Crepe Myrtle

The Crepe Myrtle of Lagerstroemia is a stunning flowering shrub that will make a great feature in a sheltered garden. It can be planted out in more sheltered areas of the UK, or further north or where temperatures are likely to get below -5C in winter then it should be kept in a pot so it can be moved to a more sheltered spot in the coldest months. An unheated greenhouse or shed will be fine, or even just up against the side of the house with some fleece or hessian wrapped around the pot to protect it from the coldest weather.

In the summer and whilst your plant is in a small pot you will need to water your Lagerstroemia regularly. Every few waters, put a drop of liquid feed into the water just to help it grow. In the winter, let your plant rest, it won’t need feed or much water and it will naturally drop it’s leaves

Your Crepe myrtle will normally flower at the end of the Summer producing welcome end of season colour. Cut off dead flowers as they go over to encourage more buds. Crepe myrtles don’t normally need any further pruning but when the plant puts on growth next year it can be re-potted into a larger pot.