What could cause a black spot on my crape myrtle?

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Your plant has a parasite that is picking on it. Your local green house can tell you how to rid your plant of the pest safely.

Answer by  Trent (75)

Black spot is a common fungus found on many plants. It could come from too much water, or it could simply be transmitted from another plant. It can be easily treated with a neem oil product or some kind of systemic fungicide.

Answer by  BrendaG (6111)

Mold can cause black spots on these plants, as can aphids. Spray thoroughly to remove problem. Insecticidal soaps are available. Use as directed. Lady bugs help in aphid control.

Answer by  DonnaW (50)

Mold can cause black spots on your crape myrtle. In addition, certain types of aphids can also cause black spots. Stop by your local nursery and ask them for a fungicide to kill the mold and a pesticide to handle the aphids. Before long, your crape myrtle will be back to new.

Answer by  colo22 (278)

This could be the aphid or a sooty mold that lives off of the mildew. You can hose the leaves down, use an insecticidal soap/preparation or buy ladybugs for defense.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

It could be that you have an aphid infestation they are terrible if you get them but get yourself some lady bugs and put them there and all they eat are aphids once you do that if thats whats causing it the problem will then be solved if not check with a nursery.

Answer by  Kris (797)

Two things are going on here. The first is the crape myrtle aphid, the second is sooty mold that lives on aphid honeydew. You can hose off the aphids, buy ladybugs to eat them, or try an insecticidal soap. Once the aphids are knocked back, the black will stop spreading.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Actually, if there is a black spot on the plant, that is indicative of a crape myrtle disease. This means the plant is actually intoxicated. Therefore, it is very crucial to take care of the plant.