Was your crape myrtle hurt by frost? Although this delicate Japanese perennial is hardy enough to be grown in each of the 50 states, a blast from Old Man Winter at the wrong time can be devastating.
There's no agreement as to the spelling of the plant: crape myrtle vs. crepe myrtle. It's easy to figure where the crepe spelling came from--just take one look at the papery foliage and the answer is clear. Although they're not quite the regional symbol that the magnolia is, crape myrtles widely decorate the U.S. South.
Typically, when that part of the country gets a hard frost, it doesn't come at a time of maximum vulnerability for the crape myrtle--that is, when its buds or leaves have emerged. A lot of damage can occur to the tree, but it will almost always survive.
When a crape myrtle hurt by frost in the spring shows its damage, it's often by way of injured leaves that blacken and fall off. Often they are usually followed by new leafing with no permanent harm done. In fact, only trim sections that frost has killed. Pruning is not only unnecessary, but it can encourage new growth at the wrong time, leaving the delicate new shoots even more vulnerable to frost.
The dangerous time for a frost is after the plant has bloomed, and the gorgeous, papery flowers are affected. A crape myrtle hurt by frost is a lesson in patience, so don't be too quick to run out and chop it down! Mother Nature throws us a curve ball now and then, but don't lose hope.
If you're searching to find out about your crape myrtle hurt by frost, ask yourself another question here: what part of your life is affected by circumstances outside your control? Can you pray and meditate rather than do something right away? Is this a time when having a "wait and see" attitude would work for you personally as well?
It's no surprise that a crape myrtle tree would be as delicate as it looks, but don't underestimate this tree. In fact, they're pretty tough, especially in the face of diseases such as powdery mildew, which can devastate gardens.
Crapes are low-maintenance beautifiers, growing tall on gorgeous, slender branches that reach upward, providing white, red, or pink splashes of color in summer. Different varieties reach various heights, ranging from shrub height to 25-plus feet. They stand for delicate dignity, but also represent the power within us to regenerate ourselves.
If you live in a frost-prone area and wish to plant crape myrtle, choose a cultivar that has been developed for enhanced cold-resistance. If you buy locally that should be all that your garden center sells, but if you order online you will have to know what to select for your region. Try these or see our store for more options:
You can find the Hardy Crape at Henry Fields online.
- Gurney's Seed & Nursery sells three varieties of Hardy Crape Myrtle: Hopi, Pecos, and Zuni.
