Crape myrtles are a few of the star shrubs of the summer season, due to their colourful flowers. As soon as crape myrtles end flowering, a little bit little bit of care helps them climate the winter. On this article, I’ll share my expertise and a few important suggestions round end-of-season and over-winter take care of crape myrtles.
When Are Crape Myrtles in Season?
Crape myrtles flower from summer season till fall, producing massive panicles of colourful crepe-like flowers. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) are deciduous shrubs or small timber with a number of trunks. Which means crape myrtles drop their leaves within the fall.
Earlier than crape myrtles drop their leaves, the foliage turns engaging shades of orange, purple, or yellow. As soon as the leaves drop, crape myrtles enable their stunning peeling bark to take heart stage. The bark is reddish-brown however can present shades of cream and white.
Finish-of-Season Crape Myrtle Care
Crape myrtles solely require a little bit end-of-season care as soon as the flowers end within the fall. Firstly, they go dormant within the winter, so that they shouldn’t be fertilized. Moreover, they’ll want minimal watering in the course of the winter except you reside in a dry local weather.
As soon as the leaves do drop, water your crape myrtle totally. Add a layer of mulch reminiscent of bark, compost, or leaf mildew across the base of your crape myrtle. This helps insulate the plant whereas serving to it protect moisture all through the winter.
Crape myrtles must be calmly pruned in late winter or early spring if required. At all times prune your earlier than new development begins to seem. Take away any lifeless or broken branches and skinny out the interior branches to enhance air circulation. By no means take away greater than a 3rd of the cover when pruning your crape myrtle.
Do Crape Myrtles Want Winter Safety?
Crape myrtles are native to Asia, Australia, and elements of the Indian Subcontinent. As such, crape myrtles want heat temperatures and gentle winters. Crape myrtles develop greatest in USDA Zones 6 to 9 and shouldn’t want further winter safety in these areas.
Crape myrtles are surprisingly cold-hardy and may survive winter temperatures as little as -5ºF. Nevertheless, robust, chilly winds can injury crape myrtles. In colder climates, crape myrtles will want some winter safety. To make this simpler, develop crape myrtles in containers if you happen to dwell outdoors of Zones 6 to 9.
Over-Winter Look after Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles rising in Zones 6 to 9 shouldn’t want further winter safety. It’s greatest to depart them to their very own units whereas they’re dormant. Nevertheless, crape myrtles rising in colder climates would require some safety.
In the event you dwell outdoors of Zones 6 to 9, it’s greatest to develop crape myrtles in pots. This makes it simpler to guard them throughout harsh winters. Select ceramic containers, as these vessels are extra sturdy than wooden or terracotta pots. At all times use pots which have drainage holes.
As soon as your crape myrtle has dropped its leaves, water it totally. You could have to water it sporadically all through the winter as potted crops dry out rapidly. Apply a layer of mulch roughly 2 to three inches thick to supply further insulation.
In the event you’re anticipating chilly temperatures, wrap your crape myrtle’s trunk or pot in fleece to maintain it heat. Alternatively, you’ll be able to transfer potted crape myrtles indoors. A greenhouse or conservatory is right, however a storage additionally works. This offers your crape myrtle shelter towards harsh winter situations and temperatures under -5ºF.
Finish-of-Season Crape Myrtle Care FAQs:
Ought to Crape Myrtles Be Minimize Again in Winter?
Late winter is the very best time to chop again crape myrtles as a result of they are going to be dormant. Crape myrtles solely require gentle pruning to take away broken branches and enhance air circulation. Prune them earlier than new development begins within the spring.
What Do You Do With Crape Myrtles within the Winter?
Crape myrtles in Zones 6 to 9 shouldn’t want further winter care. You’ll be able to calmly prune crape myrtles in winter if desired. Transfer potted crape myrtles indoors or wrap them in fleece in colder climates.
Do Crape Myrtles Lose Their Leaves within the Winter?
Crape myrtles are deciduous shrubs and timber, which implies they lose their leaves in the course of the winter. Crape myrtles drop their leaves to preserve power all through the winter and enhance their resistance to robust winds.
Wrapping Up
Crape myrtles flower from summer season till fall. Crape myrtles don’t require a lot end-of-season care till late winter. That is the very best time to calmly prune crape myrtles. In chilly climates, develop crape myrtles in pots and wrap them in fleece or carry them indoors in the course of the winter.
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 give attention to gardening and wildlife.
