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Check these first
- Observe the amount of direct sun the plant gets throughout the day.
- Check if nearby trees or buildings are casting shade on the plant.
- Inspect the stems for signs of weak or rapid growth.
Likely causes
Insufficient Sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The branches are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with full sun if it is in a container. If it is in the ground, prune back the long stems in late winter to encourage a bushier shape for the next season.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: The plant produces rapid, weak growth that looks spindly and lacks structural strength. The foliage may be dark green but the branches are floppy.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen ratio in early spring to support steady growth.
Find out what's wrong with your crape myrtle
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if the plant is so thin that it cannot support its own weight or if it stops blooming entirely. It is normal for young plants to have a more open habit before they mature.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant your crape myrtle in a location that receives full sun all day long. Proper pruning in late winter helps maintain a dense and sturdy structure.
Crape myrtle: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crape myrtle and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Can I fix a leggy crape myrtle by pruning it now?
- It is best to wait until late winter while the plant is dormant. Pruning during the growing season can stress the plant and trigger more weak growth.
- Will my crape myrtle ever fill out?
- Yes, with enough sunlight and proper pruning, it will develop a thicker canopy over time. Patience is key as the plant matures.
More problems with Crape myrtle
- Why are there white spots on my Crape myrtle leaves?
- Why is my Crape myrtle sticky and covered in bugs?
- Why is my Crape myrtle not blooming?
- Why are my crape myrtle leaves curling?
- Why are my crape myrtle's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my crape myrtle's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my crape myrtle drooping?
- Why is my crape myrtle losing its leaves?
- Why is my crape myrtle showing signs of root rot?
Back to the Crape myrtle guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.