Question
Hi,

I have two crape myrtles in my front yard.  I believe they are both Natchez and were planted by a landscaper last august.  They are around 10 - 12 feet tall.  They still have little old seed pods in the tops of them, so I know they have bloomed in past years but they did not bloom this year yet and show no signs of having any buds.  My understanding is that Natchez typically blooms in mid June, so I am thinking they are not going to bloom this year.  Could it be that they are still just getting established and will bloom next year?  What other reasons might there be for them to not bloom.  They leafed out and seem otherwise healthy.  Thanks!

Answer
Many times newly planted crepts may not bloom the first year after they are planted. The tree is concentrating its efforts (energy) to grow a sound root system at the expense of flowers. If it is growing and looks healthy I would not worry. These plants normally bloom between June and September (later than other Crept myrtle) so I would not give up on having blooms this year just yet. Do not fertilize, excessive fertilizing can reduce blooming, as the plant uses the energy to increase foliage growth.