The leaves on my crept myrtles are turning black. They actually have a black film over the leaves. You can peel the black off and the leave is green underneath. Also the leaves are curling and there is more than usual spider webbs. Does anyone know what the problem is?

Crepe myrtles (and yews) are very susceptible to aphid & whitefly infestations. The black substance is called "sooty mold" which is a fungus that grows on the excretions (or honeydew) of the aphids or whiteflies. The mold will especially thrive on crepes that get less sun.

A dilligent regimen of insecticidal soap and strong jets of water to dislodge the aphids and clean the leaves (the mold can be washed off) may be the only way to go if you can't provide more sun to that mytle.

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: gardenzgal ]