August Crape Myrtle Care: Water Deeply, Skip Pruning, and Watch for Pests
Homes and Gardens advises that August is a critical period for crape myrtles in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9, requiring deep watering during dry spells and vigilant pest monitoring. The publication emphasizes that established plants should not be pruned in late summer to avoid stressing tender new growth during peak heat. Instead, gardeners should focus on maintaining soil moisture and removing spent flowers to encourage additional blooms, while saving structural pruning for late winter dormancy.