Growing Crape Myrtle in Containers

Do I bring in my crape myrtles, in one gallon pots, in for the winter or do I plant them? They are about 24-30" high and I live in zone 5.

Crape myrtles are borderline hardy in zone 6. Some northern gardeners (zone 5) have had success over wintering them outdoors in a protected spot. Even though they survived a mild winter or two, they did die back to ground level. Try moving the containers into a cool location such as your basement. Water the soil occasionally to prevent the roots from drying. Move the plant under artificial lights or in front of a window if it begins to sprout leaves. You can take a chance and store the crape myrtle in a protected spot in an unheated garage. Provide extra root and top insulation. Water whenever the soil is dry and thawed.

Related

Audio

Cleaning and Storing Plant Pots

Article

German Ivy Left Outdoors Over Winter

Article

Caring for Begonias Overwintering Indoors

Article

Growing Bulbs in Containers