Why are my red crape myrtles blooming white?

These are "Dynamite" crape myrtles that have bloomed a beautiful red the past 2 years. This year they're blooming white. What nutrient is missing or is it just the heat?

I live in Texas and we've had 5 straight days of 100 degree heat with no end in sight and of course we're in a drought. I've watered them and my roses (instead of the lawn);I don't care about grass but I really don't want to lose my flowers. HELP!

Why are my red crape myrtles blooming white?
Crape myrtles thrive in intense summer sun and are extremely tolerant of very dry conditions, but cannot survive winter temperatures much farther north than Arkansas. Like most summer blooming shrubs, produce their flowers on new growth. So, if pruning is to be done, it should be completed in the early spring before new growth begins.

http://www.cherylsgardenparty.com/2005/B...



Crape myrtles do not require much fertilizer. They are also adaptable to a fairly wide soil pH range, from 5.0 to 6.5. A soil test provides the best standard for determining the amount of fertilizer that is needed and whether the pH is at the appropriate level for your plants. However, one pound of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet of bed area is usually adequate to support new growth in an established tree. Be aware that over fertilization can reduce cold hardiness.

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/...



Remember, Dynamite is a new cultivar that originated as a hybrid from another species.

Sometimes freaky things happen in nature.

http://www.landize.com/articles/Cultivar



You might want to ask a professional nurseryman?
Reply:Weather affects all living things. I also am in TEXAS and am having the same weather issues and drought (DFW area). My Myrtles are not blooming as long this year and I am watering. Check this website and it has some ideas too:

Good luck



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Reply:Your crape myrtle is a tree-form crape that can reach 20'. These commonly try to revert to the original state. Just cut off the branch that's white %26amp; keep pruning to a minimum--any basal shoots can be trimmed while young, and any dead stuff is OK to cut--but other than occasional shaping your trees do not need pruning.



Also, your crape is well-established by now--stop watering it! These are very drought-hardy and need only 2 inches per month in the worst heat.
Reply:Don't have a clue, but something is going on. Saw a crepe myrtle the other day with both colors on it. It is usually red only (have admired it for 10 years). Other people have also written asking the same question about other types of flowers. I also live in Texas. Yes, it's hot. But is always hot here in summer. Sure hope someone has an answer. This is curious.
Reply:Maybe the ph of your soil has changed. We have some flowering shrubs that determine their color on the acidity of the soil. Maybe crepe myrtles do that too.
Reply:maybe the drought?
Reply:it's having an identity crisis. may it thought you needed a change. plants seem to adapt to their enviroment. that's probably what yours is doing. don't worry as long as it looks healthy. i think watering it is a good idea though. don't want to fry it in the heat. good luck with it.
Reply:I Believe it has to do with the acid and alkaline levels Iin the soil. Just like with Hydrangeas. Test your soil to see what levels you have. Your local nursery can help with a solution. In the mean time, enjoy the beatiful white blooms.
Reply:could be they get cross polinated too or nutrients missing give them some mirical grow and some water in the evenings i live in texas too and the heat is wilting everything, so i water my plants in the late evening
Reply:Probably has to do with the alkalinity of your soil.