the soil but also stimulates strong root systems and greener foliage.
We quite like the container; it’s very tight when closed, easy to store, and has a carrying handle which is so portable.
| J R Peters Inc 52064 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 20-20-20 |
Highlight Features | the formula 20-20-20 100% made in the US a carrying handle |
For root strengthening, the J R Peters Inc 52064 is an excellent choice.
Promote Blooming: Carl Pool CP017
- Focus on bloom development – a super-rich content of phosphorus
- Convenient to store – tube with a closed lid
- Wish the opening was smaller and more controllable
If you want your crepe myrtle trees to maximize spring growth and summer bloom, feed them with the Carl Pool CP017 in early spring.
This water-soluble fertilizer is scientifically blended with a rich content of phosphorus - the micronutrient involved in stimulating and enhancing bloom development.
Besides, it consists of 8% nitrogen and 7% potassium to ensure comprehensive growth of the tree.
The tube with a closed lid is a great plus, making storage a lot easier and more convenient. We just wish the opening is a little bit smaller to avoid over-pouring.
| Carl Pool CP017 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 24 oz. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 8-55-7 |
Highlight Features | a super-rich content of phosphorus tube with a closed lid |
The Carl Pool CP017 is your best bet if you are seeking the best crepe myrtle fertilizer for bloom development
Best For Healthy Soil: Indian River Organics Fish & Kelp Blend Fish Fertilizer
- Improve common nutrient deficiencies in the soil - 2% nitrogen and 4% potash
- Eco-friendly – 100% organic, OMRI-listed ingredients
- Bring instant changes on both the soil and the plant - North Atlantic kelp & liquid fish
- Difficult to pour – heavyweight design
- Unpleasant odors
From the Indian River, this water-soluble fertilizer is a perfect choice to correct the nitrogen and potassium deficiencies in the soil.
Its formula contains 2% nitrogen and 4% potash. All the ingredients are 100% organic and OMRI-listed. Compared to synthetic fertilizers, this organic one provides much more necessary nutrients without causing water pollution.
The liquid fish ingredient is the most notable. It provides the soil with a full blend of minerals, micronutrients, and amino acids to maximize the uptake efficiency of your plants.
Meanwhile, North Atlantic kelp brings instant change in both the soil quality and the plant growth.
| Indian River Organics Fish & Kelp Blend Fish Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 128 oz. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 2-0-4 |
Highlight Features | 100% organic, OMRI-listed ingredients North Atlantic kelp liquid fish |
If you want a crepe myrtle fertilizer that not only helps your plants grow lively but also keeps the soil healthy, pick the Indian River Organics Fish & Kelp Blend Fish Fertilizer
Keep Pests Away: BioAdvanced 701900B
- Able to protect plants against 40 different pests - 1.1% imidacloprid
- Last up to 12 months
- Prone to wash away by rains
Whether your crepe myrtle trees are suffering pests or you want to make some upfront protection, the BioAdvanced 701900B is a great selection.
Aside from the necessary nutrients, it contains 1.1% imidacloprid - an active ingredient that can kill 40 different insects, including but not limited to scale, leafmines, Japanese beetles, and emerald ash borers. Each application brings up to 12 months of protection thanks to the slow-release formula.
According to the manufacturer, this fertilizer can be used on both in-ground trees and potted ones.
| BioAdvanced 701900B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 Pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 2-1-1 |
Highlight Features | 1.1% imidacloprid |
Because it contains imidacloprid, the BioAdvanced 701900B can keep pests away from your crepe myrtle trees and extend the protection for up to a year.
Encourage Regrowth: Crape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees Granular Fertilizer
- Encourage regrowth after pruning – providing comprehensive nutrients
- Help for vivid, colorful blooms – a high content of phosphorus
- No complaint
After pruning, your crepe myrtle trees should be provided with comprehensive nutrients to regrow. For this case, we highly recommend this slow-release granular fertilizer from Nelson Plant Food.
It contains not only the three vital micronutrients but also a wide range of minor elements like zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and sulfur that a flowering plant might need for vivid, colorful blooms.
Each application lasts up to 2-4 months. But you'll see a noticeable change on your trees after 1-2 weeks.
| Crape Myrtle & All Flowering Trees Granular Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 2 lbs. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 10-15-9 |
Highlight Features | providing comprehensive nutrients a high content of phosphorus |
If you are finding the best granular crepe myrtle fertilizer that can encourage regrowth, consider the Nelson Plant Food Fertilizer
Slow-Release: TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Crapemyrtle
- The most affordable
- Boost root development - Slow-release Nitrogen
- No instructions
This is a nitrogen-concentrated granular fertilizer from TreeHelp that is specially made for crepe myrtle trees.
Feeding your plants with this fertilizer during the growing season will help for root strengthening and development to hence stimulate long-term vitality. It also encourages bloom development.
You can use it on new crepe myrtle plants or existing trees.
For the price, this is a steal.
| TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Crapemyrtle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 3.3 pounds |
Highlight Features | Slow-release Nitrogen |
The TreeHelp is the most affordable slow-release fertilizer for crepe myrtle trees that you can rely on.
How To Choose The Best Fertilizer For Crepe Myrtles?
Synthetic Or Organic Fertilizers?
Fertilizers for crepe myrtles are divided into two groups: synthetic fertilizers and organic fertilizers.
Both of them contain a certain volume of key nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. The difference between them is the ingredients.
Synthetic fertilizers are made of inorganic waste materials, gasses from the air, and minerals. Meanwhile, the ingredients of organic fertilizers are commonly organic waste, microbes, and other natural sources. This results in some other differences.
Organic fertilizers are more eco-friendly, less harmful to wildlife, and don’t contaminate natural water sources. However, their odors are stronger and tend to attract insects or pests.
Type Of Fertilizer
When it comes to the type of fertilizer for crepe myrtles, there are three common options:
- Granular
- Liquid
- Spike
Granular Fertilizers
They are slow-release and very economical to apply on a large area, which saves you a lot of money, time, and effort. This type is especially used when winter dormancy nears. Besides, it is easy to store and odorless.
However, you’ll need a fertilizer spreader if choosing to use this fertilizer type. It is also difficult to apply a granular fertilizer evenly. After the application, you’ll have to water the whole area well to help the fertilizer to reach the roots.
Liquid Fertilizers
They are the easiest to mix with other liquids like herbicides or pesticides when in need. It’s also easy to adjust the nutrient dose to meet the changing needs of crepe myrtles in different growth stages.
In turn, this type of fertilizer is a bit time-consuming for measurement and storage. After the application, they might create bad odors.
Spike Fertilizers
Using this type of fertilizer, you’ll take no risks of over-fertilizing your plants because each unit is carefully pre-measured. The biggest strengths of spike fertilizers are easy application, simple storage, odor-free, and long effects.
However, it has some certain disadvantages. Spikes are the most expensive compared to other types.
And as you have to hammer the spike into your soil, it might not distribute nutrients evenly to the whole area, and can litter the soil.
N-P-K Analysis
Crepe myrtles prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as those labeled 18-6-12, 15-5-10, or 10-10-10.
Which Brands Make The Best Fertilizer For Crepe Myrtles?
J R Peters Inc.
With more than 70 years of expertise, J R Peters Inc. is the US leading brand dedicated to manufacturing fertilizers made with efficiency and sustainable practices in mind.
What makes them outstanding is the combination of new and traditional blending methods for unsurpassed quality and innovative fertilizer products.
Indian River Organics
Indian River Organics® is another reliable provider of all-natural products and organic fertilizers for organic farms, commercial growers, and residential customers. Their products are WSDA registered, OMRI listed, USDA certified, and compliant for use in an organic system.
SBM Company
Have you ever heard of or used BioAdvanced®?
This fertilizer line is known for combining science-based fertilizer products that combine with innovative and biological advancements. It is made by SBM Company, which was founded in 1994 and is a family-owned industrial group with French roots.
FAQs
Is Osmocote good for crape myrtles?
Yes, it is. Osmocote is considered one of the best slow-release fertilizers for crape myrtles.
Is bone meal good for crepe myrtle?
Yes, it is. Bone meal is a great addition for heavily fertilized crepe myrtle garden beds because it provides phosphorus over time to the soil and encourages the tree to create blooms.
Is Epsom salt good for crepe myrtle trees?
Yes, it is. If your crepe myrtle garden lacks magnesium, then Epsom salt is considered a great solution.
How often should you fertilize crepe myrtles?
During the spring and summer months, you should fertilize your crepe myrtle trees once every 2 weeks.
How can I make my crepe myrtle bloom more?
To help your crepe myrtle trees bloom more, feed them monthly when they are young plants, then keep feeding them regularly during the growing season.
Once they reach the mature size and start to create blooms, apply the soil with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring.
With more established trees, feed them every 2 weeks.
Conclusion
With the many different brands and formulas on the market, it can be difficult to know which fertilizer product is right for your crepe myrtles. We hope this review has answered most of your questions and helped guide you toward the best fertilizer for crepe myrtles.
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
