Crepe myrtle is often referred to as the "lilac of the south" due to the impressive flowers and distribution in the Mediterranean region. The shrub, also known as Lagerstroemia after its botanical name, has a multitude of small flowers that visually resemble the crepe paper popular in handicrafts.

The adult crape myrtle tolerates mild winters well

Pay attention to the location needs of the crape myrtle

Under the right conditions, the crape myrtle can grow up to a maximum of 5 meters high. However, for a lush flowering of the plant it is essential that the Lagerstroemia gets enough light and warmth. In contrast to sensitive exotic plants such as the dragon tree, the crape myrtle does not die immediately in cool or even frosty temperatures. After all, crape myrtles also grow in exposed locations in various regions of northern Italy. With good care, the various subspecies of the Lagerstroemia can withstand winter temperatures of up to minus 15 degrees Celsius for a short time. In the case of crape myrtle, any fertilization should be stopped from August so that young shoots can harden sufficiently before winter.

The right location for year-round outdoor care

Unfortunately, not every location in Central Europe is suitable for growing crape myrtle outdoors. Mild locations such as:

  • wine regions
  • coastal regions
  • sun-kissed river valleys

Not only the regional climate is decisive, but also the exact positioning of the crape myrtles in the garden. You should plant crape myrtle in front of a natural stone wall if possible and ensure that there is no shadowing of the light at any time of the year. The wall directly behind the plants reflects the sunlight during the day and also emits stored heat from the sun to the environment in the evening. In this way, a location becomes significantly milder throughout the winter without any special effort.

This should be taken into account when spending the winter indoors

In the rather cold regions, crape myrtle should be cultivated in pots and protected from severe night frosts in winter. However, a greenhouse or a heated interior room is rather too warm as a winter quarters for a crape myrtle. Rather, Lagerstromien should be brought to a relatively cool winter quarters late and wintered out again in early spring. Crepe myrtles only need a little water during the winter dormant phase and should only be fertilized again when the new shoots appear in spring.

tips

Since crape myrtles shed all their leaves in winter, they do not need sunlight in winter quarters and can also be overwintered in completely dark rooms.

Category:

Trees