Friday, January 6, 2012

Will my crape myrtles survive temps in the low 20's after they have started to leave out?

If survival is possible, what should be done?

Will my crape myrtles survive temps in the low 20's after they have started to leave out?
Don't do anything. New growth will replace what was zapped.In NC ours got the frost but it should not harm future bloomings. FYI-crepe are one of the few trees to bloom beautifully in the heat of summer and usually bloom for 100+ days. I learned alot about the tree from an old Southern lawyer-he increased my appreciation for a tree that is pretty in summer and has a form in winter that is artful with grey bark and sculptured pruning. Please prune carefully, none of that "topping."
Reply:They should be fine, but you can cross your fingers and mutter incantations. Apparently all of us from Florida to Maine will be doing the same thing, while we wait for the plants that now look quite dead and hopeless to rejuvenate in warmer weather.



My poor spice bushes (Lindera benzoin) look pitiful, with all their tiny young leaves curled and black. They're native in my area, and should survive, but I'm still anxious.



Guess we're all about to find out what happens when woody plants, whose sap has risen enough to prompt that first flush of new leaves, are abruptly exposed to more frigid air, without time to cool down and "antifreeze" themselves.



The way the health of the planet is right now, we're going to need evey leaf we can muster to help combat further deterioriation of the quality of our air.



Here's hoping....
Reply:you mayhave some die back,but the crape myrtles are very hardy .they will make it.
Reply:Yes, they are tough as teak.


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