Crape myrtles produce colourful shows of lovely flowers throughout summer season and fall. These engaging, low-maintenance shrubs and timber thrive in numerous situations and areas. On this article, we’ll uncover if crape myrtles can develop in pots.
Can Crape Myrtle Develop in Pots?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are one of many best deciduous shrubs to develop in pots. They’re native to components of Asia, Australia, and the Indian Subcontinent. Nonetheless, crape myrtles are additionally naturalized in North America, particularly within the Southern United States.
Most sorts of crape myrtles thrive in USDA Zones 6 to 9. Nonetheless, gardeners in colder areas can develop crape myrtles in containers. This allows you to defend the crops throughout harsh winter situations by bringing them indoors or wrapping them in fleece.
Rising crape myrtles in containers retains them to a manageable dimension, particularly if you happen to don’t have lots of house (otherwise you’re rising a crape myrtle as a bonsai tree). They’re fast-growing crops that may attain as much as 30 ft excessive and roughly 15 ft large. Nonetheless, rising crape myrtles in pots restricts and slows down their development.
What Sort of Pots Are Finest for Crape Myrtles?
Crape myrtles thrive in pots so long as the container is the correct dimension. Select containers which can be two or 3 times as large because the nursery pot that your crape myrtle got here in. A container that’s 3 to three.5 ft large and three ft deep is an efficient dimension for many crape myrtles.
Plant pots might be constructed from completely different supplies, a few of which swimsuit crape myrtles greater than others. Crape myrtles thrive in most rising mediums so long as the soil is well-draining. Ceramic pots are very best as a result of they’re porous, permitting extra water to evaporate while additionally being sturdy.
Clay and plastic pots are simply broken, whereas picket pots require a number of upkeep. Terracotta containers are porous however can dry out too rapidly in sizzling climate. Terracotta pots are additionally inclined to break through the winter.
No matter your pot materials, all the time select a container with drainage holes. These holes enable extra water to empty, stopping the soil from getting waterlogged. Waterlogged soil causes issues like root rot.
The way to Develop Crape Myrtles in Pots
Daylight
Crape myrtles want roughly six hours of full solar day by day. South or west-facing components of your backyard are very best. Crape myrtles additionally want a sheltered spot out of the wind, so place the pot accordingly.
Soil Necessities
Crape myrtles require well-draining soils that also maintain some moisture. In addition they choose barely acidic soils with a pH stage between 5.0 and 6.5. Crape myrtles tolerate nutrient-poor soils, making them extremely adaptable.
Watering
Crape myrtles are pretty drought-tolerant as soon as established, however rising them in pots means they dry out extra rapidly. Water your potted crape myrtle every time the highest 2 to 4 inches of soil really feel dry. You’ll must water extra continuously in sizzling, dry climate.
Fertilizing
Crape myrtles don’t thoughts nutrient-poor soils, however fertilizer helps produce the perfect blooms. Feed established crape myrtles as soon as within the spring with some slow-release fertilizer granules. This supplies vitamins all through the event of the flower buds.
Winter Take care of Crape Myrtles in Pots
Rising crape myrtles in pots enable gardeners to get pleasure from them in colder areas. Though crape myrtles thrive in Zones 6 to 9, they’ll tolerate winter temperatures as little as -5ºF.
Shield potted crape myrtles through the winter by wrapping them in horticultural fleece. You’ll be able to wrap each the pot and the trunk. Alternatively, carry your crape myrtle indoors to maintain it heat. A greenhouse is right.
Crape Myrtle in Pots FAQs
What Crape Myrtles Are Finest for Pots?
Whereas most crape myrtles thrive in pots, dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars are excellent for rising in containers. These compact crape myrtles develop between 2 and 6 ft tall, making them straightforward to handle.
Can Crape Myrtles Be Saved Small?
Crape myrtles are fast-growing crops that may be saved in examine by common pruning. Prune crape myrtles in late winter or early spring however don’t overdo it.
The place Do Crape Myrtles Develop Finest?
Crape myrtles develop greatest in Zones 6 to 9 and like heat situations. Crape myrtles want roughly six hours of full solar day by day.
Wrapping Up
Crape myrtles are straightforward to develop in containers so long as they obtain full solar and have well-draining soils. Rising crape myrtles in pots means that you can develop them in colder areas outdoors Zones 6 to 9.
For extra, see our in-depth information to rising and caring for crape myrtles in your backyard.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s enthusiastic about nature and sustainability with a deal with gardening and wildlife.
