Hi, has anyone here have any Crepe Myrtle bushes/trees? I live in upstate New York and would love to buy a Crepe Myrtle bush, but I live in zone 5. I was wondering if I bought a bush could I cover it during winter to protect it? Thanks for any help.
https://www.gardenstew.com/plantstew/27110 they are only hardy to zone 7, you might be able to keep it from year to year if you have an indoor place to keep it in winter. Down here (I have 5 in the ground) they will overwinter just fine but I don't know that you would have much luck with it, you have to be able to keep the roots from freezing to keep it alive. And the tree (think there is a dwarf version available too) will get to about 40 feet tall.
Toni, Thank you very much for your reply. I guess I will not be buying any Crepe myrtles any time soon. Again, thanks for you help. Richie
I would try it ! Good layer of mulch and a cover over the top for coldest months ! They are tough plants !
Maybe if you found a warm microclimate up against a south facing wall. But if it is true that the roots can't stand being frozen, I don't think it'd make it. I am in zone 6a and my ground freezes, even against the South facing wall. But you know they are plenty of pretty flowering shrubs that are cold hardy and no fuss.
I may buy a small 4" potted crepe myrtle from Dutch Gardens and put it outside in summer and take it inside during the winter months. Thanks to everyone for all the help.