Why is a crepe myrtle turning black?

Question

I live in south Ms.

Answer 1

Crepe myrtle is highly susceptible to powdery mold.  Most people in the central valley of CA don't do anything about it.  Just try not to let it get wet with sprinklers, etc., but it may still have a gray tinge of mold. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 2

I believe what you have is "sooty mold" its a black film that covers the leaves. Its caused by insects that secretes a honeydew and it forms a black layer on lower leaves.It usually takes a dormant oil spray to remove. Now it does take awhile for the mold to loosen and fall off and you don't want to spray it too often.Now another thing is your crepe myrtle will go dormant and shed all its leaves in the winter.When you do your pre spring trimming of it to shape be sure to rake up all the leaves and toss.then in the spring when it starts putting on new leaves keep it sprayed with and insecticide (pick a safe one ) and if you keep the bugs off the mold won't form...here is another helpful hint...use a systemic plant food like Bayer Systemic Rose Food it has an insecticide in it that works thru the roots as it feeds. Feed it every 6 weeks during the growing season.