What zone do crepe myrtles grow in?
Read on for information on crepe myrtles for zone 6. If you ask about hardiness zones for growing crepe myrtle trees, you’ll probably learn that these plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 and above. They can even suffer cold damage in zone 7.
Can crepe myrtle trees survive the Cold?
If the plants are labeled zone 5 crepe myrtle trees, they will likely survive the cold. A good place to start is with the ‘Filligree’ cultivars. These trees offer stunning blossoms in the middle of the summer in colors that include red, coral and violet. Yet, they are labeled for zones 4 through 9.
How do you plant a crepe myrtle tree?
Plant the trees in full sun. Even cold hardy crepe myrtle do better in a hot location. It also helps to do the planting in mid-summer so that the roots dig into warm soil and establish fast. Don’t plant in autumn since the roots will have a harder time.
What are the different types of crepe myrtles?
These include Lagerstroemia indica and its hybrids, the most popular species, as well as Lagerstroemia fauriei and its hybrids. While the former are not hardy crepe myrtles for zone 6, the latter can be. Various cultivars have been developed from the Lagerstroemia fauriei variety. Look for any of the following at your garden store:
Are crape myrtles native to Tennessee?
There are no species of plants in the crape myrtle genus native to North America, but introduced Lagerstroemia have been planted in incredibly large numbers in the southeastern United States.
What zones do crepe myrtles grow?
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.
When should you prune crepe myrtles in Tennessee?
February is a good time to prune Crape myrtles in Tennessee. Crape myrtles bloom on the new season's growth in spring, so trimming them in February before new grow starts is ideal. Trim off last year's flower heads by cutting ¼ inch from an outward facing bud or branch (See photos above, #1).
How long does it take a crepe myrtle to grow into a tree?
five to 10 yearsCrape myrtles grow quickly. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “this shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year.” Crape myrtles generally grow between 15-25 feet tall, so most trees take five to 10 years to mature. These trees live more than 50 years when properly maintained.
Will crepe myrtles survive a freeze?
Crape Myrtle Cold Hardiness Typical crape myrtles can usually tolerate winter temperatures that drop as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than 0 degrees and multiple hard freezes may cause crape myrtles to die back completely during the winter.
What is the most cold hardy crape myrtle?
Tougher than its Southern cousin, Tonto Hardy Crape Myrtle Tree tolerates subzero temperatures. Like other crape myrtles, this deciduous shrub provides months of interest in the landscape.
What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won't grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you'll encourage way more blooms to appear.
Should I deadhead crepe myrtle?
Q: Do you have to deadhead crape myrtle trees to get more flowers? A: No, you do not have to deadhead the Southern lilac (crepe or crape myrtle, depending on what source you consult), but it does help to stimulate more flowers when you do — if you can reach them.
Do you need to trim crepe myrtles every year?
Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, which ruins their natural shape and beauty. Remove the sucker growth that sometimes appears around the base. Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching.
Are crepe myrtles poisonous to dogs?
Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.
What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
You can grow a crepe myrtle in two ways: bush and tree. The primary difference lies in their dimension. The bush remains below 11 feet in height, whereas the tree can reach 20 to 30 feet at maturity. Another important aspect is the number of stems or trunks.
What do crepe myrtles look like in winter?
The crepe myrtle in winter will have no leaves. They are deciduous shrubs, so their leaves change color and eventually die and fall off in autumn.
Do crepe myrtles grow in Zone 9?
Crepe myrtle is another warm-climate loving tree that has several varieties that grow very well in zone 9. Depending on variety, crepe myrtle can also be shrub size to large tree.
Can I grow crepe myrtle in Zone 5?
So can crepe myrtle grow in zone 5? If you select a cultivar carefully and plant it in a protected area, then yes, it may be possible. You'll need to do your homework before planting and growing crepe myrtle in zone 5. Select one of the cold hardy crepe myrtle cultivars.
How long does it take a crepe myrtle to bloom?
3. Bloom time can vary by 6-8 weeks depending on your variety of crape myrtle. Flower blossoms develop on new growth, so while each variety varies in its exact bloom time, flowering can also depend on the pruning you did in winter.
Are crepe myrtles toxic to dogs?
Crape Myrtle is not poisonous to dogs, so you can include this perennial shrub in your landscape if you have furry friends. Some varieties have berries and seed pods that may fall from the plant, but there is no reason to be concerned if your dog eats any part of the plant.
What to Plant Instead of Crape Myrtle?
Love flowering trees, but want to avoid the common issues with crape myrtles?
What is a good alternative to crape myrtle?
The classic white variety or pretty pink are both great alternatives to crape myrtle, Moore says, but keep in mind these like part shade, while crape myrtles love full sun.
What month do crepe myrtles bloom?
Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety. You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well.
What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?
This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it’s done, it ruins the tree’s graceful natural shape for the rest of its life.
Can I prune my crepe myrtle in January?
The proper time to prune crape myrtle is late winter (January-February). Since crape myrtles form their flowers on new growth, there is no danger of removing already-formed buds.
Can you cut crepe myrtles to the ground?
Crepe myrtles will grow back when cut, although it isn’t necessary to prune them all the way down to the ground.
Should crepe myrtles be cut back in the fall?
Crape myrtles bloom on new growth, so prune them in early spring before they break dormancy. Fall pruning not only creates an unat tractive look for winter but also removes the current year’s growth as a buffer against any potential winter damage.
When is the best time to plant crepe myrtles?
The fall planting season quickly approaches – the best time for planting most trees and shrubs. It's a good bet many for you will be shopping for crepe myrtles. Before you do, I'm going to say something so shocking it verges on heresy. There are some places you shouldn't plant a crepe myrtle.
How long do crepe myrtles bloom?
The arching canopy of a crepe myrtle looks perfect for shading a white concrete pool deck. However, some selections such as ‘Natchez' can bloom for 100 days a year. Every day that new flowers open, old flowers drop into the pool. It will also drop leaves for at least 30 days in late summer and fall. This means that unless you're a complete slob, you'll be tethered to a pool skimmer for almost a third of a year.
What is the most widely planted tree in the South?
The iconic crepe myrtle is the most widely planted tree in the South, and much of the credit goes to Southern Living. For 50 years, we've told you beautiful it is in every season and how easy it is to grow. As a result, any house in a neighborhood without at least one crepe myrtle looks highly suspect.
What zone do crepe myrtles grow in?
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. (-15 C.) if fall leads into winter with a gradual cool down. If winter comes abruptly, the trees can suffer severe damage in the 20’s.
Can crepe myrtles grow in Zone 5?
Crepe myrtles ( Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia indica x faurei) are among the most popular landscape trees in the southeastern United States. With showy flowers and smooth bark that peels back as it ages, these trees offer many incentives to willing gardeners. But if you live in a cooler clime, you may despair of finding cold hardy crepe myrtle trees. However, growing crepe myrtles in zone 5 regions is possible. Read on for information on zone 5 crepe myrtle trees.
What zone do crepe myrtles grow in?
If you ask about hardiness zones for growing crepe myrtle trees, you’ll probably learn that these plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 and above. They can even suffer cold damage in zone 7. What’s a zone 6 gardener to do? You’ll be happy to learn that some new, hardy crepe myrtles have been developed.
Is crepe myrtle hardy in Zone 6?
While the former are not hardy crepe myrtles for zone 6, the latter can be. Various cultivars have been developed from the Lagerstroemia fauriei variety. Look for any of the following at your garden store: ‘Pocomoke’. ‘Acoma’.
Can crepe myrtles survive in Zone 6?
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. They will probably die back to the ground over ...
Do crepe myrtles die in winter?
If you find the trees a warm microclimate, they may not die back in winter. Another option is to start growing zone 6 crepe myrtle varieties in large containers. When the first freeze kills back the leaves, move the pots to a cool location that offers shelter. An unheated garage or shed works well.
