When Should I Plant my Crape Myrtle?
When Should I Plant My Crape Myrtle? 🌸 Timing is Everything!
So, you’re ready to plant your crape myrtle and transform your garden with vibrant blooms? Great choice! But before you start digging, let’s talk timing—because knowing when to plant your crape myrtle can make all the difference in ensuring a healthy, thriving tree.
🌿 Plant My Crape Myrtle – What’s the Best Time?
Your growing zone plays a big role in deciding when to plant your crape myrtle for the best results. Here’s a quick guide:
- Zones 8-10: You can plant any time! But if we HAD to choose the best time to plant my crape myrtle is during spring. This gives the roots plenty of time to establish before summer’s heat kicks in.
- Zones 7: The best time to plant my crape myrtle is during spring. This gives the roots plenty of time to establish before the first winter in their new home.
- Zone 6 (and even 5!): Early summer planting is ideal here. This allows the tree to take advantage of the warm months and get settled before winter arrives.
By following these timing tips, you’re setting your crape myrtle up for success!
🌸 Why Timing Matters When You Plant My Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles are heat lovers, but their young roots need time to adjust before facing extreme weather. Planting at the right time helps them establish a strong foundation, ensuring better blooms, faster growth, and increased resilience to seasonal changes.
🍂 What About Fall or Winter Planting?
While crape myrtles are hardy, planting them too late in the year—especially in colder zones—can stunt their growth. If you’re in Zone 6 or 7, late fall or winter planting could expose your tree to harsh frost before it’s ready. However, for warmer zones (8-10), late fall planting can work if the ground hasn’t frozen yet.
💡 Pro Tip: No matter when you decide to plant your crape myrtle, be sure to water regularly, use well-draining soil, and give it plenty of sunlight for the best results!
🌿 Ready to Plant My Crape Myrtle? Find Your Perfect Tree Today!
Now that you know the best time to plant your crape myrtle, it’s time to pick the perfect one for your landscape! We offer a wide selection of stunning crape myrtle varieties in every color, shape, and size—ready to be shipped directly to your door.
Don’t wait—plant your crape myrtle today and bring a burst of color to your garden! 🌸
This is an Excellent Question, and We're Glad You Asked!
Crape myrtles are deciduous hardwoods, meaning they lose their leaves and go dormant in winter. And although deciduous hardwoods are traditionally planted in Fall, crape myrtles can be planted year-round in most areas. However, ideal planting time is different for different growing zones. Keep reading to learn when the perfect time to plant for YOU will be.
First, Let's Figure Out in Which Growing Zone You're Located
We Made this Map Specifically for Planting Crape Myrtles. Its Color Coded for Ease of Use.
The darker green zones, 8-10, can plant anytime. SPRING, SUMMER, FALL AND WINTER, YOU CAN PLANT YEAR-ROUND!
The lighter green zone 6 & 7, Spring/early Summer planting is recommended.
- In the yellow zone 5, early Summer (or after your last frost), is ideal. Please read Growing in Northern Climates for zones 5 and 6.
Zones 3 & 4 are just too cold.
So, When Should I Plant?
The absolutely BEST time to plant a crape myrtle in any growing zone is AFTER YOUR LAST FROST IN SRPING.
This gives them ample time to establish their roots before the first winter in their new home.
However, many people like to plant in Fall, which is traditional when planting deciduous hardwoods. You'll have no problems with Fall planting in zones 8-10.
*If Fall planting in zone 7, it's a good idea to err on the side of caution and protect them, just in case Mother Nature throws an exceptionally cold winter your way. Protection can be anything from covering with burlap to protect from the wind and snow, to sheltering in an unheated garage or shed.*
When is My Average Last Frost?
The easiest and most accurate way to determine your last frost is by using The Farmer's Almanac. Here you can enter your individual zip code and easily find your average first and last frost dates.