How to Care for Pink Velour Lagerstroemia Indica

Provide all-day sun for "Pink Velour." This variety thrives in full sunlight, so remove anything -- within reason -- that may be casting shade onto your plant.

Water deeply at planting time and then once a week for the first two months. Newly planted crape myrtles need regular watering to establish deep roots, but mature plants only need occasional watering. After the first two months, crape myrtles only need watering during dry spells, according to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. When you water, soak the roots deeply, but do not wet the foliage.

Surround the plant with a thick layer of mulch to protect it in the winter. Don't let the mulch touch the trunk, however. While above-ground branches are winter hardy to USDA zone 7, the roots may survive in climates as cold as USDA zone 5, notes the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Fertilize small, newly planted crape myrtles -- those sold in 1-gallon containers -- with 1 teaspoon of balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 8-8-8, sprinkled along the edges of the planting hole. Do this once a month throughout the growing season, which is usually from March to August. Established plants also benefit from one application of balanced fertilizer in the spring. Use a ratio of 1 pound for ever 100 square feet.

Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. If the branches are damaged by freezing temperatures, or if you want to maintain your plant as a small shrub rather than a tree, prune the branches back in early spring to between 6 and 8 inches from the main trunk. Older, established trees may not need pruning at all, unless branches are broken and damaged.

Clip off seed pods as they appear in the fall. This not only improves the appearance of the plant, but it also promotes reblooming, according to the North Carolina State Cooperative Extension service.

Watch for the crape myrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani Kirkaldy), the most serious insect pest of crape myrtles. The honeydew they secrete causes sooty mold to develop on the leaves, which reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize. If aphids are infesting your plant, simply spray the plant with a strong stream of water, suggests Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. If that doesn't work, use an insecticidal soap mixed to a ratio of between 1 and 5 tablespoons per gallon of water, or as directed on the package. Place the solution into a sprayer and coat the top and bottom of the leaves thoroughly.

Check the leaves for spots. Although "Pink Velour" is resistant to mildew, it still might develop leaf spot, which is caused by the Cercospora lythracearum fungus. The disease first appears as tiny brown spots, which soon merge to cover the leaf. In time, the leaf becomes twisted and malformed and may turn yellow or red and then drop from the plant. Once you see spots appear on the lowest leaves -- usually around mid-July -- spray the entire plant with a fungicide designed to control Cercospora leaf spot. Application amounts and frequency vary depending on brand and concentration; in general, applications will be needed every two weeks. Follow the directions on the package for best results.