For years I've wanted a Crepe Myrtle with deep pink blooms. I came close to acquiring such a wish come true many times but never quite made the dream a reality. Until last fall. A friend was moving from their garden laden property and admidst the plethora of trees and bulbs, there I spotted my Myrtle. Tiny and begging to be brought home. Alas, the twig was planted and the wait began. It grew into a handsome bush and was heavy with gorgeous blossoms. But something has happened .... The leaves began to wilt. At first, since it was dry weather at the time. My first instinct was to water it. Several days passed as the rainy season began to take hold. It does not want for water or fertilizer. And nearly a month later, it still looks like an abused and forgotten plant. ............ I had a gardenia planted in this spot at one time and it did poorly. This makes me wonder if it's a soil borne disease. But the only one that comes to mind is vascular wilt. And it was my understanding Myrtles are immune to such a thing. Also, I may as well call this the year of wilting, for I've had a few plants, who want for nothing, begin to wither and eventually fade away. All in different classes of plant life. I don't understand it. My primary concern at the moment is this Myrtle. As I've mentioned, I have longed for this wonderful compliment to my yard. I don't want to lose it. Any advice is appreciated.

Do you have gophers there?

Not for a long time, Porkpal. I believe the cats have devoured, if not simply deterred them all.

I wonder if it might be planted too deep?

Crape myrtles are such weeds around here that I would ignore it.
See if it pulls through with neglect.

Come to my house and dig some of mine.

What about your friend's house?
Can you go back and dig the sprouts that regrew from the tree you dug?
They ALWAYS grow back!
Weeds, I tell you.

Lol. Perhaps I AM overreacting. I'll take your word for it stone.

It looks to me like it's suffering from stress. It looks like it is in virgin sandy and infertile soil, out in the hot sun, and dry.

The very best thing you can do is apply a generous layer (3 inches or so) of wood chip mulch all around it in a circle at least 3 feet wide. Don't put the mulch right up to the tree, though, give it a few inches to breath.

When dry, water the entire circle of mulch deeply about once a week. You want that soil to get drenched all the way down. The wood chips will then protect the moisture in the ground from quickly evaporating. The mulch will also cool the soil and provide even other benefits.

dave said:It looks to me like it's suffering from stress. It looks like it is in virgin sandy and infertile soil, out in the hot sun, and dry.

The very best thing you can do is apply a generous layer (3 inches or so) of wood chip mulch all around it in a circle at least 3 feet wide. Don't put the mulch right up to the tree, though, give it a few inches to breath.

When dry, water the entire circle of mulch deeply about once a week. You want that soil to get drenched all the way down. The wood chips will then protect the moisture in the ground from quickly evaporating. The mulch will also cool the soil and provide even other benefits.

I don't wish to dismiss your assumption Dave, as you are practically considered a garden God among the wonderful people here. Yet, as the days come and go, one is to think that sun and water are not the issue. As I had mentioned, I too thought at first that thirst was the issue. So it was generously watered. Then the Summer rain storms began. And beneath that white, bleached sand (about two inches) there is a dark, cool soil that surprisingly stays moist even during drought. As it is with many Florida yards.

The plant in question receives about 9 hours of sun a day. Which, I believe such a proclaimed "tolerant" plant should be able to withstand.
The bare ground you see around the plant is an intentional act of herbicide. Now, I wonder if such a plant rumored with strength and toughness could have fallen sickly because of my (carefully attempted) herbicide-ing? I'm not sure. I've herbicided around trees, young and old, gardens, etc. for about five years now without ever a fatality.

I don't argue it could use some mulch. However, the Myrtle remains in the same shape and appearance seen in the photos above. As if it's in a perpetual state of suspended animation. Despite the rains, deceivingly fertile soil and perplexed stares that wish to will it to health, it remains a mystery. It has been so for nearly a full month. I feel there is nothing I can do but wait and wonder.
Such is life.

I suspect root damage of some sort. If not gophers then...? Do nematodes bother Crape Myrtles? Given time it may recover, if not it can easily be replaced.

I suspect the herbicide around the tree, either got down to the roots or drifted to the leaves. When the air pressure is just right, the fumes of the chemical can move, even without a breeze.

Whatever the cause of its current problem, the wood chip mulch will be highly beneficial for this plant, even if ultimately it doesn't make it. I also wonder about gophers or other underground pests.

If it was herbicide damage, it seems to me like you would have a completely dead tree if it was applied a month ago.

(I'm not a garden god. Plenty of people here are vastly more experienced than I. )