crape myrtle for zone 6?

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janets412 Pittsburgh, PA Jun 27, 2011

anyone have good/bad experience --would love a crape myrtle in the yard?

sara's favorite? Or other varieties ?

where to purchase--online?

Post #8658043
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Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Jun 27, 2011

I have several crepe myrtles which are thriving.
The first few years, I cut them back to ground level every spring,
assuming the tops weren't hardy here.
But I'm not known for keeping on top of maintenance chores like that,
so I neglected to cut them back a few years ago and found that they did fine.
In fact, they're now 15ft tall with no appreciable winter dieback.
The trunk is beautifully mottled and is a definite asset to the tree.
I say go for it!

Post #8658394
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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 27, 2011

'Sarah's Favorite' is likely to be your best performer in Pittsburgh - it's a fine white with great bark (with age).

'Hopi' might be your next best plant. It is an USNA selection, and a solid pink.

Post #8658724
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janets412 Pittsburgh, PA Jun 28, 2011

any suggestions for a lilac or purple color---I am willing to "risk" it once!
on -line source?

When to plant?

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 28, 2011

I don't shop on-line, so no help there. I'd plant this whenever you get it, especially if it's container grown. Early fall would give the plant time to root in before cold freeze/thaw cycles start. Otherwise, early spring is fine.

Also, know that crape myrtle is one of the easier plants to root from cuttings of the summer growth. You should collect parts from any you see (with permission, of course) and see what you can coax out of them. Not too heavy an investment there.

If you've never visited this website, you should. Then - make the visit to the US National Arboretum in person.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/graphics/usna/Newintro/USNA_CrapeMyrtlePoster.pdf

There are many good plants here, and you probably can't get too far astray with just about any of them. Of the color range you mentioned, I've grown 'Zuni'.

Go hog wild!

Post #8659386
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janets412 Pittsburgh, PA Jun 28, 2011

suggestions and photos are great!
A whole new world----miniatures in containers , as well....have you tried that?
so many plants, so little time...

Post #8659431
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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 28, 2011

You are welcome.

No, I don't usually try woodies in containers as a permanent planting.

I have planted 'Pocomoke' and 'Chickasaw', but rabbits keep them dwarfer than they'd rather be.

That's the ticket - try as many as you have room for, and then start working on your neighbors...

Post #8659527
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