How do I plant a potted Crepe Myrtle?

Question

I live in Wisconsin and I know that Crepe Myrtles don't do well in the harsh winters so I plan to keep mine in a pot and bring it inside in the winters and this way I will be able to transport it seeing as I am in college and move often. Any suggestions on how to take care of it? I have yet to transplant it to a planter because I'm not sure if there are any special care instructions so any information would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

what's the name of your crepe myrtle?.... do you know what size group it is?.... that will give an idea as to how big the pot should be.... there are miniatures that can be in hanging planters and then there are some that would need a pretty big pot!...

if you remember the size pot you bought it in, double that.... use a good potting soil with fertilizer in it.... make sure the pot has good drainage .... have a saucer for under it so the overflow of water won't hurt your floors when it's inside.... make it be big enuff that there's room for a good bit of water run-off.... or plan to take it to the bathtub!...... when inside, water the plant so that water runs out the bottom...let it drain, then don't water again for about a week or until the top inch of soil is dry to your touch..... and don't bring it inside until the cold has taken the leaves off..... that will signal that it's in dormancy.... then keep it cold but not frozen.... a cold room, a garage where water will not freeze, a basement.... the crepe needs a cold period.... doesn't have to be long, but it's a 'rest' for the plant..... a few weeks should do it...give it just enuff water to wet the rootball (not to run out the bottom heavy) while it's in cold........ then you can bring it back into the house, give it a sunny window, and it will wake up and get leaves again......