How to Grow Crape Myrtle in a Container// Delta Fusion SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION

Yes, it's possible to grow crape myrtle in a container. You will probably need to overwinter it in a greenhouse, or give it winter protection, but it can be done. Watch me as I plant up two Delta Fusion SLPC crape myrtles in pots, describe my design objectives, and share some pruning tips. #sp
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[@DixieGirl9876]

I totally agree, crepe myrtles are gorgeous once they get a bit of age. I have them lining both sides of my driveway. I dug them up over 20 years ago from my grandmothers garden when they were just tiny things, they are now 20 foot tall or better and the tops have arched over the drive and are touching the ones on the other side. It like a tunnel of pink flowers in the summer and fall, with huge bi-color trunks.

[@ivettesantana4319]

Exactly why I came here. I found one for $7 and dont know where to plant it in my landscape yet but wanted to make sure I could keep it in a pot until i decide next year.

[@mahinshirazi7873]

I live in Tulsa ok. I had 5 crape myrtle in the original pot with a little of soil for several years and they are still alive .. never winters them... I love this tree and have all colors and sizes....

[@jomoney465]

I am in Zone 7A. Kentucky. My mother and grandmother, who had flower and vegetable gardens that fed us and brought joy to our simple lives, always said: if it freezes wet, it will survive. If it freezes dry, it will not. So.... anything in a pot will get a good watering before the snow or ice storm comes. Have not lost a plant in a pot ever. It can have two inches of snow in the pot with it, but if it's already soaked and wet before the freezing weather comes through, it will make it. Trust me.

[@cynthialuna5786]

Thank you for this show. God bless you.

[@romiehutson5230]

I’m so glad you did this it’s as if you wear reading my mind. I have one in a small pot but know it needs a bigger one but it’s still in the 100s here so maybe I’ll repot it and put it in the coldest area in my yard

[@lincasteel-butler531]

Very nice Linda, thank you! Great tips!

[@judymiddleswart9350]

Never thought of putting crepe myrtle in container great idea! Thanks!

[@melodydaly8046]

Thank you for all the tips.

[@rosesarered3904]

Great video! I just noticed a crepe myrtle growing next to my fence and I was thinking of digging it out and planting it in a pot. Now I know I can. Thanks Linda 👍

[@mimimd9652]

I love that I've been able to find almost all of the plants in your videos at my Lowe's and Home Depot stores. I used Osmocote for the first time this year and I cannot believe the difference in my flowers and herbs! They are twice the size, with twice the blooms, so thank you!

[@harriettpavonrosado5175]

My yard. They are popping up everywhere. Great idea.

[@joywhitley3141]

“Delta Fusion infused into my landscape”....I see what you did there, Ms. Wordsmith! I love all the pinks. My crepe myrtles are all pink, too. 💕 Wonderful tips.

[@ja-uh9gz]

You give some great ideas...thank you!

[@michaliareeton3247]

Hi Linda thank you for a very helpful video

[@rspruill1422]

Im so glad you did this video - this past holiday weekend I went to Lowe's. Ive never been interested in crapemyrtles until I saw the BLACK DIAMOND WHITE Crapemyrtle. Omg it is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen - thanks so much for planting information!!!

[@LindaVater]

You bet!

[@mmoarchives2542]

beware though, they are hard to grow at first, i'm not a fan of them

[@kmarch6630]

In Georgia crepe myrtle would grow in a red solo cup in the middle of an asphalt parking lot in the middle of July. They are beasts. I had two in one gallon pots that I basically forgot about for around a year. They "died" but bounced right back when watered them and put them in real pots.They're about 15 ft now.

[@franssusan]

Beasts! Good description. I planted one in my yard but now I have several growing all around the yard...volunteer plants!

[@agnesturpin4604]

Love your videos, love you!

[@greenheritage4520]

So beautiful and nice presentation friend,too good nice tips.

[@sookeecarter5357]

I’ve always been an immediate gratification gardener and my husband keeps reminding me that patience is a virtue and I need to cultivate both patience and planning into next season. We are zone 5; SE Wisconsin and I’ve finally figured out that despite being zone 5, I’m better off using plants and shrubs hardy down to zones 3 and 4 in areas of our 2 acre lot. I so wish I could use some of the specimens you use, instead you’ve inspired me to find ‘dupes’ that will thrive in my area and I finally started documenting what has worked, what didn’t and what I want to add or replace in the future. I’m going to limb up several of my dodgier looking shrubs (many Ninebark varieties) and see what architectural interest lies beneath. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@lekhanathbhattarai5749]

Wonderful tips in a real environment. Thank you so much for such useful information and lucid narration. I am from Nepal.

[@MW-yw9bp]

Great tips, thank you.

[@razvanmihai3805]

Hiii Linda! Have a great day ❤️

[@joyce3790]

Thank you for this.

[@avrmna]

Looking good

[@cindym6065]

About 12 years ago, I planted a crapmyrtle that was labeled as a dwarf variety. Well, that crapmyrtle now towers over my house. I never wanted to commit crapmurder so I let it be. The blooms are beautiful but I can only see them by looking over the top of my house. However, as you mentioned, the trunks are beautiful and that is the part of the plant I get to enjoy in my back garden.

[@glendagai]

Love all the tips!

[@lorahart56]

Linda, Can you do a few videos in 2021 for people who container garden at apartments, where there is no opportunity to 'plant out in the landscape' when the plant is more mature and no green houses to overwinter? What are the best most sturdy green plants that can live 'forever' in their containers? Really enjoyed this video. Thanks.

[@lynnaolmos7578]

Since crêpe myrtles are real susceptible of getting aphids and sap, I use a Rose systemic a 2 in 1 to prevent the aphids and sap I set a reminder on my calendar for February 1 every year I never have a problem. I’m in zone 9 I’ve been in the Horticulture busy for 38 years Love to watch your channel

[@arbrider1]

I'm in zone 9 too Lynna...thanks for the Rose systemic tip for our crepe myrtles!

[@sweetwater1971]

Would you use the Rose systemic 2 in 1 as well as Osmocote, or just one or the other?

[@leahall6715]

Loved watching this! I have looked for the Delta Fusion after you first mentioned it and it is nowhere to be found in my area in No. Calif. I was cheering you on, though, bc it looks stunning. Thank you!!

[@penny1295]

In zone 5 b,so wish I could raise them here! They are lovely!

[@TwelveFeetTravels]

I have a delta fushion planted right next to a sunshine ligustrum in the landscape. They're beautiful together! (and both were saved from a certain big-box store's clearance section!)

[@LindaVater]

👏👏👏👏

[@barbarahoward1510]

I have two crepe myrtles that I found several years ago on discount. If I remember correctly, I paid $1 apiece for them. One is now the size of a small tree with lavender colored flowers & the other is the size of a large shrub with rose colored flowers. I look forward every day to your segments & I’d love a peek at Stewart.

[@Kim-ek7xy]

Fantastic video. I have learned so much about pruning watching this video. It's not just about the mechanics of it all, you do have to have an artistic eye, which you definitely have and I do not. I'm learning a lot, thank you for sharing your expertise and making it all interesting. I love your T-shirts. Can you put links up for them?

[@foliagecove355]

Hey there I absolutely love ur wonderful garden new sub here and a newbie for these kind of plants✨✨🥰☺️

[@harriettpavonrosado5175]

I love that tee-shirt.

[@robcutlip1909]

Great job on the crêpe myrtle. It looks like they grew that from about six cuttings. I think a more attractive trunk would’ve been to divide that into two separate plants having three trunks each to keep it from looking like a shrub.

[@lisamiller7143]

Got the red rocket this year, so waiting for it to grow, but these would look great on a deck, or patio

[@beverlyasleson3321]

I was thinking about buying one

[@sonyasanders3605]

I have 2 large Crape Myrtles in my garden. They look more like small trees. I love them. They take very little Maintance in Houston Texas. Linda, you are right about the beauty of the bark! They just came through our ice storm here where our temperatures dropped down to 9. They look ok , but time will tell me. I will let you know. I would be very upset if they did not make it as they are beautiful plants. They usually bloom later in the Spring than my other plants. I highly recommend these plants to everyone who has 100 degree summers and cold winters. I have had no problems with them the few times we dropped below freezing here in Texas.

[@LindaVater]

I am sending hopeful vibes your way!

[@myracamilo7826]

Hi Linda I love crepe myrtles, we bought our home 2 yrs ago this September and the previous owner planted several crepe myrtles and the delta fusion is one I have 3 in a row by my driveway, 2 white ones on the side of the house, and 3 delta fusion in the back. You are very right you do not want to crepe murder your plant, I trim mine before the first frost. You mentioned their trunk, they are beautiful and peel leaving it smooth. Also, I would advice to cut down the blooms after they dry if not they will grow seedlings all over your landscape. Thank you for sharing about crepe myrtles, I think I will try growing one in a pot and see how it grows.

[@flowerfire7]

Good

[@alysonmel3681]

A northerner who lived in the south 10 yrs. Sure miss crepe myrtle. Love your videos! Wish this one was 5a-6 zone. ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine' PP20379 Ideal as a hedge in the landscape, Sunshine Ligustrum offers year-round golden foliage that flourishes in full sun. This sterile, non-invasive cultivar will not re-seed into the landscape.

[@LindaVater]

Exactly!

[@ivanmexico1315]

I live in texas i had my crepe myrtle since i was like 5 when my dad brought them home as clippings. There tall now i try my best trimming them

[@LindaVater]

I love this story!

[@RootyToot123]

Great info. I hadn't tried growing one in a pot but I will. I have too many (21) crepe myrtles in my yard and all but 4 are volunteers. The volunteers have been dug out, jerked out of the ground and transplanted in good soil and straight clay. A landscaper committed crepe murder one year on a few which looked horrible for years until I could thin out the new growth. One beautiful white one that reached 15 feet died and remained dead for 2 or 3 years until we decided to get rid of it. We cut it down to a stump. I cried. The next year it grew back and is now about 12 feet tall and beautiful. Osmacote in the ground doesn't work for me but what I have found works extraordinarily well is BioAdvance22 month Tree and Shrub Protect & Feed ready to use granules. It kills crepe myrtle scale which travel on birds and in the wind and dirty tools. And revitalizes your plants nicely. I love the bark and I love some of the hybrids with really beautiful fall color. Thanks for this crepe myrtle video. I wonder if there is a way to protect the pot and roots during the winter so you don't have to house it. I'll research and experiment.

[@RootyToot123]

BioAdvance is a 12 month product not a 22 month.

[@groundedangelsgarden]

Thanks for the tips! Do yoy fertilize for blooms? Any update on it? Thanks!

[@Murphyetal]

Linda, just a heads up from my experience. Last year I put a sprig of one from a large one in my yard in a quite large container and under planted it with some mondo grass. I placed the container outside at the corner of my sunroom and it proceeded to grow 10 feet tall over this summer. I decided to move it when it began growing near the gutter. Despite the container having a drip saucer, the root system had grown through the drainage holes and over the edge into the ground as tightly as cement so I could not move it. Consequently, Zeta came inland Thursday morning and wrenched the myrtle, pot and all, out of the ground and hurled it across my backyard. Just saying all this to let you know, controlling the plant in its container is essential, and also wondering if the more miniature bushes are more conducive to containers.

[@cificare2184]

Tks for the info. Great to know.

[@fjbullion8210]

Amazing instructions on how to …. Love your t-shirt … how do I get one ?

[@TheEnchantedWoodnymph1111]

Thank you for another wonderful video! I wonder, could you bonsai a crapemyrtle? Many thanks from Dallas, Texas🌻🐝🌻

[@marlahargrave5306]

I'm doing a test bonsai on my CM. San Antonio Texas. 🤞

[@randysmith1723]

With all due respect, if you want to get the most out of a tree in a container, consider what Bonsai gardeners do. You have to free up those roots and trim them back. A good root rake or pick would have been most helpful, and allowed them to grow stronger. It also would have allowed you to get the surface deeper down, so allowing better water retention. Not saying your Crape Myrtle will die, but it won’t be as vigorous and beautiful as it should.

[@skelecaster]

How many years can you expect to leave it in that container? Thanks.

[@june4033]

What is the name of the first two plants you mentioned that are in the vase? They are beautiful!!

[@kjones5264]

Oh those clippers!! Where can those be found?

[@amykinder1458]

I have a dynamite red here in Cali (help it’s Smokey)

[@stephw2546]

Love your videos Linda! I’m in Tulsa and my crepe myrtles (2) have white spots on the bark of the branches. Some of the branch tips turned black (trimmed those off). They still have lots of beautiful foliage and gorgeous blooms. What should I treat them with to get rid of the white spots? I lost one previously and I think this same this may have been responsible so I sure don’t want to lose these two as well. Thank you in advance for any advice!

[@LindaVater]

There are a number of steps… I would recommend googling it for an entire explanation. Dormant oil spray this winter will also help. :-)

[@cameliapruneda4881]

I too just purchased a Japanese maple leaf tree on sale at a great price. I have redone a space in our garden thinking that it would fit in the landscape without a problem. Needless to say after adding a walkway I’m limited to space now . I live in zone 6 and this tree is quite large around 5 1/2 feet tall. What is your opinion about leaving it in the pot, but actually putting it on the ground? I’m thinking that it would add additional protection from freezing , I won’t have to move it in , and keeping it in a smaller form. Thanks.

[@rosesmith6208]

I love crape myrtles but in ne ohio it is hit or miss this past winter was mild and all my crapes did not die back and bloomed earlier. I bought a bracken browns beauty magnolia and little gem (which I kept in a pot for many years) and they will stay outside (I am taking a chance) but will be putting a mini green house around it,but is it possible to use something to keep the soil from freezing? some kind of heat source? I see soil heaters on amazon what do you recommend? one thing I learned about plants is that the older the plant the more cold hardy it is, once I had a I beieve it was a hopie pink crape and it did manage to get a good size before we had the cold that kill half of my plants (wegot down to temp we never get in ohio turning it into zone 3 temporarily) it nearly killed my new dawn rose which eventually bounced back after a couple of years.

[@lostbooks2918]

😍😍

[@jomoney465]

new question: could you put one of those clippings in water and it take root ? therefore propagating your own plant? cause crepe myrtles are not cheap.

[@itsallaboutlight]

I live and work around Knoxville, TN. The majority of the landscapers around here commit crape murder every year! Like it's some sort of professional correctness. I manage a home and landscape in Knoxville and after telling the landscaper NOT to murder the crape, HE DIDN'T TELL his worker and the worker did it, because that's what they do. MURDER! It's so sad. When allowed to grow in its naturally it's a breathtaking form.

[@leohodappsr.6592]

Looking at your crepe myrtle, I would propagate that plant by division.

[@lynvalwalters6577]

I love those hand pruners! Do you have a link? Or what’s the brand?

[@rosahernandez9871]

I repot it to another pot and I left it on a direct sun next day by noon it looked like it was burned and dry what can I do to make it look pretty again?

[@vincentdesapio]

I have zuni crape myrtle (grows to 8' maximum) in a 7 gallon pot. I want to keep it at 3-4 feet tall. I wonder if I can keep it in the same container or do I need to keep expanding the container or just leave it there. Thank you.

[@adamtominsky2812]

We live in Florida, moved in December and moved the tree to a new location by a professional. Here it is May 5, and still no sign of life, there is green under the bark, will it live?

[@ludmilaishansade4018]

What soil did you use? What brand? Thanks in advance.

[@8800258]

what potting mix you used?

[@lindabarnes7223]

How do you control suckers? We cut out continuously, but cannot stop regrowing. Our neighbor has no suckers, so I know it is possible 😰.

[@aliciaguerra-salazar5854]

I have three I bought them at Lowes at 10 dlls, beautiful color of leaves, and they are purple, but I don't put them in a bigger pot, I prune the roots, I put new soil with manure, slow release fertilizer, but also I water them with quick release fertilizer. But also, I have the regular ones in lilac, purple, deep pink, light pink, pink and white, white and red. I have two Centenarians that are dwarfs and red from Monrovia. I live in Phoenix, but when I lived in Houston I had two that were trees with multiple branches that gave the impression of an umbrella, beautiful shade.

[@LindaVater]

Sounds beautiful!!

[@evaallen4621]

I love all the beautiful plants, but there has been lots and lots of money spent here. Have you ever thought about using some of this money to help others who have nothing while you have flowers in every spot in your yard?

[@loda9510]

What is the name of the pruners that you are using?

[@kaysmith4558]

Crêpe myrtles are so pretty, but I’ve never grown them before. I plan on going to my garden center and buying one or two. What is the name of the slow release fertilizer you used please?

[@LindaVater]

Osmocote

[@mahinshirazi7873]

Never plant them close to your house because it's hard to just dig them out .

[@Sunshine-rc7ow]

Please give me ur valuable Suggestions... I recently encountered a root rot in a potted tree... i did not remove the black root but i simply loosened the soil and transplanted it in a new soil in a new location in ground.... now am wondering if i did the right thing..shud i have removed the rotten black root? Will it still survive? Or should i dig it out and remove the rotten root?

[@sharonsteele618]

In zone 6, mine die back to the ground during the winter. ☹️

[@smileywiley6923]

Can someone please help me lol I've got a handful of crepe myrtle seeds and I want to plant them next year and I cannot find information anywhere on if I need to stratify them or not.

[@agnesturpin4604]

Last year I took some seeds from my daughter’s crepe myrtle and just planted them in small pots. My plants are now about 18 inches tall and in the ground doing nicely.

[@lynncase8758]

So pretty! I do have a question - I notice you put your plants at a higher level in the pots. I have always thought I was suppose to leave about an inch in the pot? Does it depend on the type of plant? ( I hope my question makes sense?)

[@LindaVater]

It does! And actually you are right. About an inch is good. But because I know these plants will ‘settle’ after being planted, that will account for that inch or more:)

[@terriejohnson7861]

How do you control the ant population in your containers? I live in St. Louis, MO and all my containers are filled with ants. I have tried mixing Borax and sugar.

[@sabine3769]

Lake O same problem. Ant colonies in all flowerbeds and pots.

[@giennefarcais6834]

curious - why did you leave the one low branch - the one that's nearly horizontal?

[@sabine3769]

It was bugging me too

[@annschindel3330]

I planted 3 Plum Magic Crapemyrtles last summer, the same size as yours and they didn’t flower at all. They only get about 5 hours of sun. Maybe not enough? What could I do to make my trees flower? 🤔

[@Ash_9]

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to make the bloom other than giving them more sunlight. Crepe myrtles are full sun plants and need at least 6 hours of direct sun on them to flower, the more sunlight the better.

[@LindaVater]

Ash is right... more 🌞:)

[@mahinshirazi7873]

It might take a couple of years to bloom . Happened to my black ones.. but it will bloom ..

[@annschindel3330]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@brendagraybeal2543]

Can I dig up a volunteer from my Crepe Myrtle and plant it now?

[@LindaVater]

Can’t hurt to try:)

[@Ash_9]

One thing to be aware of, crepe myrtles send up shoots from the base which are not volunteers, so be careful with that. They can be propagates from softwood cutting so wait until that shoot has a bit of bark and is a bit woody before you cut it to propagate it.

[@mayshirazi8564]

Hi Linda , how is this plant doing now?

[@LindaVater]

I Later planted it in the garden and it is doing fine :-)

[@TheSoilandGreen]

If dry when they freeze they have a fighting chance. If watered or wet when it freezes it will die most likely.

[@bumbles3304]

The plant looks a little high in that pot?

[@LindaVater]

I agree…

[@mahinshirazi7873]

You should divide them ..

[@kmarch6630]

Why?

[@josht2136]

Your tip about pulling out the plant to check the roots is ill-advised unless you specify turning the plant upside down. If the plant is not rooted fully at the bottom, or transplant sensitive plants don't want you yanking them up by the stem.

[@TG-mx4bw]

Who’s that moving around inside your house! It can’t be Stuart because he’s filming.

[@LindaVater]

Hubs!

[@joywhitley3141]

Linda Vater I think he’s pacing because he wants lunch 🙃

[@vgil1278]

It drives me so crazy how you plant things too high in pots! The surface roots must dry out and hurt the plants, and there is no watering room. Why, Linda!

[@novelettewhite177]

Ha ha

[@novelettewhite177]

Beautiful Plant.

[@williamforrest8658]

Totally agree, the pot also is not too different to the original one. You need potting mix on the bottom of the pot too before you put the plant in the new pot.

[@mmoarchives2542]

LOLOLOLOL if you don't think that's not root bound, you need to take landscaping lessons, that thing needs a bigger pot

[@flowerfire7]

Good