Is dwarf Crape Myrtle still alive?

4 years ago

My dwarf Crape Myrtle ("Berry Dazzle") was on my balcony all summer. My balcony had a roof, the floor of the tenant above me. I had placed the Crape Myrtle as close as possible to the edge of the balcony so it could get maximal sun and rain, and watered it every week or so from a hose. During the last month before I moved, it was cold out on the balcony and I didn't get out there to water much. The branches of my Berry Dazzle look very dry. I cannot discern any little red/green buds. I wonder if it's dead. I am watering it regularly now since I moved and placed it on my porch, where it gets a nice southern exposure each day. I am waiting anxiously for signs that it's still alive. If so, should I prune off the many tiny branches which go every which way?

Featured Answer

Esther-B, Zone 7a
Original Author

4 years ago

I think I am seeing the tiniest bit of color in the buds along the newer branches. Still anxiously awaiting further signs of life.

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Comments (6)

Jean
4 years ago
Wait awhile yet, mine just now has the teenist tiniest little buds, and only a few of them. Its early still for Crape Myrtles. I am in Raleigh NC, 7 also. Mine generally starts showing life about the middle of May.
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked Jean
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
4 years ago
Every year my Crape Myrtles scare the bejeesus out of me- they are the very last things to leaf out ever. Just be patient and no pruning.
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years ago
if you meant to give us a pic.. it did not post ...

considering i got 3 inches of snow yesterday .. im a bit prone to lecture you that its a bit early to give up on plants as dead.. even if you are in a warmer zone ...

if its exposed at the new place.. try to place it where you are responsible for water ... rather than it being constantly drowned by spring rains ... some plants might like all the water.. but shrubs and trees in pots might not ...

ken
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
Jilly
4 years ago
Agree with others — some CMs leaf out very late.

Use your fingernail to lightly scrape the trunk … if it’s green, you’re good. I’ve used the scrape test for CMs for over 25 yrs and it’s always been accurate.
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked Jilly
Esther-B, Zone 7a
Original Author
4 years ago
I think I am seeing those teeny buds get bigger now, so I have more confidence that my precious dwarf crepe myrtle is still alive. When will it get leaves is anyone's guess. I put Osmo-cote Plus on its soil and keep it watered. The rest is up to it.