Neil Sperry gives answers on kumquats, crape myrtle aphids/scale, shade lawn fixes with mondograss, dahlias vs. zinnias, and Asian jasmine.

From attracting pollinators to repelling pests, companion plants can benefit the crepe myrtles in your yard. And you'll add color and texture for more impact.

Dear Neil: I planted white crape myrtles on the west and east sides of my patio 10 years ago. As I sit there, I see a fine mist dropping to the ground. The grass refuses to grow beneath the trees even ...

Now's the time to prune your crape myrtles to get the most flowers. Prune crape myrtles in late winter to encourage strong new growth and flower production. Avoid pruning in spring, summer, or fall to ...

Prune crape myrtles in late winter to encourage strong new growth and flower production. Avoid pruning in spring, summer, or fall to prevent cutting off new flowers and stressing the tree. Never top ...

Crape myrtles are hardy, low-maintenance plants that come in a variety of sizes and colors. To encourage summer blooms, prune crape myrtles in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

A: A crape myrtle shedding bark is completely normal. Also referred to as ‘exfoliating bark’, this process simply reveals newer inner bark, often cinnamon red in color. This process can be more ...

Don't let old growth see another spring. There are few summer sights more iconic than a crepe myrtle in full bloom. In colorful hues like pink, violet, and red, crepe myrtles are a favorite of ...

DEAR NEIL: Last year my crape myrtles as well as the plants beneath them had the black sooty mold on their leaves and stems. I suspect it was crape myrtle aphids or scale. Have a question you’d like ...

Q: Regarding your recommendation of crape myrtles along streets, I do admit that under certain circumstances they can be spectacular, but they are not native to our state, and their seeds can spread ...

DEAR NEIL: Regarding your recommendation of crape myrtles along streets, I do admit that under certain circumstances they can be spectacular, but they are not native to our state, and their seeds can ...