Can crepe myrtles grow in Zone 5?

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.

Similarly, it is asked, what zone do crepe myrtles grow in?

USDA Zone 7

Furthermore, what is the hardiest crape myrtle? Crape myrtles are dependable trees and shrubs in zones 7 – 10. In northern areas of USDA zone 6, a number of crape myrtle varieties (cultivars) are rated as winter hardy perennials but not develop into a full sized woody tree or shrub described on the plant tag.

Beside this, where do crepe myrtles 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).

Can crepe myrtle grow 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.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Is crape myrtle a bush or tree?

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. They bloom in the summer, when there are few other trees and shrubs providing that service. The larger varieties grow rather quickly, providing a bit of shade in addition to the seasonal color.

Do crepe myrtles grow fast?

In general, crape myrtles grow at a medium to fast growth rate at about 1-2 feet per year. Hence where they get their nickname – fast growing trees!

How long do crape myrtles live?

50 years

How long does it take a crepe myrtle tree to grow?

They are trained to grow as trees and can reach heights of over 40 feet, although most average between 20 and 30 feet. It takes these trees between 10 and 20 years or longer to grow to maturity.

How tall do crepe myrtle bushes get?

40 feet tall

How do you protect crepe myrtles in the winter?

Hammer three stakes around the crape myrtle and wrap the burlap around those. Some people then stuff the little "burlap tent" with leaves for extra warmth over winter. Plastic is a bad idea. For starters, the branches don't need light when they're dormant and bare over winter.

What is my growing zone?

If you see a hardiness zone in a gardening catalog or plant description, chances are it refers to this USDA map. To find your USDA Hardiness Zone, enter your zip code or use the map below. Click here for more information about hardiness maps. Find your zone using the map below or enter your zip code.

Can crepe myrtle grow in Zone 10?

Crape myrtles are cold hardy - anywhere throughout Zone 9 or 10 is fine - but they are deciduous, with some varieties putting on a show of fall color before losing their leaves. Flowers begin to appear in late spring to early summer, depending on variety.

What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?

Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. 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.

Are crape myrtle tree roots invasive?

Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive? In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide. On the other hand, it is wise to keep all trees at least 5 to 10 feet away from walkways and foundations.

Should crepe myrtles be trimmed?

When to Cut

Late winter (right now) is the best time to prune a crepe myrtle, because it's leafless and you can easily see all of the branches. It also blooms on new growth, so pruning now won't reduce blooming. In fact, it may increase it.

Do crepe myrtles bloom first year?

Louisianians plant many crape myrtles in their landscapes every year. The lovely, long-lasting blooms make them attractive. Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June.

How far apart should you plant crepe myrtles?

How far apart you plant crape myrtles depends largely on the cultivar you plant. "Natchez" (L. indica "Natchez") is one of the largest cultivars, growing at least 25 feet tall. It demands a spacing of at least 15 to 20 feet between trees.

Are crepe myrtles poisonous?

Many beautiful plants contain toxins that present a danger to puppies and other animals. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.

Can you overwater a crape myrtle?

Crape myrtle trees need the most moisture in the soil profile when they are actively growing -- when the plant displays leaves. Overwatering crape myrtles in spring and summer can diminish flowering, since overly moist soil promotes leafy growth, not flower production.

Do you have to cut back crepe myrtles?

Correct Pruning of Crape Myrtles

While it is best to prune just before the dormant season ends in late winter to early spring, you should remove dead, diseased and dying limbs at any time. Branches that are crossing or rubbing should also be pruned .

What is the best crape myrtle?

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is the ideal choice if you want a large tree. It can reach 20 to 30 feet in height and is covered all summer with beautiful blossoms in a perfect shade of lilac. It has excellent mildew resistance and outstanding bark color, with shades of grey and soft orange predominating.