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Do crepe myrtles grow well in Missouri?
Although crape myrtle is a very large shrub in the south, it seldom grows taller than 10 feet in Missouri. The plant is grown for its large, showy flowers produced in late summer. It is not hardy in the northern parts of Missouri. Some winter protection is needed in all but the southernmost parts of the state.
Are crape myrtles high maintenance?
Crape myrtle is a relatively low-maintenance choice for landscaping in the appropriate region, but they do require some specific care for their showy blooms to flourish. To help your crape myrtle look its very best… Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive.
How cold can crepe myrtles survive?
0° to 10° F.
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 trees are blooming now in Missouri?
Missouri’s Native Flowering Trees
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
- Wild Plum (Prunus americana)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Can you plant crape myrtle in fall?
Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant. No matter when you plant, water your crepe myrtle well before putting it in the ground. This will help it take up water after planting.
Do crape myrtles need a lot of water?
For best growth and production, crape myrtles should receive at least one inch of water a week. During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, flowers may be mitigated.
How often do you water a newly planted crepe myrtle?
once a week
Water newly planted crape myrtles at least once a week if dormant and in cool weather, and up to five times a week if planted during hot weather or in very sandy soil. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants.
Do deer eat crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) come in a variety of different hybrids with bright, lacy flower clusters in the summer. Though the hungriest deer will eat plants not characteristic of its regular diet, deer will seldom eat any variety of crape myrtle.
How do you plant a crepe myrtle tree?
Plant the trees in full sun. Even cold hardy crepe myrtle do better in a hot location. It also helps to do the planting in mid-summer so that the roots dig into warm soil and establish fast. Don’t plant in autumn since the roots will have a harder time.
Is crepe myrtle cold hardy?
Cold Hardy Crepe Myrtle. Crepe myrtle in full bloom may offer more flowers than any other garden tree. But most are labeled for planting in zone 7 or above. The canopies survive down to 5 degrees F. (-15 C.) if fall leads into winter with a gradual cool down.
When is the best time to raise crepe myrtle?
The best time to raise crepe myrtles is in late fall, winter, or early spring, just after the plant’s cold weather dormant season. You can also hold off until fall or winter roll around, provided you live in a region with mild temperatures where the ground does not regularly freeze.
How do you take care of a crepe myrtle in Zone 5?
Cover the plant with protective fabric, then pile mulch on top. Act before the soil freezes to better protect the root crown. Remove fabric and mulch as spring arrives. When you are growing crepe myrtle in zone 5, you’ll want to fertilize the plants once a year only in spring.