Hi All!

I just planted two Dynamite Crepe Myrtle trees for next spring. I read somewhere that they... "Hardy in Zones 6-9 (protect the first winter in Zone 6)". I am in CT...Zone 6 but I don't know what is meant by "protect".

The instructions I received with the trees didn't stipulate any specific 'winter' care. Does anyone know if I need to do anything special?

CeeView

Protect, I usually take it as mulch, so I suggest piling dead leaves around the base of the tree to sort of protect the roots. If you wait a bit longer, someone who actually has a crepe myrtle might be able to help for sure

Thanks Kennyso...

I probably should have figured that out. Actually, when I planted them, I added mulch around the base so I might not have to do anything. We'll see....

Take Care!

Hi ceeview,

I am from CT, too. I have been trying to grow Crepe Myrtles for awhile now. I am assuming from your handle your on the coast which is the only area of the state that they have a real chance. It seems every 10 years or so a really bad winter comes along and burns mine to the ground. So they seem to be root hardy in Zone 6 but the stems are sometimes damaged. Planting in a protected location is the best thing you can do (like along a south facing wall) for protection. I recently saw 'Dynamite' out on Long Island and fell in love with the color.

digital flower,

I may be in trouble if what you say is the case with crepe myrtles. I planted mine in the front yard....two of them spaced apart.

If they don't grow well, I can get them replaced since the guarantee is one year from purchase date.

Thank You!

CeeView

You might want to get one of the Dwarf Crepe Myrtle if the trees don't work out. Becareful about mulching around the base of a tree. They can have trouble if anything is touching their bark. You might want to put some edging around the trunk to keep the mulch from touching it.