How to Shelter a Crepe Myrtle From the Cold

Smaller crepe myrtles may still be worthwhile to grow during the winter if you observe some extra protective measures.

Lagerstroemia indica and the somewhat hardier Lagerstroemia fauriei, both better known as crepe myrtles, are cultivars of a lush blooming shrub or tree with flowers ranging from deep red to white and a mottled exfoliating bark. Grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9, crepe myrtles are known to be killed to the ground in severe winters in zone 7. In this case, the plant will probably not develop a trunk, although it will still be able to produce flowers. To protect your crepe myrtles from damage due to cold, provide micro climates and care practices to encourage winter hardiness.

Things You'll Need

• Mulch
• Burlap
• Stakes

Instructions

1. Plant a crepe myrtle away from south-facing walls. Position your crepe myrtle where it will not be subject to large temperature disparities. South-facing walls retain and radiate heat during warm spells in winter so that any plants nearby may break out of their winter dormancy. Buds and other new growth that form on crepe myrtle trees near these walls can die once the temperatures return to their normal range. Avoid planting crepe myrtle near such walls.

2. Wait until the ground in northern climates freezes in preparation for mulching. You will want to keep the ground frozen to protect the crepe myrtle from heaving up from the ground during winter's freeze and thaw cycles.

3. Add the mulch, which will assist with keeping the ground frozen. Use 3 to 4 inches of shredded bark or leaves, straw or well-composted sawdust, making sure the mulch stays several inches away from physical contact with the crepe myrtle's trunk. Pull back the mulch once the danger of frost has passed.

4. Set up a windbreaker to ward off winter winds. Staple burlap or erosion control fabric onto stakes and drive them into the ground on the tree's windward side.

5. Don't prune in the fall or winter. Avoid pruning, watering or fertilizing crepe myrtle excessively after July, as this will encourage new growth that may not be able to withstand the ensuing winter.

6. Give the crepe myrtle plenty of summer sun. Even if winters are cold, plenty of sun during the summer will help crepe myrtle become hardier in the winter. Place the plants where they will get lots of sun.

References

• United States National Arboretum: Crapemyrtle Questions and Answers
• Sandy's Garden: Crape Myrtle