crape myrtle

We planted a crape myrtle in San Diego in 2008 and it bloomed the first year but this year it is receiving the same amount of water and has not bloomed. Any advice?

Gosh, crape myrtles are certainly a big topic these days, since so many newer mildew-resistant hybrids are now available, broadening the use of these beautiful trees in coastal California. But this is still a tree that would prefer a little more winter chill and a little more summer heat than your climate offers. At least this year, anyway -- I believe the summer started out fairly cool down there this year. So it may just be the weather, and your tree still may set some flowers if you get some heat. The older and bigger your tree gets, probably the better it will bloom. There are always a few "shock treatment" methods you can use to get some trees to bloom, like cutting down on watering, but I wouldn't do it on a young tree. Keep it growing good, and hope that it blooms better next year! (Hopefully you're not having problems with powdery mildew -- even the hybrids can still get it a little when cool conditions dominate.)

Steve