Crepe Myrtle

Q. I live in West Virginia. I have always enjoyed the Crepe Myrtles in North Carolina and South Carolina. I recently purchased a tree and want it to do well. I need to know what I can do this winter to protect it from the elements.

A. The planting of most trees shrubs and perennials the fall has come to be recognized as the best planting period in the mid Atlantic region. Late fall is a period when deciduous plants are not in leaf and evergreens are in a less active state. ; Neither of these plants have new growth and temperatures are lower which means a slower consumption of water by the plant. The plant's root system tends to be very active as it rejuvenates itself during the restful dormant season. The root s will develop throughout the winter unless the ground is frozen. During this development the roots will consume water which keeps the plants well hydrated through the winter.

In a climate such as Virginia a plant will enter into the heat of late May with a much more established root system if it was planted in the fall. Planting in the spring is acceptable but the gardener must realize that the plant with less established root system will be more dependent on you for survival. Exceptions to this rule would be evergreen magnolias crepe myrtle Fosteri hollies and pin oaks to name a few. Since these are plants which are susceptible to winter damage they will need as much moisture in their system as possible in order to survive the cold drying winds of winter. These plants would benefit from being planted and nurtured in the early spring to give them the maximum amount of root development prior to entering the winter season.

Protective sprays which limit desiccation [drying from cold weather conditions] are readily available and their use is advisable. The most commonly known product is called Wilt Pruf. These are plastic sprays which coat the surfaces of t he plant but do not interrupt normal transpiration [gas exchange] passage of moisture through the stomata of the leaves. Application of the spray should done when the temperature is above 50F to insure quick even drying with the ideal temperature being 70F. These plastic anti-dessicant sprays make the leaves very glossy and attractive.

Anti-dessicants should be used prior to digging plant material for transplanting. Spray in mid November for winter protection. Repeat application on a mild day in mid February because winter has weathered away some protective coating and March winds can be the most fierce. The product can be used in the summer to prevent loss of moisture from heat with possible disease problems reduced.