Hi, We went on vacation a few weeks ago to Tennessee and I saw the most beautiful trees I have ever seen. They were called Crepe Myrtle. I was wondering if someone here could tell me if there is a crepe Myrtle that will grow and survive in zone 5? I live in upstate New York about 1 1/2 hours from New York City in a town called New Paltz. Thank you very much for any information.
Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle) I have 4 in my yards, they do require probably more heat than your zone 5 can provide to grow and survive winter. I think there are some dwarf varieties that might do okay indoors if you can give them the sun and heat they need.
Nope @Richie Cooper ...I am right at the edge and I am 6b....down in the Poconos, PA. If we have a really cold winter some do not survive..sorry...I do have about 6 or 7... in my gardens. I am at 1000 feet above sea level and I believe that's what helps mine stay alive. Maybe if you pay attention and heavily mulch you can try one...??
Thank you all very much. I am very sorry it took me so long to get back to everyone, I have been over to my daughters house trying to catch a bat. Finally caught him and let him go outside. I guess I will give up on my Crepe Myrtle idea. Thanks again.
So sorry @Richie Cooper, It would be lovely to have one.... Now FYI. After I searched your area and my area..we are almost the same. I am 5a to 6a, so are you...I am at the edge of safe..some people try and loose them on a very cold winter...I have about 6 of them spread over 2.5 acres and they have been with me for 8 years. So if you really want to try one, mulch it heavily in the fall. You could depending on the specific area, have them live.
waretrop, Thank you SO VERY MUCH. I will buy one and do as you said. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
@Richie Cooper So if you are going to try it, do it soon and when you plant it fill the hole with water and let it soak in, fill with water a second time while planting it., to give it the best chances going into the first winter...good luck..
waretrop, Thanks again, I am looking on line now for a hardy crepe myrtle. I will order one as soon as I can find one, actually my wife will, I am not so good with computers. I always tell my wife what I need and within a few days its at the front door! Thank you very much again. I will have my wife post some pictures when we get a tree.
This link may help you to pick a Crepe Myrtle that's right for you Richie. https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/cold-hardy-crape-myrtles.html
Eileen, Thanks, I think I am going to wait until spring to buy a tree. Some of the places my wife found are not shipping until early spring. I want to thank everyone who replied here, you people are AWESOME!
Petronius, Thank you, that was very helpful. I cannot wait for spring to come around so I can buy a tree! I am going to buy a dark red tree and even have the spot all ready for planting. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
i have a couple of baby crape myrtles coming up can i move them to a better place? they are about 12 inches tall .... thank you margie
Margie, the little crepes can be moved at this stage of their growth. I'd move them late in the day when it is cooler and they are out of direct sun. Water them well, and keep them shaded for three or four days (old umbrellas, sheet tents, whatever you have on hand.) If your temperatures are really hot, say 95 or above, wait until things cool down a bit. In Indiana you have a window of opportunity that stretches into late September. When digging them, go deep and have the new hole prepared. Don't fertilize until they perk up after transplanting, and then use half-dose of your balanced fertilizer.
