Do Possums Eat Crepe Myrtle in Australia?
If you’re growing crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) in your Australian garden, you might wonder: do possums eat crepe myrtle in Australia? The short answer is yes. Possums, particularly the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), are notorious garden raiders. They munch on tender new growth, flower buds, blooms and even bark, especially during dry spells or when native eucalypts aren’t fruiting.
Crepe myrtles thrive in Australia’s warm climates—from subtropical Queensland to temperate Victoria and even arid inland areas with summer watering. Their vibrant summer flowers and attractive autumn foliage make them a favourite, but possums see them as a midnight buffet. In urban and suburban gardens around Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, reports of possum damage to crepe myrtles are common, particularly on young trees under 3 metres tall.
Understanding possum behaviour and implementing targeted protection can save your trees. This guide covers signs of damage, why possums target crepe myrtles, proven deterrents and cultural practices suited to Australian conditions.
Common Possums in Australian Gardens
Australia hosts over 20 possum species, but garden pests are mainly brushtail and ringtail possums. Brushtails are larger (up to 60 cm body length, plus tail), bold nocturnal climbers with a prehensile tail. They prefer open woodlands and city parks, raiding gardens for soft foliage and fruits. Ringtails are smaller (30-35 cm), build dreys (leafy nests) and favour tender shoots.
Both are protected native wildlife under state laws, like Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act, so lethal control is illegal. Relocation requires permits, and humane deterrence is the way forward. Possums breed year-round in mild Aussie climates, peaking in spring, increasing garden pressure during crepe myrtle flowering (November to March in most regions).
Signs Your Crepe Myrtle is Under Possum Attack
Spotting possum damage early prevents severe defoliation. Look for:
- Chewed flower buds and blooms: Ragged edges on developing trusses; fallen petals below the tree.
- Stripped young leaves: Skeletonised foliage on new shoots, leaving veins intact.
- Bark gnawing: Scratches or peeled strips on trunks and branches, especially lower 2 metres.
- Droppings: Dark, elongated pellets (1-2 cm) under the tree—brushtail poo is coarser than rat droppings.
- Dreys or pathways: Nest balls in forks (ringtails) or rub marks on bark from frequent climbs.
Damage peaks in summer droughts when natural food is scarce. In coastal NSW and QLD, where humidity fosters lush growth, possums hit hardest. Differentiate from other pests: caterpillars leave silk webbing; hares nibble cleanly at ground level.
Why Do Possums Eat Crepe Myrtle?
Crepe myrtles offer juicy, protein-rich foliage low in tannins compared to tough eucalypts. Varieties like ‘Natchez’ or ‘Sioux’—popular in Australia for their heat tolerance and pink-to-purple flowers—attract possums with abundant buds. In urban fringes, habitat loss forces possums into gardens; a single brushtail needs 200-500 g of leaves nightly.
Seasonal factors amplify risk:
- Spring flush: Tender growth post-winter dormancy.
- Summer flowers: Protein-packed petals.
- Autumn bark: When leaves harden.
In cooler southern states like SA and TAS, possums target bark more due to shorter growing seasons. Climate change, with hotter, drier summers, may worsen this by stressing natives and boosting garden reliance.
Effective Ways to Protect Crepe Myrtle from Possums
Humane, practical strategies work best. Combine methods for layered defence.
Physical Barriers
- Netting or mesh: Drape bird netting (10-15 mm mesh) over trees during bud swell (mesh 2-3 m wide available at Bunnings). Secure with zip ties; remove post-flowering to avoid bird entanglement. Cost: $20-50 per tree.
- Metal collars/guards: Wrap 1-1.5 m wide galvanised sheet metal around trunks, 50 cm above ground. Slippery surface stops climbs. Ideal for young trees under 4 m.
- Flimsy tape: Aluminium flashing or flagging tape around branches deters via movement.
Repellents and Deterrents
- Commercial sprays: Quassia or garlic-based products (e.g., Yates Possum Repel) coat leaves unpalatably. Reapply after rain; safe for edibles nearby. Apply fortnightly in wet QLD summers.
- Homemade chilli spray: Blend 10 bird’s eye chillies, 1 L water, 50 ml dish soap. Strain, spray weekly. Possums hate capsaicin—test on small area first.
- Mothballs or naphthalene: Scatter sparingly around base (not on foliage); toxic if ingested, so use cautiously near pets.
Habitat Modification
- Trim lower branches: Keep skirts pruned to 2 m off ground, reducing access.
- Provide alternatives: Plant decoy natives like bottlebrush (Callistemon) or lilly pilly (Syzygium) nearby. Hang fruit in possum feeders away from crepe myrtles.
- Motion-activated devices: Sprinklers or lights (solar-powered, $30-100) startle possums. Ultrasonic repellers have mixed suburban results.
Long-Term Cultural Practices
Plant possum-resistant varieties like ‘Gamad I’ (white flowers, compact) or mulch heavily to retain soil moisture, promoting vigorous growth that outpaces browsing. In sandy Perth soils, deep water (20-30 L weekly in 35°C heat) builds resilience.
Other Pests That Mimic Possum Damage on Crepe Myrtles
Don’t overlook:
- Aphids and psyllids: Sticky honeydew, sooty mould.
- Crepe myrtle bark scale: White waxy lumps, sooty exudates (emerging pest in warmer Aus climates).
- Tip borers: Wilting shoots from moth larvae.
Inspect undersides; treat with eco-oil or systemic insecticides if needed.
Growing Crepe Myrtles Successfully in Australia Despite Pests
Select grafted cultivars for rootstock vigour: ‘Muskogee’ for lavender blooms in humid subtropics; ‘Zuni’ for cooler tablelands. Plant in full sun, free-draining soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Space 4-6 m apart.
- Watering: Deep soak 25-40 L every 7-10 days in first summer; drought-tolerant once established.
- Fertilising: Low-phosphorus native mix (e.g., 8-14-8 NPK) in spring; avoid high-nitrogen lushness.
- Pruning: Hard prune to 1-1.5 m in late winter (July-August) for shape and new growth.
In frost-prone areas (Canberra winters to -5°C), mulch 10 cm deep. Expect 20-year lifespans with care.
Conclusion: Safeguard Your Crepe Myrtles from Possums
Yes, possums do eat crepe myrtle in Australia, but with vigilance and these strategies, your trees can flourish. Monitor weekly during peak seasons, rotate deterrents to prevent habituation, and celebrate possums as part of our unique wildlife. For severe issues, consult local council wildlife officers or arborists. Happy gardening—your spectacular summer display awaits!
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