Do crape myrtle roots spread out?
A crape myrtle’s roots may spread out a considerable distance; however, they are relatively weak and not aggressive. They do not produce heavy side roots that would cause damage to walkways, driveways, or foundations.
How tall does a crape myrtle tree grow?
There are also smaller varieties at 6 to 12 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, and dwarf shrubs 2 to 5 feet tall. Make sure you're choosing the appropriate crape myrtle bush or tree for your location and design.
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 I plant crape myrtles in February and March?
PLEASE STOP PLANTING CRAPE MYRTLES!! The way crape myrtles look in February and March is a travesty (a distorted representation of a tree) and a tragedy (an event causing great suffering destruction and distress) to the individual plants.
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Is crape myrtle native to NJ?
Crape Myrtles are members of the Lagerstroemia genus and, while native to southeast Asia and northern Australia, they have become a favorite colorful addition to the summer foliage along the New Jersey coast.
Can you grow crepe myrtle in the Northeast?
Answer. Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) can and does grow in Westchester County but with some caveats. Some cultivars are advertised as winter hardy in the northeast, but our experience is that while the roots will survive in the climate zones of Westchester County, the above ground plant may die back.
What month do crepe myrtles bloom in NJ?
The lovely, long-lasting blooms make them attractive. Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June.
Can crape myrtle survive winter?
Most crape myrtle varieties are winter hardy to zone 7, which corresponds to a minimum winter temperature of 0° to 10° F. Depending on where you live in Ohio, you may be in zone 5 or 6, where crape myrtles will need some winter protection in order to survive.
What zones do crepe myrtles grow?
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 crape 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).
How many years does it take for a crepe myrtle to bloom?
This myrtle, like all myrtles, thrives in full sunlight and moist but well-draining soil. 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.
How fast does crepe myrtle grow?
This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.
Do crepe myrtles bloom twice a year?
You Really Can Have Two Bloom Cycles on Crepe Myrtles. Some years, the first bloom cycle of crepe myrtles lasts a month or more. Other years, it seems to go away far too soon.
Will crepe myrtle come back after a freeze?
Freeze-damaged trees can take some time to come back, but Crape Myrtles can be quite resilient. Other varieties are generally more winter hardy, and will require monitoring and pruning of dead twigs/branches when they leaf out.
Can crape myrtle grow in NY?
Crape myrtle is primarily a Southern plant, hardy to Zone 7. It can survive on Long Island and in spots in and around New York City, wherever a sheltered microenvironment keeps plants from getting too cold for too long.
How cold can crepe myrtle tolerate?
Cold Hardy Crepe Myrtle 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.
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.
How big do crape myrtles get?
Infinitini® series crape myrtles average 2 to 4 feet tall and wide and have all the seasonal beauty of a crape myrtle tree. They can even be grown in containers!
What is a crepe myrtle tree?
Crape myrtle (or crepe myrtle) trees provide year-round interest and color with their showy summer blooms, colorful fall foliage and attractive winter bark. They are available in several sizes from 2-foot shrubby dwarf varieties to towering trees, offer many colors from white to shades of deep red and purple, and can be grown as single ...
Why is my crape myrtle not blooming?
Too much shade may also contribute to fewer blooms. Over-pruning can result in decreased flowering, as your tree’s energy will be spent on producing new branches instead of blooms. Too much water or fertilizer can cause foliage growth at the expense of bloom production.
What are the problems with crape myrtles?
The main disease problems with crape myrtles are fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew. They do have some susceptibility to aphids and scale. Varieties such as the Rikki Tikki™ series have been developed with increased disease resistance.
How much sun do crapes need?
Where to plant: Crapes love the sun and are extremely heat tolerant. They should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Some partial shade during the day is fine, but may result in fewer blooms. More sun = more blooms. They aren’t picky about their soil, but do need good drainage.
What zone is root hardy?
Some may only be root hardy in zone 6, meaning the roots will survive the winter temperatures, but it's possible that the above-ground branches will die back completely to the ground. If this occurs, new spring growth will emerge from below ground.
Can dwarf trees grow in containers?
Dwarf varieties make excellent choices for large containers. Plant among spring- blooming trees to offer a mix of late summer color. Their non-invasive roots make them good choices for street trees or near walkways and driveways. Plant in containers for annual color in colder zones (2-5) and over-winter indoors.
When do crepe myrtles bloom?
Even when killed back to the ground, regrowth tends to be rapid and you'll get good bloom by mid to late summer.
What plants get killed in the winter in Maryland?
Nachez (white) and Catawba (purple) often get killed to or near the ground most every winter here in west MD. Even if quite a few stems survive the winter, new growth, at least here in a frost-hollow, gets fried by late frosts. They've become candidates for possible removal.....
Can you kill a crape myrtle?
Yes you can, though as Sue mentioned, they are sometimes killed back to the ground. In coastal areas the ocean mitigates the temperate extremes, so it would likely be your best area. Here is a search on the New England forum for mentions of crape myrtles: https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/neweng/query/Crape/nqrw.
Can crape myrtle be kept alive?
And it looks like, at the moment, the horticultural experts of Harvard University have not managed to keep any crape myrtle alive in their renowned arboretum. That being said there's no harm in trying one of the hardiest sorts if you are prepared to have it dieback to the ground in a cold winter. Sue W (CT zone 6a)
