Can Crape Myrtle Survive Winter?

While all crape myrtles are cold hardy to USDA Zone 7a, meaning they will tolerate low winter temperatures to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, there are now many varieties that are cold hardy as far north as USDA Zone 6a, which has low temperatures to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

What zone is crepe myrtle in?

Planting Crape Myrtle

All crape myrtles are sun lovers, generally cold hardy in Zones 7-10, although there are some that will work in Zone 6 as well. They are extremely heat-tolerant and quite drought-tolerant once established.

Where do crepe myrtle trees grow best?

Climate: Crape myrtles can be grown in hardiness zones 6-10, although in zone 6 they’re likely to die back to the ground in winter. Water: Crape myrtles like humid climates. Once established, they can tolerate quite a bit of drought. Light: Crape myrtles flower best in full sun (at least six hours per day).

What time of year is best to plant crepe myrtles?

Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. But a lot of folks buy and plant their crepe myrtle in summer because they select it while it is blooming. That works too, but watering well during the summer months is crucial to transitioning it into your garden.

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?

The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. … Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft. (6 m) taller than the bushes.

What zone is Michigan?

In Michigan, our hardiness zones range from 4a in the western Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, to 6b in the southeast and along the Lake Michigan lakeshore. East Lansing, Michigan is in zone 5b (-10 to -15 F) (Figure 2).

Will crepe myrtle grow in zone 6b?

While these hardy crepe myrtles can survive in zone 6, it is a stretch to say that they thrive in regions this cold. These zone 6 crepe myrtle varieties are only root hardy in zone 6. That means that you can start growing crepe myrtle trees outdoors, but you’ll have to think of them as perennials.

How long do crepe myrtles take to grow?

This myrtle, like all myrtles, thrives in full sunlight and moist but well-draining soils. It has a maximum height of between 15 to 30 feet, which means it will take between about five to 10 years to reach maturity.

What is the hardiest crape myrtle?

Cold Hardy Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtle in full bloom may offer more flowers than any other garden tree. But most are labeled for planting in zone 7 or above. The canopies survive down to 5 degrees F.

Will crepe myrtles freeze?

Crape myrtles can tolerate temperatures as low as approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Below-zero temperatures and hard freezes may cause crape myrtles to die back during the winter.

How do you winterize a crape myrtle?

It is advisable to wrap young (1 year or less) and small Crepe Myrtle trees. Wrap burlap around the branches and then add an insulating filler such as leaves or straw to provide additional protection. Use bush jackets for dwarf plants. Bush jackets are reusable insulating covers that cover the plant.

Do crepe myrtles come back every year?

Pretty easy question. Louisianians plant many crape myrtles in their landscapes every year. … Crape myrtles need to have new growth each spring in order to produce summer flowers. These flowers come on current-season growth, so late winter/early spring fertilization can aid crape myrtle flowering in the summer.

Can I plant crepe myrtle in the fall?

Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. … No matter when you plant, water your crepe myrtle well before putting it in the ground. This will help it take up water after planting.

Do deer eat crepe myrtles?

From the article at the link – Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) come in a variety of different hybrids with bright, lacy flower clusters in the summer. … Though the hungriest deer will eat plants not characteristic of its regular diet, deer will seldom eat any variety of crape myrtle.

Will crepe myrtle grow in Pennsylvania?

Long considered a southern plant, cold-hardy crape myrtles are making their presence know in South Central Pennsylvania. … Crape myrtles will survive in almost any soil and sunny location. However, because they flower on new growth, the better the soil, the more they grow and flower.

How tall does a dwarf crape myrtle get?

Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet.

Will crepe myrtle grow in shade?

An especially showy bloomer, the crape myrtle needs a location in full sun to put on its best display. This plant is a poor choice for a fully shaded spot, but in regions with strong, hot summer sun, it does well where it receives sun in the morning and light, filtered shade in the afternoon.

What planting zone is hale Michigan?

Zipcode 48739 – Hale Michigan is in Hardiness Zones 4b and 5a.

What planting zone is Jackson Michigan?

Jackson, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a.

When can I start planting in Michigan?

Frost Dates

Planting on Memorial Day is a good rule of thumb, but frost dangers occur frequently throughout much of Michigan in spring. If you plant around mid- to late May, keep an eye on the weather forecast and cover your seedlings or transplants if temperatures will fall below 40 degrees F.

How tall is a 15 gallon crape myrtle?

General Garden Use. Tuscarora Crapemyrtle will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines.

How many trunks should a crape myrtle have?

For most crape myrtles, choose three, five, or—at most—seven main trunks. An odd number of trunks is more pleasing to the eye than an even number, which often looks like soldiers in formation. Keep trunks that have ample space to grow and are growing straight and strong.

Do crape myrtles smell?

Crape Myrtles are TREES and that means they grow TALL from 20 – 40′ in height. They have been lovingly referred to as the Lilac of the South (with no fragrance) with a very long bloom time in the summer.