Many gardeners assume any standard all-purpose garden food will keep their summer blooms happy, but using the wrong nutrient ratio often leads to plenty of leafy green branches and zero flowers.
Choosing the best fertilizers for crape myrtles requires matching specific formulas to the growth stage of the plant, especially since these trees demand distinct feeding schedules compared to traditional lawn shrubs.
Let us compare the top options available right now so you can pick the exact right formula for your yard.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize high phosphorus ratios because this specific nutrient directly drives heavy flower production rather than just green foliage.
- Match the physical form of the plant food to your schedule, choosing water-soluble crystals for quick absorption or granular options for slow-release convenience.
- Check the net weight carefully to ensure you purchase enough product to cover all mature trees or container plants throughout the entire growing season.
- Select balanced liquid concentrates when you want to feed potted specimens easily without risking root burn from over-application.
- Review the N-P-K numbers on the label to confirm the middle digit, representing phosphorus, is significantly higher than the nitrogen percentage.
| Ultimate Bloom Booster |  |
Carl Pool Water Soluble Plant Food | High phosphorus ratio | Dissolves easily in water | Promotes heavy blooming | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Steady Granular Nutrition |  |
NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 2 lb | Slow release granules | Feeds for weeks | Great for containers | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bulk Landscape Supply |  |
NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 25 lb | Large bulk size | Economical for properties | Extended soil feeding | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Liquid Feed |  |
Liquid Plant Food 8 oz | Easy liquid mixing | Ideal for beginners | Portable small bottle | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Liquid Supply |  |
Liquid Plant Food 32 oz | Mid-sized quart bottle | Handy measuring cap | Reliable liquid format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Liquid Jug |  |
Liquid Plant Food 1 Gallon | Economy gallon size | Reduces reorder frequency | High value volume | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Standard Garden Bag |  |
NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 4 lb | Convenient four pound size | Balanced tree nutrition | Easy bag storage | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gentle Organic Approach |  |
Leaves and Soul Liquid Food | Gentle on roots | Safe for saplings | Easy liquid application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High Phosphorus Formula |  |
Natures Wisdom Crepe Myrtle Tree 8-55-7 Water Soluble Fertilizer Plant Food, Balanced Nutrient Blend for Flowering Trees, Shrubs and Vines | 1.5 Lb | Packed with phosphorus | Water soluble mix | Targets heavy flowering | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Estate Sized Granules |  |
NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 15 lb | Fifteen pound capacity | Long term feeding | Covers multiple trees | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Carl Pool Water Soluble Plant Food
If you want to push your trees into a frenzy of blossoms, this water-soluble formula hits the mark. The heavy phosphorus ratio acts like a master key, unlocking massive flower production without forcing excessive green foliage.
You mix it with water and apply it directly to the root zone for rapid nutrient absorption. But remember that this high-octane mix requires careful measuring to avoid burning tender roots.
- Brand:Carl Pool
- Type:Water Soluble
- Size:24 oz
- Application:Liquid drench
- Nutrient Ratio:8-55-7
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles
- Additional Feature:Fast acting formula
- Additional Feature:Targets flower development
- Additional Feature:Professional nursery grade
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NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 2 lb
Gardeners who prefer a slow and steady feeding schedule will appreciate this granular option. It breaks down gradually in the soil, providing a sustained release of minerals that keeps flowering trees happy through the summer heat.
This specific size works wonderfully for smaller yard setups or single container trees. One downside is that granules require thorough watering after application to start working properly.
- Brand:NutriStar
- Type:Granular
- Size:2 lb
- Nutrient Ratio:10-15-9
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles and Flowering Trees
- Additional Feature:Feeds container plants
- Additional Feature:Long lasting nutrition
- Additional Feature:Balanced macro blend
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NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 25 lb
Properties with extensive crape myrtle rows demand a larger supply of nutrients. This bulk 25-pound bag offers a cost-effective way to feed numerous mature trees without constantly running back to the garden center.
The granular composition distributes evenly across large garden beds for uniform root feeding. Storage can be tricky since you need a dry space to keep the large bag from clumping.
- Brand:NutriStar
- Type:Granular
- Size:25 lb
- Nutrient Ratio:10-15-9
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles and Flowering Trees
- Additional Feature:Heavy duty packaging
- Additional Feature:Commercial quantity
- Additional Feature:Steady nutrient release
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Liquid Plant Food 8 oz
For apartment balconies or patios with single specimens, this small liquid bottle provides an easy solution. You simply dilute a capful in water to give container plants a quick nutritional boost.
Liquid formulations bypass slow soil breakdown for immediate uptake. The small 8-oz size will run out quickly if you manage a large landscape.
- Brand:Generic/Unbranded
- Type:Liquid
- Size:8 oz
- Application:Diluted watering
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles
- Additional Feature:Quick absorption rate
- Additional Feature:Convenient small size
- Additional Feature:Promotes vibrant colors
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Liquid Plant Food 32 oz
Mid-sized yards benefit from this quart-sized bottle, which strikes a balance between portability and volume. It delivers the same targeted bloom enhancement as smaller bottles while lasting through multiple seasonal feeds.
The measured cap helps prevent accidental overfeeding during routine garden maintenance. You will still need to apply it more frequently than granular alternatives.
- Brand:Generic/Unbranded
- Type:Liquid
- Size:32 oz
- Application:Diluted watering
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles
- Additional Feature:Multiple applications per bottle
- Additional Feature:Balanced liquid nutrition
- Additional Feature:Easy storage profile
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Liquid Plant Food 1 Gallon
Commercial properties or dedicated enthusiasts with dozens of flowering trees will find great value here. The gallon jug eliminates the annoyance of constantly reordering plant food mid-season.
Buying in bulk lowers the overall cost per application for heavy watering routines. Lifting and pouring a heavy gallon jug can prove awkward for some gardeners.
- Brand:Generic/Unbranded
- Type:Liquid
- Size:1 Gal
- Application:Diluted watering
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles
- Additional Feature:Bulk professional volume
- Additional Feature:Long shelf life
- Additional Feature:Consistent formula mix
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NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 4 lb
Homeowners with a few yard trees will find this four-pound bag hits the sweet spot. It provides enough granules for seasonal feeding without leaving behind excess product that attracts moisture in the shed.
The balanced formula supports both branch strength and flower yield. Granular food relies heavily on proper rainfall or irrigation to reach the root zone.
- Brand:NutriStar
- Type:Granular
- Size:4 lb
- Nutrient Ratio:10-15-9
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles and Flowering Trees
- Additional Feature:Resealable bag design
- Additional Feature:Moderate coverage area
- Additional Feature:Feeds shrubs too
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Leaves and Soul Liquid Food
Natural gardening methods often require a milder touch to protect beneficial soil microbes. This gentlest option uses a gentle nutrient ratio to support overall plant health without shocking the root system.
It works wonderfully for young saplings that need careful nutrient introduction. The lower concentration means you might not see the explosive growth surge that high-phosphorus formulas produce.
- Brand:Leaves & Soul
- Type:Liquid
- Size:8 oz
- Application:Foliar or soil
- Nutrient Ratio:3-5-4
- Target Plants:Crepe Myrtles
- Additional Feature:Organic style feeding
- Additional Feature:Minimizes burn risk
- Additional Feature:Supports root health
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Natures Wisdom Crepe Myrtle Tree 8-55-7 Water Soluble Fertilizer Plant Food, Balanced Nutrient Blend for Flowering Trees, Shrubs and Vines | 1.5 Lb
When your trees produce plenty of leaves but refuse to bloom, this specialized powder steps in to fix the problem. The heavy phosphorus punch forces the plant to shift its energy toward creating vivid summer color.
Dissolving the powder thoroughly prevents uneven application across your garden beds. Mixing up batches takes a bit more effort than simply scattering dry granules.
- Brand:Natures Wisdom
- Type:Water Soluble
- Size:1.5 Lb
- Application:Liquid drench
- Nutrient Ratio:8-55-7
- Target Plants:Flowering Trees and Shrubs
- Additional Feature:Enhances color vibrancy
- Additional Feature:Rapid nutrient uptake
- Additional Feature:Concentrated powder blend
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NutriStar Granular Fertilizer 15 lb
Larger landscapes with established flowering trees require a substantial amount of slow-release nourishment. This fifteen-pound bag covers significant ground, feeding multiple trees throughout their active growing cycle.
The heavy-duty bag handles seasonal storage well in a garage or shed. Maneuvering a fifteen-pound bag requires some lifting strength during garden chores.
- Brand:NutriStar
- Type:Granular
- Size:15 lb
- Nutrient Ratio:10-15-9
- Target Plants:Crape Myrtles and Flowering Trees
- Additional Feature:Extended garden coverage
- Additional Feature:Durable bag material
- Additional Feature:Comprehensive tree diet