Crape myrtles: If your crape myrtles have a white powdery substance on the foliage, it is called powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause poor flowering and unsightliness of your plants. Powdery mildew can be controlled with routine spraying with Funginex, Benomyl, Orbit, Topsin and Fung-Away.
Speaking of crape myrtles, have you noticed the newly planted ones on Louisiana and Avenue B in Bogalusa that replaced the old, unsightly ones? It is a very colorful, beautiful sight. I hope the city continues to beautify with trees and other plants that will add to its overall appeal. Hopefully, the next site will be Willis Avenue to replace those Bradford pears under the power line.
Other things to do in the yard during this time of the year are to care for your camellias and azaleas. Camellias and azaleas need care to set a good crop of flower buds for next year. Healthy, vigorous plants will set buds, but weak plants may not. If plants lack vigor, fertilize, provide moisture during stress periods and control pests. Remember that these acid-loving plants need a pH of 5.5.