The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a popular ornamental shrub or small tree celebrated for its long season of vibrant summer flowers. These blooms appear in large clusters called panicles, ranging from pure white to deep red, making the species a fixture in warmer-climate landscapes. It is also recognized for its smooth, sculptural bark and upright, multi-stemmed structure, offering visual interest even when not in flower.
Understanding Deciduous Plants
Crepe Myrtles are definitively deciduous plants. This botanical classification means the plant sheds all its leaves annually, typically during autumn, as a survival mechanism to enter winter dormancy. This seasonal leaf-shedding allows the plant to conserve water and energy when temperatures drop or light levels decrease, preventing water loss through transpiration in frozen or dry conditions.
Deciduous species stand in contrast to evergreen plants, which retain their foliage throughout the year. Leaf drop is a natural part of the Crepe Myrtle’s life cycle, preparing it to withstand cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. Entering this dormant state protects its internal systems and reserves energy for a vigorous flush of growth when warmer spring weather returns.
Seasonal Transformation of the Crepe Myrtle
The annual cycle of the Crepe Myrtle begins its visible transformation in the fall. Before dropping, the dark green summer foliage exhibits a brilliant color change, often shifting into shades of yellow, orange, and deep red or maroon. Once the leaves fall, the tree’s architecture is fully exposed, revealing its dormant-season beauty.
The winter months showcase the smooth, mottled bark, one of the tree’s most distinctive features. As the plant matures, the outer layers peel away, or exfoliate, in thin plates, uncovering a smooth under-layer in shades of cinnamon, gray, and light brown. This peeling bark creates an attractive sculptural element against the winter sky. In the spring, the Crepe Myrtle is often one of the last trees to awaken, with new growth emerging relatively late, usually after the threat of frost has passed.
Essential Winter Care for Dormancy
Since the Crepe Myrtle is dormant during winter, its care regimen shifts to focus on preparing for the next growing season. Pruning is best performed during this dormant period, specifically in late winter or early spring just before new growth emerges. This timing ensures that cuts heal quickly and that the subsequent new wood, where summer flowers will form, is not removed.
Avoid the practice known as “Crepe Murder,” which is the severe, incorrect topping of the tree that results in weak growth and poor structure. During dormancy, the tree’s water requirements are drastically reduced; watering should be stopped once the ground freezes or during periods of heavy rain. Applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone helps insulate the roots from temperature extremes.
In regions at the cooler edge of the hardiness range, young or newly planted Crepe Myrtles may require additional protection. Wrapping the trunk and branches of vulnerable plants with burlap provides insulation against harsh cold snaps and windburn. This protection is only necessary during the most severe winter weather and should be removed in early spring to allow for natural air circulation.