Growing Crape Myrtle in Zones 5 and 6

Growing Crape Myrtle may be difficult in zones 5-6a, as during normal or hard winters can completely kill a Crape Myrtle if not sited properly. In an area where winter temps are capable of getting colder than -5°F at any time it is best to plant in an area protected from winter winds such as an East facing area. You must also make sure the area gets enough sun during the growing season (minimum of 6 hours of sun per day). This can be tricky if you don't have the correct area. Some new subdivisions don't have a protected areas as they are facing the wrong way or are in a wind tunnel. If you can't grow it outside or just don't want to risk it, you can grow yours in a pot. You must remember a plant is less hardy in a pot than in the ground as the roots are exposed to the cold wind. I bring my potted Crape Myrtle into a shelter/garage when the temp is predicted to dip below 10°F. Mine survived the winter and is flourishing, since it didn't foliate till mid-May I won't see blooms till the end of the summer like August or September since I am a chilly zone 5b. I am growing one of the most cold hardy varieties root hardy to -20°F to -10°F (planted in the ground). The variety I am growing is 'Hopi'. Picture in bloom is from last summer and other picture is today.